This study examined the treatment of epistemology and methodological rigor in qualitative social work dissertations. Template-based review was conducted on a random sample of 75 dissertations completed between 2008 and 2010. For each dissertation, we noted the presence or absence of four markers of epistemology: theory, paradigm, reflexivity, and…

This study explores the epistemological foundations of qualitative social work research. A template-based review was completed on 100 articles from social work journals. Reviewers examined five things: (1) the purpose or aims of the research, (2) the rationale or justification for the work, (3) the populations studied, (4) the presence of four…

This study was conducted to describe strategies used by social work researchers to enhance the rigor of their qualitative work. A template was developed and used to review a random sample of 100 articles drawn from social work journals listed in the "2005 Journal Citation Reports: Science and Social Sciences Edition." Results suggest that the most…

Conducted in-depth interviews with 89 caregiving spouses to identify problems and coping techniques. Found the diversity of problems encountered by respondents required a varied repertoire of coping techniques. Caregivers showed general preference for managing situations on their own. Findings have implications for design of caregiver support…

Offers a survey and critique of three approaches for increasing family care of elderly people: filial support legislation, incentives for family caregivers, and service-rationing provisions. Results indicate that policies that require or encourage relatives to provide care may have adverse consequences for elderly people and their families. (RJM)

Examines ways in which low-income older women define themselves in stigmatizing terms and explores strategies they use to preserve a positive sense of self. Results, based on 62 women interviewed, indicate that they defined themselves as "fortunate" and/or "blessed." Such an outlook may be a significant component of successful…

Used data from interviews with 131 older spouse caregivers to explore potential explanations for gender differences in reported caregiver burden. Linear regression model explained 35 percent of variance in caregiver burden. Patient's cognitive and behavioral difficulties emerged as most important predictor of burden, followed by caregiver age,…

This article reports the results of an in-depth, descriptive study of long-term welfare recipients. A random sample of 284 respondents, all of whom had received public assistance for at least 36 months, were interviewed. Results illustrate personal barriers to self-sufficiency, including physical health problems that prevent work, severe domestic…