http://hdl.handle.net/10125/2155 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:21:15 GMT 2013-05-23T06:21:15Z http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20892 Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2008.; During the last two decades micro-finance programs have proliferated around the world. The Nobel Peace Prize 2006 awarded to the Grameen Bank and its founder signifies the global recognition of micro-finance as an effective strategy for poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. Micro-finance programs are also acknowledged for having an empowering effect on women. Previous studies, however, have shown contradictory results on the empowering effect of micro-finance programs. Some studies have shown that micro-finance empowers women while other studies indicate that micro-finance not only increase gender conflict and subordination of women, but also result in the loss of women's control over their loans. This study examines the empowerment of low-income Nepalese women from squatter communities who participate in micro-finance programs. A significant difference in the level of self-esteem, self-efficacy and contribution to family income between participant group and non-participant group was found. In addition, a significant correlation between the level of self-esteem and self-efficacy and the amount of time the subjects participated in micro-finance programs meant that participation in micro-finance might have enhanced these factors. Regression analyses showed that participation in micro-finance programs had significant positive effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy and contribution to family income while controlling for socio-demographic variables like age, education level, family size and family income. This study concluded that micro-finance could help to empower female participants.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-171).; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; 171 leaves, bound 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20892 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Rajouria, Alok http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20891 Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2008.; A total of 196 high school students (in the 9th and 12 th grade) participated in the Study. Students were administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC), the American Drug and Alcohol Survey (ADAS), and the Prevention Planning Survey (PPS). There were 50 (25.5%) Native Hawaiian, 49 (25.0%) Japanese, 50 (25.4%) Filipino, and 47 (24.0%) Caucasian students.; Adolescent substance use is a prominent public health concern, with heavy use or abuse of substances being associated with acute or chronic health problems and has been found to be comorbid with other mental health disorders. Research on adolescent substance use for Asian and Pacific Islander adolescents have not typically taken into consideration the differences across the heterogeneous ethnic groups. The dissertation study assessed the prevalence substance abuse and dependence rates (by utilizing DSM-IV criteria) among the four major ethnic groups of Hawai'i (i.e., Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and Caucasian) and examined the relationship among risk factors, protective factors, and demographic variables relating to adolescents substance use.; Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, factor analysis (on the PPS), and univariate as well as multiple logistic regression were conducted. There were 30 students (15.5% of the sample) that met criteria for DISC Alcohol or Marijuana Abuse or Dependence, with 62% of the sample reporting Any Alcohol or Marijuana Use. Pairwise logistic regressions found that Native Hawaiian rates were significantly greater than Japanese and Caucasian students. Statistically significant multiple logistic regressions (i.e., the model included gender, grade level, ethnicity, main wage earner's educational level, and 7 factors of the PPS) were found for all 6 dependent variables, with 49% of the variance for ADAS Any Alcohol or Marijuana Use being accounted for.; The findings show there are differences when ethnic groups are disaggregated for Asian and Pacific Islander students and future research should take this finding into consideration. When there is a greater understanding of the distinct differences across Asian and Pacific Islander students, the findings can then be applied to develop culturally appropriate intervention and prevention strategies.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves xxx-xxx).; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; 136 leaves, bound 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20891 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Nishimura, Stephanie T http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20890 Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2008.; This project begins to address this inattention through inquiry of transgenders with regard to family, at the same time contextualizing some of the larger issues facing this population. This is accomplished theoretically through integration of constructs from critical consciousness, structuration theory, feminist standpoint theories, and culturally anchored intervention research. Methodologically, this is achieved through the use of photovoice----a participatory research strategy involving the provision of cameras, not to professionals or specialists, but to members of the community being studied.; This project is an exploration of local transgenders and their relationships to family. This seemed necessary given the misunderstanding, fear, and negative reaction towards transgenders, despite the continued evolution of professional and public views. This situation has resulted in attention to matters of illness and disease----e.g., Gender Identity Disorder and HIV/AIDS----to the exclusion of those of wellness or wellbeing; inadequate and ghettoized services for transgenders and other sexual minorities; and misunderstanding about and neglect of the role and significance of family.; This project, then, relied on photographs, taken by 16 participants. All resided in Honolulu, self-identified as transgender, and were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander mixed. Their photographs served as springboards for narratives, which were collected during a series of four focus groups. Narratives were transcribed verbatim and coded both theoretically and by way of an emic approach (in vivo). Results revealed biological; adopted or hanai; chosen, drag, or work-related; and blended family forms. Data were conceptualized as belonging to one of two main domains----kinship or collectivity, and melancholia (trauma, grief, and hardship, especially as these related to status loss). Melancholia was further understood as communal, serving to bring people together and provide a common understanding and shared mission (e.g., the sparing of the younger generation)----an understanding that linked the two main domains. An argument was made that attention to transgenders and their families is highly relevant to social work and to the discipline's promotion of social justice, and that social workers would do well to allow for, if not appreciate, transgender expression----on the level of the individual as well as family.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves xxx-xxx).; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; 195 leaves, bound 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20890 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Ikeda-Vogel, Linda L http://hdl.handle.net/10125/11949 Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-140).; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; ix, 150 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/11949 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z Neff, Donald R http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3069 The theory of reintegrative shaming (Braithwaite, 1989) and circle sentencing program are examples of restorative justice initiatives. Restorative justice is part of a movement towards alternatives to the formal justice system based on retributive principles. Hypotheses based on Braithwaite's (1989) theory of reintegrative shaming were analyzed through data on the circle sentencing program in the Yukon Territory (Canada). Circle sentencing was introduced in 1992 primarily for sentencing First Nation (Aboriginal) offenders. Secondary data were collected on the outcome for 164 offenders and 10 communities who were involved between 1992 and 1997. Recidivism data were collected on offender contacts with the justice system for three years following initial circle sentencing. Fifty-three percent of offenders were convicted of further crimes. Recidivism increased to 68% when criminal charges and/or days incarcerated were included. Interdependency characteristics of offenders were predictor variables: age; gender; marital status; educational level; and employment status. Interdependency criterion variables were: 1) number of convictions (multiple regression); and 2) offender's status either as reintegrated or stigmatized (logistic regression). Communitarianism predictor variables were: urbanization (size of population) and mobility (population change and mobility). The criterion variable was average crime between 1994 to 1999). Combined interdependency and communitarianism predictor variables were also compared with the number of convictions. None of the regression models were found to be significant. Therefore, Braithwaite's (1989) theory did not describe the circle sentencing program as practiced in the Yukon. Limitations of the application of theory may include: 1) lack of opportunities and resources for offenders; 2) alcohol use by 95% of the population; 3) inadequate follow-up and support; 4) failure to adequately shame (accountability); and 5) historical and cultural damage. Community participation in planning initiatives would ensure innovations reflected community needs. Additional explanations could be the unique characteristics of the Yukon communities, especially with high levels of population mobility and population changes. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2003.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 136-149).; Electronic reproduction.; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; xv, 149 leaves leaves, bound 29 cm Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3069 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z Percival, Christel Skinner http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3031 Care for frail elderly adults in the U.S. has increasingly become the financial, physical and emotional responsibility of family members. Over twenty years of caregiving research has documented many factors that contribute to stress among caregivers. Due to the inherent stresses associated with informal caregiving, and an increase in multi-ethnic elders in the U.S., this study was designed to investigate factors that contribute to caregiving stress among Japanese-American and Caucasian-American caregivers of frail elders. The purpose of this study was to examine a model of factors associated with stress, and to compare the utility of this model in the prediction of stress among Japanese-American and Caucasian-American caregivers of frail elders in Hawaiʻi. Specifically, this study examined the importance of (1) employment status, (2) time spent caregiving, (3) use of formal services, (4) functional ability, (5) social support, (6) health problems, and (7) attitude toward family care in explaining stress among caregivers. Stress was measured by two indicators, depression and life satisfaction. A correlational design was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Participants in this study were 98 Japanese-American and 86 Caucasian-American adult family caregivers who were caring for a frail elder at home. Participants were recruited from two caregiver support groups, two adult day care centers, and one home health care agency on O'ahu. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences between the Japanese-American and Caucasian-American samples with regard to the model of factors hypothesized to predict stress among caregivers. Simultaneous multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypothesized relationships between predictor and criterion variables. Decreased social support and more health problems of the caregiver were significant in the prediction of depression among Japanese caregivers; increased employment, decreased service use, and more health problems were significant in the prediction of depression among Caucasian caregivers. The variable "attitude toward family care" significantly predicted depression in both groups. Decreased time spent caregiving, increased social support, and stronger attitude toward family care were significant in the prediction of life satisfaction among Japanese caregivers. Only the variable "attitude toward family care" was significant in the prediction of life satisfaction among Caucasian caregivers. The results of this study are limited with regard to generalizability. The use of a convenience sample, the use of a correlational design (limiting causal inferences), and modifications made to the ATPLTC scale that measured "attitude toward family care," a scale not previously tested for psychometric properties or for use among multiethnic populations, limit the generalizability of these findings beyond the sample participants. In light of these limitations, future research could examine the continued use of the modified ATPLTC scale among multiethnic populations due to the promising results found in this study. "Attitude toward family care of elders" was the only variable that was significant with both samples, and with both indicators of stress. The importance of attitudes in determining behaviors associated with caregiving for frail elders among ethnically diverse caregivers may greatly assist social workers, gerontologists, and other health care professionals in providing culturally competent services and interventions. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2002.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-171).; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; xiv, 171 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3031 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z McLaughlin, Linda A http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3012 Numerous studies in the past 20 years have found an inverse correlation between social support and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the social support literature is encumbered by a wide-spread inconsistency of social support measurement, with many studies not using existing validated measures. Identifying a valid social support measure with clinical utility among veterans diagnosed with war-related (PTSD) would be a helpful resource for clinicians. Using data from 689 veterans seeking treatment from a VA PTSD program, the reliability, factor structure, and construct validity of the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ; Sarason, Levine, Basham, & Sarason, 1983) were evaluated. The hypothesis of this study was based on the theoretical assumption that social support (as measured by the SSQ), would be inversely correlated with severity of PTSD symptoms (as measured by the Mississippi Scale for War-related PTSD; Keane, Caddell & Taylor, 1988) and depression (as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory; Beck, 1961). In this study, the SSQ scores were found to inversely correlate at a low, but statistically significant level, with both PTSD and depression scores. Principal axes factor analysis found that the two subscales of the SSQ were each measuring one factor. The correlation between the SSQ "N" scores and "s" scores suggest that these subscales are measuring different components of social support. Numerous implications for research and clinical practice are discussed. This study is the first to psychometrically evaluate a measure of current social support for use among war veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2002.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-127).; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; ix, 127 leaves, bound 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3012 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z Daniels, Lori Rae http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3006 This study describes the development of a measure for assessing sekentei. The concept of sekentei is peculiar to the culture of Japan. Translated, sekentei is defined as social appearance that causes an individual to worry about others' observations and evaluations of his or her behavior. It is believed that sekentei prevents Japanese family caregivers of elders from utilizing needed social services. Although sekentei may be a major factor influencing caregiving burden and stress resulting from avoidance of social services among Japanese family caregivers, little attention has been given to empirically studying the construct of sekentei. Due to the importance of this construct in understanding underutilization of social services among Japanese family caregivers, the purpose of this study was to develop a measure of sekentei and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this new measure. There were five phases in this study. Phase 1 consisted of item generation based on a thorough review of the Japanese literature on sekentei. Phase 2 consisted of item selection and refinement using seven America-educated Japanese cultural experts. Phase 3 consisted of item translation using back translation procedures to achieve linguistic equivalence of the Japanese and English versions of the Sekentei Scale. Phase 4 consisted of a pilot study in which five Japanese national and three Caucasian American caregivers completed the Sekentei Scale and provided suggestions for correcting ambiguity or lack of clarity in item-wording. Phase 5 consisted of a psychometric evaluation of the Sekentei Scale. Internal consistency reliability was estimated by Cronbach's alpha and by examining item-total correlations. Validity was evaluated by examining (a) the extent to which sekentei varies between Japanese nationals and Caucasian Americans, and (b) the relationship between sekentei and shame. Participants were 150 Japanese national and 116 Caucasian American family caregivers. The results of this study provide strong support for the reliability and validity of the Sekentei Scale. The findings also provide strong support for the measure's use in future research on the effects of sekentei on caregiving among Japanese families. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2002.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-94).; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Also available by subscription via World Wide Web; xii, 94 leaves, bound 29 cm Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10125/3006 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z Asai, Masayuki O