Sanctuary in a residential treatment center: creating a therapeutic community of hope countering violence

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael George Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Residential Treatment ◽  
Staff Training ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Integration ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Sanctuary Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present insights into how and why the Sanctuary and SELF models are effective in decreasing trauma symptoms with a population of court-committed male adolescents in a residential treatment program. The Sanctuary model is a trauma-focussed, trauma-sensitive, organizational change model, and treatment protocol approach to working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, and toxic stress to the degree that they interfere with social and personal functioning. The SELF model within Sanctuary is a treatment protocol that is an acronym for the organizing categories of safety, emotion management, loss, and the future. In essence, Sanctuary’s purpose is to create therapeutic community. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research methods of observation of groups and meetings, content analysis of existing quantitative data and agency documents, focus groups with staff and residents, and individual interviews with staff were utilized. Findings – Data show that the Sanctuary model ameliorates the symptoms of complex trauma. The substantive theory that emerges is that relational and neurological integration and recovery occur in the lives of residents as shaped first by the therapeutic community that supports the level of interpersonal relationships experienced with staff within a therapeutic milieu, along with shaping the organizational culture. Research limitations/implications – As a complex intervention, it is evident that reducing the Sanctuary model into its component parts cannot capture fully the essence of the intervention. A complex system can never be understood fully by observing it at single points in time. Practical implications – It is suggested that future research and programmatic planning within this therapeutic community need to demonstrate how to continue enhancing staff-resident relational integration vis-à-vis staff training and vehicles that offer residents more of a representative voice while in placement. Social implications – It is suggested that future research and programmatic planning within this agency need to demonstrate how to continue enhancing staff-resident trauma-informed therapeutic milieus and relational integration vis-à-vis staff training and vehicles that offer residents more of a representative voice while in placement. Originality/value – This is a unique study in that it employs qualitative methods to explore how and why the Sanctuary model contributes to its working in a residential treatment facility. The Sanctuary model is the only trauma-informed organizational intervention of its kind, with limited published evaluations in the current literature (Esaki et al., 2013). This study used focus groups with residents and staff that allowed them to influence the research and its processes. The residents expressed their views about the experience of being placed outside of their homes and of living in a therapeutic community within the Sanctuary Network. Staff spoke of aspects of working in a trauma-informed milieu and its effect on clients, colleagues, and the organization as a whole.

Safety at a girls secure juvenile justice facility

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. Elwyn ◽  
Nina Esaki ◽  
Carolyn A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Justice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Communities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Sanctuary Model ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Serious Offenders ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Serious juvenile delinquency is a significant and costly problem in the society. However, custodial environments often exacerbate current problems and promote recidivism. Girls’ delinquency, in particular, may call for trauma-informed approaches within organizations that serve the most serious offenders. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether implementation of a trauma-informed intervention that aims to change the therapeutic stand of the organization, the Sanctuary Model®, corresponded with improved indicators of physical and psychological safety of staff and youth at a female secure juvenile justice facility. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilizes quantitative administrative and performance-based standards (PbS) data routinely collected at the facility. Findings – Findings suggest that the facility was a safer place for both residents and staff after implementation of the model. Its safety indicators also compare favorably to those of the juvenile justice correctional field in general. Research limitations/implications – This study was constrained by a number of limitations, including lack of some desirable detail on the PbS measures and on a comparable field group of girls’ facilities. It is also hard to assess the impact of other concurrent changes in the facility. Future research that addresses these issues would be useful in further determining the utility of the model. Originality/value – This study is the first to examine the impact of a structured trauma-informed organizational change intervention based on therapeutic communities principles, namely the Sanctuary Model, on staff and youth in a secure juvenile justice facility. Findings may be of value to practitioners, administrators, policy makers, and researchers in the corrections field.

Consumer xenocentrism in China: an exploratory study

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rene Dentiste Mueller ◽  
George Xun Wang ◽  
Guoli Liu ◽  
Charles Chi Cui
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chinese History ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Foreign Products

Purpose – Marketing research has focussed more on in-group favoritism and out-group derogation (i.e. ethnocentrism) than out-group favoritism and in-group derogation (i.e. xenocentrism). The purpose of this paper is to explore the xenocentric behavior in the consumer sphere to explain why some consumers have a bias for foreign products even when domestic ones are qualitatively similar or better. As the Chinese economy has experienced more than three decades of near double-digit growth and increased openness to foreign products, it is important to examine phenomena related to the formation of Chinese attitudes toward foreign products with the rising tensions between the seemingly irreversible globalization and Chinese re-awakening nationalism. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a review of the extant literature and focus groups in three cities in China. Findings – This study has found that consumer xenocentrism (CX) is prevalent in China, especially among the new emerging wealthy classes, younger consumers, and the local elite. It appears that Chinese consumers are psychologically or sociologically orientated or predisposed toward foreign (Western) goods. The findings from this study suggest that both consumer ethnocentrism and CX are possible or even expected. The short review of Chinese history presented here has shown that these phenomena can be explained by traditional in-group/out-group theories. Specifically, when there are too many xenocentrics, national esteem is threatened and this prompts many individuals to become more ethnocentric. Research limitations/implications – This study is based on the literature and focus groups data, hence, the findings are not intended to be generalizable. Practical implications – The findings from this study should be of interest to business practitioners and policy makers. Social implications – The historical and cultural perspectives taken in this study indicate that understanding consumers’ xenocentric behavior entails knowledge and deep understanding of how cultural values and contemporary social-political forces interplay within consumers’ formation and change of attitudes toward the choice of domestic and foreign products. Originality/value – This study shows that the ability of foreign products to meet the individual’s need or enhance his/her self-esteem more so than domestic products is indicative of something more than simply an international, cosmopolitan, or modern orientation. The fact that consumer foreign bias is found with both mundane and widely available products, expensive and inexpensive products, and conspicuous and non-conspicuous goods challenges the assumption that this phenomenon is simply traditional prestige-consumption behavior. Future research needs to be directed at measuring the CX construct and examine potential antecedents of such a behavior.

scholarly journals Colorectal cancer screening behaviors among South Asian immigrants in Canada: a qualitative study

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Crawford ◽  
Farah Ahmad ◽  
Dorcas E. Beaton ◽  
Arlene S. Bierman
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Collaborative Partnerships ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crc Screening

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain an in-depth understanding of beliefs, attitudes, and reasons for decision making about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among South Asian (SA) immigrants. Design/methodology/approach – Six focus groups conducted in English, Punjabi, and Urdu were held with 42 SA immigrants, 50-74 years old and at average risk for CRC, from November 2012 to May 2013. All focus group discussions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis used an inductive and systematic approach employing constant comparison techniques. Findings – Three dominant themes emerged. Beliefs and attitudes towards cancer and screening represented SA immigrant’s perceptions that early detection was beneficial; screening was not necessary in the absence of symptoms; cancer was scary; and the loss of previously established bowel practices upon immigration as potential risks for CRC. Knowledge and awareness focused on unscreened participants’ cancer stories; screened participants’ knowledge of CRC, risk factors, and screening; experiential learning from focus groups; and screened participants’ strategies to promote screening. Support and accessibility concentrated on physician support and responsibility to provide information, explanation, and recommend screening to facilitate access. Originality/value – Findings provide novel insights on socio-cultural context, beliefs, and barriers to CRC screening among SA immigrants. Culturally appropriate community-based strategies included story-telling, the use of social networks, and greater physician engagement. Enhancing collaborative partnerships with physicians and public health may minimize structural barriers and reduce health disparities. Future research could explore effectiveness of outreach strategies including these collaborations.

Working towards successful retirement: older workers and retirees speaking about ageing, change and later life

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila J. Gewolb
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Linguistic Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how older workers and people who have already retired speak about ageing and change and their experience of retirement. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative study is described in which focus groups with older workers and semi-structured interviews with retired people were carried out. The recorded data were analysed using a linguistic approach (Discourse Analysis), which investigates in detail how people express their views and opinions and how their discourse might relate to societal attitudes towards ageing and retirement. Findings – Many older people who were still at work were concerned that they would decline and become senile once they retired unless they could remain active in some way. This was confirmed by people who had already retired and who spoke about how keeping busy and active had resulted in successful retirement and ageing. Research limitations/implications – Participants from four focus groups and five interview respondents represent only a small sample of older people who are still working or who are retired. This means that the results of this study cannot be extended to include all older workers and retired people. Social implications – This study will help to raise awareness of the concerns of older workers who may be nearing retirement, and how keeping busy and active after leaving work is considered by retirees to be part of successful retirement and helping to combat decline. Originality/value – A study of this nature which examines how older workers express their views about retirement using Discourse Analysis is original and may be used as a method for future research into other aspects of being older at work.

Exploring the dimensions of individual privacy concerns in relation to the Internet of Things use situations

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Padyab ◽  
Anna Ståhlbröst
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Privacy Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Individual Privacy

PurposeThe integration of internet of things (IoT) devices into daily life introduces challenges for the privacy of their users and those who are affected by these devices. This paper explores the factors that affect individual concerns regarding IoT use and how those factors affect the dynamics of privacy management with the presence of an IoT device.Design/methodology/approachFour focus groups of individuals and IoT experts were studied to understand the groups’ privacy concerns. The authors adopted a qualitative research method based on grounded theory to find relevant dimensions of situational privacy concerns in IoT use situations.FindingsThe results revealed that fourteen dimensions of individuals’ privacy concerns regarding the IoT are relevant and can be categorized under four key influential factors: collection, IoT device, collected data storage and use of collected data. The authors also analyzed the focus groups using genres of disclosure theory and explored how privacy concerns affect individual privacy management regulations.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to how future research can employ genres of disclosure as a theoretical framework to identify situations where privacy violations occur.Practical implicationsThis study can assist service providers and IoT manufacturers in deriving design principles and decreasing concerns by addressing the information that must be communicated to their users.Originality/valueAs opposed to the previous research, which was more inclined to dispositional privacy concerns, this study provides insights into situational privacy concerns when individuals are confronted with the IoT. This study represents the first attempt to investigate the process individuals experience in managing their privacy.

scholarly journals Outcomes of therapeutic community treatment for personality disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Capone ◽  
Thomas Schroder ◽  
Simon Clarke ◽  
Louise Braham
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Step Down ◽  
Therapeutic Community Treatment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review quantitative research since 1999 evaluating the effectiveness of democratic therapeutic community (DTC) treatment for individuals with personality disorders (PD) with reference to interpersonal and offending risk outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search resulted in the review of ten studies. All of the studies investigated DTCs treating PD in community, inpatient residential and forensic settings. Only peer-reviewed, English-language articles employing a quantitative design were included. Findings – The majority of studies were conducted poorly and of low methodological quality, with limitations located in the representativeness of participants, limited use of control and comparison groups, follow up periods and controls for confounders. Heterogeneity remained in use of measures and limited consideration was given to the validity of interpersonal measures used. While improved interpersonal outcomes post DTC treatment were noted in forensic and residential settings, results were mixed in day and mini TC settings. Inconsistent findings in offending risk outcomes were also indicated. A study with increased methodological rigour indicated residential treatment had limited effects on interpersonal outcomes, when compared to combination treatment (residential TC and step-down treatment). Originality/value – The study provided an evaluation of the limitations of DTC research across a range of settings and highlighted a combination of residential TC and step-down treatment may achieve superior outcomes to residential TC treatment alone in a community inpatient population. Recommendations are made for future research to contribute to the treatment of PD.

Transforming celebrities through social media: the role of authenticity and emotional attachment

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Kowalczyk ◽  
Kathrynn R. Pounders
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Emotional Attachment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Media Site ◽  
Purchase Likelihood

Purpose Social media platforms are changing the way consumers and celebrities engage. This research aims to better understand how and why consumers use social media to engage with celebrities, and identify the potential antecedents and outcomes, which may result from these online connections. Design/methodology/approach Both qualitative (two focus groups) and quantitative (survey) methods were used to explore consumer engagement with celebrities on social media. A structural model from the survey data was developed and analyzed. Findings Textual analysis of the focus groups revealed that consumers follow celebrities on social media to obtain career and personal information about the celebrity. Further, authenticity and emotional attachment were identified as favorable aspects of following celebrities on social media. An empirical study confirmed that the constructs of authenticity and emotional attachment positively influence the outcomes of word-of-mouth and purchase likelihood. Research limitations/implications The study was limited by the self-identification of a favorite celebrity and social media site. Future research should include empirical testing of specific celebrities featured on a specific social media site and the development of the constructs identified in the focus groups. Practical implications This research sheds light on the antecedents and outcomes associated with consumer–celebrity engagement on social media. The implications for marketers and advertisers include a better understanding of how celebrities transform themselves and engage with consumers on social media. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study authenticity and emotional attachment as they relate to celebrities and consumers’ engagements on social media.

Working in a therapeutic community: exploring the impact on staff

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisha Vyas ◽  
Cathy Spain ◽  
David Rawlinson
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Communities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Emotional Instability ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact working in a therapeutic community (TC) has on staff practice and personal development. Design/methodology/approach Eight female members of staff who work in the TC participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used. Findings The findings of this paper show three superordinate themes: confidence gained within TC; the staff impact of the intensity of TC; and staff value for specific TC principles. Research limitations/implications Limitations include researcher bias as both authors work in the TC and/or in the service. Reasonable adjustments were made in order to account for this. Practical implications Implications for future research include understanding and supporting the needs of staff and further exploration of the impact of staff working within TCs for people diagnosable with emotionally unstable personality disorders. Originality/value The research was carried out at one of the longest running TCs for people with emotional instability in the country. It offers a unique opportunity to garner the views of staff members with up to 27 years of experience. Findings may be of value to practitioners, administrators, policy makers and researchers interested in therapeutic communities.

Drawing in not encouraging away: systemic team formulation to support the trauma-informed care of a lady with intellectual disabilities, in the context of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Gregson ◽  
Claire Delaney
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Meaningful Work ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trauma Informed Care ◽  
Trauma Informed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study using a systemic team formulation approach, in the context of supporting a women with intellectual disabilities with a history of trauma. Design/methodology/approach A reflective stance is used to describe the process of assessment, hypothesising, formulation and intervention in a single case study design. Findings Feedback from care staff suggests that they found a team formulation approach helpful to improve their understanding of the service user they support. Practical implications The paper discusses how systemic team formulation can draw on trauma-informed care principles in the context of supporting an individual with an intellectual disability. Future research should aim to replicate the approach for findings to be applied more broadly. COVID-19 has meant clinical working has had to be adapted, clinicians should carefully consider how collaborative and meaningful work can continue to be facilitated within the current parameters. Originality/value This case study contributes to the literature in the use of systemic team formulation interventions within an intellectual disability context, drawing on trauma-informed care principles and reflecting on adapted working within the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experimental evaluation of a vocationally integrated therapeutic community

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace Mandell ◽  
Victor Lidz ◽  
James J. Dahl
Keyword(s):  
Residential Treatment ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Treatment Completion ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lengths Of Stay ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Retrospective studies of therapeutic community (TC) treatment for drug abuse found reductions in drug use, criminality, and increased work participation after treatment completion. These studies have also shown treatment benefits, even without completion, are correlated with days of stay in residential treatment. However, others have found that high rates of early leaving from TC treatment reduce the proportion of clients with positive outcomes, raise the total cost per treated client, and lower the treatment benefit-to-costs ratio. The purpose of this paper is to describe an experimental approach to raising the days in residential treatment using earlier vocational access for clients. Design/methodology/approach – The current study used a random assignment design to compare earlier integration of on-site vocational training in a vocationally integrated therapeutic community to off-site vocational training initiated after one year of residence in a traditional therapeutic community. Findings – The resulting data support the hypotheses that client expectations and early training in job skills increase rate of treatment affiliation, the proportion of clients having effective lengths of stay, and the rate of treatment completion. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations/implications include the difficulty of assuring unbiased selection and controlling treatment assignment and conditions. Practical implications – Practical implications of this research project are to support practitioners striving for longer, more effective lengths of stay, while at the same time attempting to reduce treatment time and increase effectiveness. Social implications – Social Implications of this project are to encourage social support for addiction treatment and emphasize the value of paired residential treatment and vocational education. Originality/value – The originality and value of this research project lies in the adoption of a working model at Phoenix House TC (in-house vocational preparation), which utilizes early in-house vocational education as a means to increase residential program participation, increase employment skills and prospects, and decrease overall length of treatment.

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