Biomedical subjects

D L Finfgeld

Publications and source records attributed to D L Finfgeld.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

New directions for feminist therapy based on social constructionism.

Feminist therapy has made significant contributions in the area of women's mental health care. Of late, however, critics have argued that feminist therapists are neglecting the needs of many women. The unique perspectives of women of color, lower and upper class women, lesbians, and other persons have been ignored. As such, it is proposed that social constructionism offers a metaframework for reinterpreting feminist therapy tenets to better address the needs of a broad range of individuals. Clinical implications are offered along with future directions for research and education.

Female↗

PubMed2000

Resolving alcohol problems using an online self-help approach: moderation management.

As illustrated by the emergent MM approach discussed in this article, a paradigm shift is occurring in relation to how alcohol problems are defined and managed. Moreover, one of the most interesting aspects of this transformation is the way in which similar belief systems are simultaneously emerging from divergent lay and professional groups. In spite of this flurry of activity and optimism, however, nurses should not embrace new frameworks and treatment strategies. Rather, the charge to our discipline and others is to think critically, research the effectiveness of newly proposed treatment approaches, and recommend and implement promising strategies with discernment.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed2000

Use of self-help manuals to treat problem drinkers.

In spite of research findings indicating that alcohol abusers may benefit from self-help manuals, health care providers have been slow to recognize their potential usefulness. As self-care strategies grow more popular and funding for traditional forms of alcohol treatment diminish, health care providers need to look more seriously at these materials. They also need to be aware of new innovations such as self-help materials that can be purchased on diskette. It may not be long before computerized materials sit next to printed manuals on bookstore shelves, and nurses need to know which materials to recommend.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed1999

Self-resolution of alcohol problems as a process of investing and re-investing in self.

Resolution of alcohol problems without formal treatment or participation in support groups was studied using a grounded theory approach. Thirteen former problem drinkers and their close associates were interviewed, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methods. The core of self-resolving alcohol problems involves investing and/or reinvesting in self to gain or regain the essence of who or what one wants to be. Self-resolvers tend to independently change for their own benefit rather than the benefit of others, and personal resources may promote or delay the process. The effort required to self-resolve drinking problems varies, and close associates tend to be minority investors in the process. Input from health-care providers regarding the health-related hazards of drinking are largely ignored because threats to who or what one wants to be are perceived as more significant. As such, clinical interventions should emphasize personally relevant threats to self versus focusing solely on the physical consequences of alcohol abuse.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1999

Computer-assisted therapy: harbinger of the 21st century?

Research findings suggest that computer-assisted therapy (CAT) has the potential to play a significant role in mental health care. Psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral, and systematic desensitization strategies appear most amendable to CAT approaches. Potential advantages of CAT include an increased number of treatment options, low cost, privacy, consistency and individualization of care, and ease of data collection. Although CAT appears promising, clinician resistance and failure to adequately monitor clients may hamper its use. Moreover, precautions will need to be taken to insure that CAT programs have been well-designed and tested. Nurses should become involved in the development, testing, and implementation of CAT software.

Anxiety Disorders↗

PubMed1999

Courage as a process of pushing beyond the struggle.

Six qualitative studies have been carried out to better understand courage among individuals who range in age from 14 to 94 years and are experiencing a variety of lingering threats to their well-being. The purpose of this meta-interpretation was to synthesize those works and further delineate an emergent formal theory of courage. Based on the findings, courage is a dynamic phenomenon that is precipitated by a perceived threat. The ability to be courageous develops over time and includes efforts to fully accept reality, problem solve based on discernment, and push beyond ongoing struggles. Courageous behavior is characterized by efforts to be productive, make contributions, and help others and results in a sense of personal integrity and thriving. Courage is promoted and sustained by several interrelated intrapersonal and interpersonal forces as well as the reflective awareness that one has developed a courageous persona.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1999

Use of brief interventions to treat individuals with drinking problems.

Further research is needed to unequivocally establish the most effective types of brief interventions and the most opportune times to use them. However, in light of what is presently known, nurses must be aware of the stages of behavioral change and intervene in the most efficacious way possible. Readiness to change can be detected by being sensitive to individuals' willingness to disclose information, attentiveness to advice and suggestions, and tendencies to ask questions and seek situation-specific information. Even when advice is apparently ignored, it is important to remember that a clinician's caring and nonjudgmental attitude may help move clients toward a more advanced stage of change and provide opportunities to intervene later on.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed1998

Courage in middle-aged adults with long-term health concerns.

The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive grounded theory of courage among middle-aged adults with long-term health concerns. Twenty-five persons from rural and non-metropolitan areas of Central Illinois were selected to participate in this study based on theoretical sampling procedures. Interviews of 1 to 2 hours using openended questions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using grounded theory methods. Courage among middle-aged adults with long-term health concerns was determined to consist of an ongoing progressive-regressive process of becoming and being courageous. Being courageous involves being fully aware of and accepting the threat of a long-term health concern, solving problems using discernment, and developing enhanced sensitivities to personal needs and the world in general. Courageous behaviour consists of taking responsibility and being productive. Courage is not limitless, and the process of becoming and being courageous is dependent on intrapersonal and interpersonal factors. Health-care providers facilitate this process by demonstrating competence and communicating effectively. Outcomes of being courageous include personal integrity and thriving in the midst of normality.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Therapeutic groups online: the good, the bad, and the unknown.

In an era of diminishing health care resources, the number of online support groups is increasing. These groups consist of individuals seeking assistance with problems such as depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, cancer, and eating disorders. Although online support groups are apparently popular, little is known about their therapeutic efficacy. Seminal findings suggest that these groups offer some advantages over their traditional face-to-face counterparts; however, disadvantages have also been identified. It is clear that additional research is required to better understand what role these groups should play in mental health care.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Resolution of drinking problems without formal treatment.

TOPIC: Self-resolution of alcohol abuse among individuals with mild to moderate drinking problems. PURPOSE: To examine self-resolution of drinking problems and clinical/research implications. SOURCE: Review of the literature. CONCLUSION: Two pathways toward self-resolution of alcohol problems have been proposed. One appears to be relatively spontaneous, the other involves ongoing cognitive appraisals and a conscious effort to change. Nurses have the potential to play an important role in encouraging self-change by conducting screenings, implementing brief interventions, and promoting the use of self-help materials. Opportunities also exist for nurses to spearhead research efforts in this long-neglected area.

Alcoholism↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Self-resolution of drinking problems as a process of reinvesting in self.

PROBLEM: Resolution of alcohol problems without formal treatment or participation in self-help groups. METHODS: Qualitative study using grounded theory (N = 11). FINDINGS: The onset of alcohol problems begins with negligible penalties. Over time, the cost-benefit ratio of drinking habits continues to rise and the risks become too great. Individuals find it necessary to change their drinking patterns by reinvesting in themselves. Assets such as the ongoing availability of information, life-management skills, and self-confidence promote the change process; cultural mores and behaviors of some healthcare providers serve as liabilities. The dividends of self-resolving alcohol problems include self-pride, mental and physical health, conscientious work performance, rewarding relationships, enhancement of creative talents, and spiritual well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can play an important role in promoting self-resolution of alcohol problems by providing accurate information and encouraging clients to reinvest in long-standing priorities and values.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Becoming and being courageous in the chronically ill elderly.

This grounded theory study was conducted to develop a conceptual framework of courage in the chronically ill elderly. Theoretical sampling was utilized, and 21 individuals who were 67 to 94 years of age were interviewed. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. Based on the findings, becoming and being courageous is a lifelong process that includes a variety of learning experiences. Problem solving is involved, and it is thought to enable the transformation of struggles into challenges. Courageous behaviors are identifiable, and can be maintained with the help of nursing interventions. Outcomes of being courageous include a sense of equanimity and personal integrity.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computer-based mental health assessments. Panaceas, pariahs, or partners in research and practice?

Interest in computerized mental health assessments has been piqued by increasing demands to establish accurate psychiatric diagnoses in a time-efficient manner. Several such assessment instruments have been tested and the results are mixed. Computerized assessment of psychotic disorders appears most challenging; however, some advances have been made in effectively identifying alcohol abuse problems and nonpsychotic conditions. Issues that surround the use of computerized assessment instruments include: clinician accountability, client acceptance, diagnostic uncertainty, and reimbursement guidelines. Nurses must be aware of these issues to make informed decisions about how and when to use computerized assessment instruments in research and practice.

Alcoholism↗

PubMedDate not supplied

What does a military nursing shortage mean to us?

The current nursing shortage makes U.S. military medical readiness questionable. Legislative initiatives for attracting nurses to the military and reserves are being employed. In spite of these efforts, plans are underway to draft nurses during a military emergency.

Humans↗