K-REx Collection: Family Studies and Human Services

So, how old is too old: A forced reflection on the meaning of old age

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:37:25 GMT

Title: So, how old is too old: A forced reflection on the meaning of old age

Authors: Sellers, Debra M.

Abstract: This first person narrative details an illuminating and personal insight that transpired for the author, a gerontologist. Her attitudes about growing older, the meaning of old age, and implicit ageistviews are challenged during a chance encounter. This insight occurred in the most unlikely place—a racetrack—and during atime when she was certainly “off duty” as a gerontologist and thus, perhaps, most unprepared for the consequences of the interaction. The author is forced to reflect upon her own life and old age future, and is able to find serenity and peace in that vision.

The global practitioner

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:02:56 GMT

Title: The global practitioner

Authors: Sellers, Debra M.

Abstract: As a gerontologist with 18 years of experience providing services to older adults and their families, mostly in nursing homes, I am curious about progressive models and innovative methods of caring for older adults. Increasingly, I have started to wonder about the experiences of other countries as they grapple with the issue of long-term care (LTC). What are their structures? How do their programs, services, and facilities compare to ours? Could our future be found somewhere else? Therefore, it was with great anticipation and excitement that I became a participant in The American Society on Aging's (ASA) Seminar in Beijing in 2007. Visits to a hospital, retirement center, and senior university, lectures from respected Chinese academics, medical professionals, and government officials, and group discussions were the highlights of this experiential adventure.

Primary trauma of female partners in a military sample: individual symptoms and relationship satisfaction

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:47:40 GMT

Title: Primary trauma of female partners in a military sample: individual symptoms and relationship satisfaction

Authors: Hamilton, Stacy; Goff, Briana S. Nelson; Crow, Janet R.; Reisbig, Allison M.J.

Abstract: Research traditionally has focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced war-trauma directly but overlooked the impact of trauma in the partners of soldiers. The current study reports data from 45 couples where the male partners were Army soldiers who recently returned from deployments to Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) or Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Results from this study indicated that female partner primary trauma, particularly trauma related to PTSD re-experiencing and arousal symptoms, has an influence on levels of relationship satisfaction, both for female partners and soldiers.

Television in infancy and early childhood--Uses & effects

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:10:28 GMT

Title: Television in infancy and early childhood--Uses & effects

Authors: Murray, John P.; Murray, Ann D.

Editors: Haith, M.; Benson, J.

Abstract: The use of television and other media—such as video, computer programs, and CD material—in infancy and early childhood can have both positive and negative influences on the intellectual and social development of young viewers. Viewing carefully designed programs for preschool age children, such as Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, can have positive effects on social skills and academic preparation that enhance children’s development in preschool, early school years and even into adolescence. At the same time, early use of screen media in infancy and toddlerhood, without the intensive support of parents and other caregivers, can disrupt the development of social skills that are normally acquired through consistent and continuous interaction with parents and significant others in the infant’s environment. The history of 50 years of research on children and television has demonstrated consistent and persistent media effects across a wide range of experimental and correlational studies. Recent advances in neurological research, including brainmapping and the discovery of mirror neurons, leads to expanded concerns.