Multicultural Scale Development in Social Work: Measuring the Resilience of Military Families in South Africa - Softcover

Van Breda, Adrian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639300653 ISBN 13: 9783639300659

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2010

Synopsis

This book expands the literature on ecometrics (scale development in social work), giving particular attention to multiculturalism. The author presents a systematic process model for designing and validating scales that can be used in multicultural and multilingual contexts. Based on classical test theory, the process model draws on the work of Hudson and Faul in social work, as well as key cross-cultural writers such as Brislin and Butcher. Having presented the model, the author tests it by designing and validating a four- construct scale for the South African National Defence Force, called the 'Military Social Health Index'. The Index is used as part of the annual comprehensive health assessment of soldiers prior to deployment. The book provides a thorough review of resilience theory, particularly McCubbin's work on family resilience. The book will be of value to social workers and other social scientists interested in scale development and to mental health and family practitioners in the military.

About this title

About the Author

MA Clinical Social Work (University of Cape Town), D Lit et Phil (Rand Afrikaans University). His research interests include HIV, women's participation in the military, and occupational social work. He worked for 17 years in the military, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.

Edition details

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3639300653
• ISBN 13: 9783639300659
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 540