Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The current political environment, specifically No Child Left Behind, has given sociologists, educators and those interested in the environment of the public schools added impetus to do several things. First, it is critical to bring into the pedagogical discussion the research from related disciplines. Sociologists have studied the emergence of inequality in small groups for decades. This has become the base in our study of collaborative learning groups. We will summarize the current research and describe the on-going efforts in this area. Second, it is equally critical that we operationalize the theoretical base related to cognitive development, most especially the work of Piaget, Arlin, and other cognitive psychologists. This operational definition focuses on the outward and visible sign, that of cognitive behavior, as it relates to collaborative learning groups. We will discuss the current status of that research and the planned steps to continue both validation and reliability checks for the coding. Third, the relationship between the emergence of inequality, cognitive behavior, and the nature of the task provides the basis for prediction about the effectiveness of collaborative learning groups and about ways to make collaborative learning groups more effective in producing learning in individuals.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Substantive research has underscored the important role of the communicative therapist-patient relationship, commonly called the therapeutic alliance, in generating change during and after psychotherapy. This interpersonal bond has demonstrated to be a predictor of treatment outcome across a number of psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most popularly employed psychotherapeutic treatments. Although the association between patient-therapist communication and psychotherapeutic outcome has been well documented, scant attention has focused on the factors necessary for a fruitful therapeutic alliance in CBT treatment specifically for social anxiety disorder (SA; also called social phobia), the third most common psychological disorder in the nation. Extrapolating from previous discourse in the area of the therapeutic alliance in both CBT and other psychotherapeutic approaches—replete with relevant concessions that take into account the unique nature of individuals with SA—this paper advances several conceptual elements deemed applicable to CBT treatment for SA in terms of trust and openness; warmth, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard; empathic understanding; and therapist self-disclosure. The reality that approximately half of all patients with SA who receive CBT do not significantly benefit also warrants this investigation. Findings suggest that it is critical that therapists and researchers alike explore further the association between key ingredients of the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome specifically in the context of CBT in treating SA. Since this issue has been virtually uncharted, it is hoped that the preliminary guidelines presented herein stimulate a promising avenue of inquiry that may vastly improve the efficacy of this treatment modality for this debilitating disorder.

Publication Type: Roundtable
Abstract: Since the early 1970s, the issues of domestic violence have become an increasing focus of attention for professionals and the general public. Domestic violence is described as a problem embedded in the fabric of society and the change in social policy would be necessary in developing a solution. It is estimated that approximately three million American household experience at least one domestic violence episode each year. Domestic violence in any form is very dangerous. Domestic violence is a widespread crime that has devastating social and public health cost. Population surveys suggested that about 4% of married and cohabiting women in the U.S. experience serious physical violence from a male partner each year. However, the number of victim battered has increased continually in recent years. But, still, every year 1,510,440 women is victim of physical violence by an intimate, it means that every 20.9 second somewhere a woman is battered by their partner or intimate (Tjaden & Thoennes,2000).
The purpose of this study is to provide information about the domestic violence in U.S. and to review efficacy of current batterer intervention system. In specific, among various programs, this paper would compare effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral model and Duluth model using a literature review.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Substantive research has underscored the important role of the communicative therapist-patient relationship, commonly called the therapeutic alliance, in generating change during and after psychotherapy. This interpersonal bond has demonstrated to be a predictor of treatment outcome across a number of psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most popularly employed psychotherapeutic treatments. Although the association between patient-therapist communication and psychotherapeutic outcome has been well documented, scant attention has focused on the factors necessary for a fruitful therapeutic alliance in CBT treatment specifically for social anxiety disorder (SA; also called social phobia), the third most common psychological disorder in the nation. Extrapolating from previous discourse in the area of the therapeutic alliance in both CBT and other psychotherapeutic approaches—replete with relevant concessions that take into account the unique nature of individuals with SA—this paper advances several conceptual elements deemed applicable to CBT treatment for SA in terms of trust and openness; warmth, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard; empathic understanding; and therapist self-disclosure. The reality that approximately half of all patients with SA who receive CBT do not significantly benefit also warrants this investigation. Findings suggest that it is critical that therapists and researchers alike explore further the association between key ingredients of the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome specifically in the context of CBT in treating SA. Since this issue has been virtually uncharted, it is hoped that the preliminary guidelines presented herein stimulate a promising avenue of inquiry that may vastly improve the efficacy of this treatment modality for this debilitating disorder.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Evaluations of prison-based cognitive-behavioural programmes have tended to rely on the reconviction rate as the principal outcome measure when assessing programme effectiveness. The present study adopted a qualitative methodology, as the primary focus was to examine programme processes and how these were experienced by programme participants. By ascertaining what factors were associated with successful and unsuccessful programme delivery and impact, and identifying the existence of short-term non-reconviction benefits associated with programme completion, the study helps to inform our understanding of ‘What Works’ in practice.

Interviews were conducted with 62 adult male prisoners (‘programme graduates’) who had recently completed a Reasoning and Rehabilitation programme or an Enhanced Thinking Skills course. Ten programme graduates who had been reconvicted since being released from prison (‘reconvicted graduates’) were also interviewed, as were five ex-prisoners who had not been reconvicted (‘desisting graduates’). A sample of 33 members of prison staff responsible for the organisation and delivery of cognitive skills training programmes were interviewed, along with eight non-programme staff.

The study identifies illustrates how the institutional and resettlement contexts can encourage or inhibit individual change. By and large, the nature and type of motivation to change was observed as a key to understanding successful programme participation. Programmes were seen to produce short-term, non-reconviction benefits for both prisoners and prison management. The findings from this qualitative study add to our knowledge of ‘what works’ and thus provide a broader context within which programme effectiveness can be viewed.