Date of Award
7-1-2010
Degree Type
Dissertation
University or Center
Clark Atlanta University(CAU)
School
School of Social Work
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Social Work Policy Planning and Administration
First Advisor
Dr. Richard Lyle
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert W. Waymer
Third Advisor
Hattie M. Mitchell
Abstract
This study examines the social work practitioner’s perspective on the relationship
between spirituality, counseling, and support groups in the treatment of African
American female victims of domestic violence in metropolitan Atlanta. The researcher
investigated three independent variables: spirituality, counseling, and support groups.
These variables were examined in relation to the social work practitioner’s perspective.
The following demographic variables were also analyzed: race, age, income, marital
status, gender, educational level, type of practice, length of practice, experience in
working with African American female victims of domestic violence, and experience in
the utilization of spirituality, counseling, and support groups in their practice.
The investigation included a review of the literature. Variables addressed
included the following: domestic violence, social work practitioners’ perspectives on
domestic violence, spirituality, counseling, and support groups as they pertain to
domestic violence.
One hundred fifteen survey participants were selected for the study utilizing
non-probability convenience sampling. The survey participants were composed of
licensed master and licensed clinical social workers certified to provide services through
the Georgia Secretary of State licensing board. The questionnaire, Social Work
Practitioner’s Perspective on Spirituality. Counseling. Support and Domestic Violence,
utilized a four point continuum Likert Scale. Data were analyzed by employing
frequency distribution and bivariate cross tabulations along with the statistical test of
CM-square to analyze the relationship between the variables.
The researcher found that there was a relationship between the social work
practitioner’s perspective and the utilization of spirituality and counseling when working
with African American female victims of domestic violence. The researcher also found
that there was a relationship between spirituality, support groups, and counseling when
controlling for spirituality. The study was concluded with a series of recommendations.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Angela Renee', "A study of the relationship between the social work practitioner's perspective and the utilization of spirituality, counseling, and support groups in the treatment of African American female victims of domestic violence in metropolitan Atlanta" (2010). ETD Collection for Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center. Paper 199.
http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/199