Applying a feminist analysis model to selected nursing studies of women with HIV

Women's mental health has been linked to oppression and to oppressive practices in health care. Feminist approaches to health care delivery and research have been suggested as a remedy for the subtle and overt oppression faced by women, and many nurses have used feminist principles to conduct and report their research and to critique existing studies. Though nursing authors have identified useful feminist guides for conducting and reporting research, few examples of the practice of feminist critiques of research are available in the nursing literature. This analysis synthesizes and adapts feminist principles from nursing literature and presents a feminist model to review selected nursing research reports of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A convenience sample of eight articles from nursing journals was examined for statements or implications that the author(s) (a) perceived the purposes of the study as benefiting women, (b) demonstrated an awareness of the structures and policies that oppress women, (c) were sensitive to issues of diversity, (d) were committed to social change, and (e) recognized the female participants' strengths. The selected articles were found to meet many of the feminist criteria, although these principles were not always explicitly addressed in the articles.     

Review of Subversive dialogues: Theory in feminist therapy.

Reviews the book, Subversive dialogues: Theory in feminist therapy by Laura S. Brown (see record 1994-98446-000). Laura Brown's desire to "talk about theory and about the philosophy that is feminist therapy" has resulted in an illuminating and challenging addition to the discourse shaping of feminist therapy into a coherent and explicit whole. She has courageously moved to suggest a unified language and theory where the convergence of feminist traditions in therapy allows. She reminds us of the central importance of theory in our work while insisting that we strive to avoid the dangers of overgeneralization of our individual experiences. Specifically, while stretching us to define what feminist therapy is at its core, she has emphasized the need to remain true to the data of clinical experience. We are invited to join the author in a "subversive dialogue" in which we are challenged to apply feminist epistemologies to our daily work and lives. She stimulates this dialogue by articulating some of the core dilemma for feminists interested in therapy: can feminism and therapy co-exist? what about therapy and money and the privilege/power signified by that relationship? does therapy undermine more "natural" bonds and relationships among women? Dr. Brown moves thoughtfully and respectfully through her resolutions of these thorny questions. Laura Brown has written a book which I hope will become standard reading for all therapists in training. It assumes a level of familiarity with basic concepts of therapy and feminism, but is very accessible and clear. Dr. Brown walks us through the emergence of feminist therapy, contextualizing the issues and struggles expertly. With the skills of a seasoned guide, she deftly highlights the foundations of feminist therapy while stimulating us to articulate our own experience and application of those core concepts. This book should make it possible for graduate students (and practitioners) to study feminist therapy as an integrated body of thought/ knowledge alongside the other traditional therapeutic approaches such as existentialism, behaviorism, or phenomenological approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Shaping the future of feminist psychology: Education, research, and practice.

Reviews the book, Shaping the future of feminist psychology: Education, research, and practice by Judith Worell and Norine G. Johnson (see record 1997-36316-000). This book is distinct in that it is neither a psychoanalytic nor psychoanalytically informed reader. The book is the collective outcome of the first National Conference on Education and Training in Feminist Practice, a working conference that convened in 1993, in Boston, and was attended by some of the nation's preeminent feminist psychologists. The 4 day conference was organized for purposes of developing a solid training and educational plan for prospective feminist practice. The focus was on the re-creation of a psychology that would be consistent with feminist principles and practices. The book evokes a sense of how exciting the conference must have been. It focuses on nine topics: theory, assessment, therapy, research, curriculum development, teaching, supervision, diversity, and postdoctoral training. In general, each chapter provides a summary review of the status of the topic, describes the process and content of the work group meetings, considers some models, and identifies future directions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Resource collaboration, feminist therapy, and models.

Comments on an article by F. B. Tyler et al (see record 1984-02406-001), arguing that in presenting a collaborative model for psychologists, Tyler et al are perhaps unaware that the essential characteristics of the model they propose were developed over 10 yrs ago as part of feminist therapy by A. M. Brodsky and R. T. Hare-Mustin (1980). The feminist therapy model, which is based on the qualities Tyler et al promote (such as being more self-help oriented, more self-sustaining, more prosocial, and more egalitarian), has influenced other therapeutic approaches concerned with client's rights. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of feminist and nonfeminist women's reactions to variants of nonsexist and feminist counseling.

We were concerned with client–counselor matching along the dimension of attitudes toward feminism. We hypothesized that feminist subjects would be more receptive to the radical feminist counselor, whereas nonfeminist subjects would rate the nonsexist and liberal feminist counselor more positively. College women (N?=?150) viewed 12 videotaped counseling vignettes that were varied by the feminist orientation of the counselor and the explicitness of the counselor's value statement about her approach in 2 replications. Contrary to our expectation all subjects preferred to see the feminist counselor for career and sexual assault concerns; no significant differences were observed across counselors for personal concerns. Significant differences in favor of the feminist counselor were observed on ratings of counselor expertness and trustworthiness. The implications for future research on feminist counseling and therapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A family practice education system based on patient care outcomes in family practice settings

The philosophy, goals, objectives, methodology, and results of a family practice faculty development program are described. Developing family practice educators who will create an education system based on patient care outcomes in family practice settings is the central philosophical purpose of this faculty development program. On completion of the program all participants recognized the essential nature of this philosophical goal and were more comfortable and confident in their ability to: (1) determine resident learning needs; (2) organize curriculum units; (3) use different teaching techniques; and (4) understand their own personal teaching needs and interests. The implications of these changes for developing a family practice curriculum based on patient needs are described.     

The future of feminist therapy.

Discusses the development of feminist therapy over the past 20 yrs and its outlook for the future. Feminist therapy is characterized by shared concepts, which include egalitarianism in the therapy relationship and a recognition of the importance of environmental pressures, particularly gender roles and gender-based discrimination. Future directions for feminist therapy include the continuing development of feminist therapy theory, a movement toward a more multicultural perspective, an expansion of populations served by feminist therapists, and the development of more formal standards and training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Opening the dialogue: Implications of feminist supervision theory with male supervisees.

There is a lack of scholarship examining the implications of feminist-informed theories of clinical supervision to guide practice with male supervisees. A critical discussion is needed to better understand the intersections of feminist supervision theory and masculine psychology lest ineffective supervisory interventions occur. The present article begins with a critical review of the intersections of male psychological theory and feminist supervision theory. A hypothetical case vignette is then presented to highlight a number of potential implications for supervisors working with male supervisees informed by feminist supervision theory. The article concludes with directions for future training and research, as well as limitations of the arguments presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Feminist identity and feminist therapy behaviors of women psychotherapists.

Investigated whether (1) feminist identity development for women therapists was related to their use of feminist therapy behaviors (FTBs) and (2) feminist identity development and use of FTBs for women therapists were related to self-identification as a feminist therapist. 153 women psychologists (aged 30–77 yrs) were administered a women's issues in therapy questionnaire, which included a short version of the Feminist Identity Scale (FIS; K. M. Rickard, 1989, 1990). Ss were categorized into stages of feminine identity development according to their scores on 4 subscales of the FIS: Passive-Acceptance (PA), Revelation (REV), Embeddedness (EMB), and Synthesis (SYN). Ss scoring high on SYN and REV, and low on PA, reported greater use of FTBs; scores on the EMB were not related to the use of FTBs. All 4 subscales were predictive of women therapists who self-identified as feminist therapists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Empathy, genuineness--And the dynamics of power: A feminist responds to Rogers.

In this article, I discuss the points of convergence and divergence between Carl Rogers' core constructs for therapy (Rogers, 1957; see record 2007-14639-002) and the theories and practices of feminist therapy (Brown, 1994, 2007). The value of Rogers' insights about the importance of the relationship in therapy is reviewed, and the lacunae in his model arising from an inattention to issues of power and politics is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Women therapists working with women: New theory and process of feminist therapy.

Reviews the book, Women therapists working with women: New theory and process of feminist therapy edited by Clair M. Brody (1984). As with other edited volumes on this topic, this book attempts to address a very broad range of issues confronted by a therapist holding a feminist theoretical perspective in her work. Where this is most original and successful is in the examination of the issues faced by the therapist as a woman and feminist in the social and emotional environment of therapy. This volume does not stand alone as a text on feminist therapy, and that was clearly not the editor's intention. It will probably be of most interest and use to therapists already familiar with other literature on feminist therapy, and serves to complement what has come before. I would not suggest it as any reader's first introduction to feminist therapy theory and practice. However, it is sufficiently introductory that it can be of use to any experienced psychotherapist seeking to enhance her or his consciousness of women's issues and sexism as they impact upon the process of psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Was Freud a feminist?

Proposes that Freud was less sexist than the present-day feminist ideal. It has been argued that Freud and feminism are not mutually exclusive and that Freud was not antiwoman. On the basis of this contention, it is asserted that, for some women, psychoanalysis may be more likely to achieve liberation from a patriarchal culture than therapy with an exclusively here-and-now focus or women's support groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Towards a feminist empowerment model of forgiveness psychotherapy.

In recent years Enright and Fitzgibbon's (2000) process model of forgiveness therapy has received substantial theoretical and empirical attention. However, both the process model of forgiveness therapy and the social-cognitive developmental model on which it is based have received criticism from feminist theorists. The current paper considers feminist criticisms of forgiveness therapy and uses a feminist lens to identify potential areas for growth. Specifically, Worell and Remer's (2003) model of synthesizing feminist ideals into existing theory was consulted, areas of bias within the forgiveness model of psychotherapy were identified, and strategies for restructuring areas of potential bias were introduced. Further, the authors consider unique aspects of forgiveness therapy that can potentially strengthen existing models of feminist therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparative study of feminist and traditional group assertiveness training with women.

Tested the effectiveness of feminist group therapy within the context of group assertiveness training for women. Two types of group were organized: One emphasized female role modeling, identity formation, and awareness of sex roles; and one had a traditional approach. Two female group leaders were trained and conducted one of each type group with all-female group members. The 40 adult Ss were interviewed, and 5 outcome measures were taken pre- and posttherapy and at follow-up 6 wks later. Both groups made significant gains on all measures, but the feminist groups did not make greater gains than the traditional groups. Ss who described themselves as feminists at the outset generally showed elevated scores throughout, more commitment to remain in treatment, and greater initial gains in self-reported assertiveness than did Ss who endorsed a more conservative position. It is concluded that the success of feminist therapy groups may not be attributable to their consciousness-raising style but perhaps to the single-sex composition of such groups and to the feminist orientation of clients who seek this form of psychotherapy. (30 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of women who enter feminist therapy and women who enter traditional therapy.

A sample of 201 women in feminist therapy and 207 women in traditional therapy was drawn from a national survey of women in consciousness-raising groups. Comparisons were made on political views at the time of entering therapy and on demographic characteristics and evaluations of therapy. There were no differences between clients of feminist and traditional therapy on demographic characteristics, symptom levels (Hopkins Sympton Checklist), and overall levels of life stress (Life-Events Stress Index). Clients of feminist therapists were more likely to describe their political views as radical and to identify themselves as members of the women's movement than were clients of traditional therapists. Clients of feminist therapists rated therapy as more helpful than clients of traditional therapy did. Clients who identified themselves as members of the women's movement evaluated feminist therapy as more helpful than traditional therapy; nonmembers evaluated feminist and traditional therapies as equally helpful. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The construction of feminist pedagogy in nursing education: a preliminary critique

This project was completed in response to articles that have appeared in nursing journals calling for feminist pedagogy. The object of inquiry is the current discourse of feminist pedagogy. In critiquing the discourse, Foucault's notion of "regime of truth" was used as a tool for analysis. It is the author's contention that feminist pedagogy, as currently constructed in nursing education, has likened Freire's notion of liberatory education with feminist scholarship. Feminist scholarship has taken a subordinate role to stories of classroom processes. Many so-called feminist strategies are, in reality, progressive educational strategies adorned with seductive language. Adopting a questioning stance, rather than merely proclaiming that "all is bliss" in the feminist classroom, would benefit all who are involved in the construction of feminist pedagogy. If nursing education is to seriously engage with feminist scholarship, as the author believes it must do, then it must not play a secondary role in feminist pedagogy.     

A Review and Critical Analysis of Philosophical Counseling.

Psychologists are increasingly encountering philosophers in independent practice who use philosophy to help individuals or groups work through practical problems. An overview of the diverse expressions of the philosophical counseling movement is provided, including scope of practice, methods, training curriculum, codes of ethics, and evidence of effectiveness. The field is critically analyzed: Philosophical counseling is not currently a viable alternative to mental health treatment. Carefully conducted and appropriately focused philosophical counseling may, however, help some individuals or groups. To clarify whether philosophical counseling may benefit a particular individual with a given problem, psychologists (and potential clients) thus need to carefully evaluate individual philosophical counselors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Developing a feminist psychology of women: Past and future accomplishments.

Afeminist approach to the psychology of women is defined. In terms of this definition four areas central to the psychology of women are examined. These areas are theory building, sex differences research, research describing women's lives, and feminist therapy. For each area past accomplishments are outlined and future directions are suggested. In conclusion, two important methodological paradoxes are presented, and their relevance to a developing feminist psychology of women is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of feminist therapy: Women's issues in psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Handbook of feminist therapy: Women's issues in psychotherapy edited by Lynne Bravo Rosewater and Lenore E. A. Walker (1985). This volume grew out of the meetings of the First Annual Advanced Therapy Institute which were attended by 60 feminist therapists in the spring of 1982. According to the editors the volume reflects advances in feminist therapy; it examines the fundamentals of feminist therapy and considers how to best serve clients from this perspective. The volume is divided into seven major sections, each of which consists of three to eight relatively brief chapters. Each major section has its own editor who provides an informative introduction to and brief overview of the articles in that section. The major sections are: A Feminist Philosophy of Treatment, Introduction to Feminist Psychotherapeutic Techniques and Practices, Women's Issues across the Lifespan, Violence Against Women, Power and Advocacy Issues, Feminist Ethics, and the Training of Feminist Therapists. All in all this is a stimulating and much-welcomed volume. Students and practitioners in all areas of mental health will find it to be an informative and valuable resource. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)