Does a task-centered approach offer a way to make casework more effective? A controlled experiment suggests that a client carries out a specific, agreed-on task more effectively when casework interviews provide guidance for this task. (Author)

Will social workers who have specialized in administration be able to obtain jobs in public welfare agencies? The study described here seeks to answer this question by exploring the qualifications that such agencies require for positions in management. (Author)

This study questions whether social workers reflect a middle-class bias in establishing the standards by which they judge child neglect. Results suggest that a surprising unity of opinion exists among social workers, working-class mothers, and middle-class mothers in defining adequate child care. (Author)

One of the few controlled studies of the influence of sex bias on social workers' judgments produces dramatic findings that contradict the contentions of other studies of the subject. The study finds consistent pro-female, anti-male bias among the sampled social workers. (Author)

Most social work professionals take it for granted that the more training one has, the better one can do the job. But the authors' research on assessments by both MSW and BA candidates yielded results that could seriously question that assumption. (Author)

Do social workers incorporate into their practice the research they have studied in course work or in subsequent readings? Do courses in research and statistics make a difference? A survey of NASW members yields some findings that could point the way to improving the quality of services. (Author)

Where does a community worker look to discover the local distribution of power? Are the accepted indicators reliable? This analysis of 82 social science studies that examine the correlation between community characteristics and power structure turns up some surprising results--with definite implications for practice. (Author)

Describes in-service training in behavior modification techniques taught by a Caucasian social worker to Filipino immigrants operating boarding and care homes for ex-mental patients. Techniques used increase the psychosocial functioning of residents in these homes. (Author)

The role of women in social work can be better understood through an examination of the profession's male minority. A survey reveals many male social workers experience conflicts between gender identity and occupational status. Such difficulties affect relationships with colleagues, clients, and the general community. (Author)

In a study of the characteristics of persons who took the California licensing examination for clinical social workers, the only variable that correlated with passing the examination was the applicant's involvement in personal therapy. (Author)

Delineates different approaches to clinical supervision, assesses staff preferences for different supervisory approaches, determines the extent to which different approaches actually are emphasized, and determines to what extent a supervisor's personal supervisory style correlates with a supervisee's job satisfaction. (Author)

In a study conducted among members of a NASW chapter in California, the authors found widespread experience with sexism in social agencies, but the experiences varied considerably with the sex and age of the subjects. The sexism was experienced in attitudes, career development, mobility and on a daily basis. (Author)

This article describes a concentrated program of desensitization used to treat flight phobia. A case history illustrates the use of expanded emotive imagery, stimulus breakdown and techniques of covert positive reinforcement. (SJL)

Occupational tedium among social service workers was found to depend more on a worker's interpersonal relations with colleagues and clients than on intrinsic work conditions. This suggests that social workers may be particularly sensitive to people as sources of emotional stress and support. (Author)

Exploratory survey revealed women's needs and problems during pregnancy, labor, delivery, hospital stay, and initial adjustment to newborn child. Out of this survey evolved a center designed to meet current needs and avoid traumatic experiences for mothers and children. Impact of medication during delivery is among health care issues highlighted.…