Internal Evaluation in a Women's Chemical Dependency Treatment Program
Irwin, Pamela P.
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/80209
Description
Title
Internal Evaluation in a Women's Chemical Dependency Treatment Program
Author(s)
Irwin, Pamela P.
Issue Date
1997
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
DeStefano, Lizanne
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Women's Studies
Language
eng
Abstract
The current study investigates the nature of addictive disease and recovery in women through application of various program evaluation methods within a framework of acceptance of the complexities surrounding development and implementation of gender competent treatment services. Examination of the extant literature revealed multiple problems that detract from practitioner utility that were categorized as (a) problems in definition, (b) problems in method, and, (c) problems in purpose or goals. Evaluation questions were derived with stakeholder input to enhance utilization of the findings. The evaluation questions were: (1) To what extent were the goals and objectives of the women's treatment program implemented and attained? (2) What clinical issues occurred among participants receiving the specialized women's treatment? (3) What clinical intervention focuses occurred during the treatment regimen? (4) What levels of satisfaction with program elements were expressed by the participants? (5) What changes in personality characteristics as measured by the Personality Research Form - E (Jackson, 1974) before and after the treatment experience occurred in participants? and, (6) Are there significant differences in personality characteristics, demographic characteristics, or substance abuse patterns between participants who completed the recommended length of stay in the program versus those who voluntarily terminated prior to staff recommendations? Primary methods of data analysis included descriptive statistics, regression analysis, t-test, correlational analysis, and discriminant analysis. Results included (a) high levels of attainment of program objectives, (b) multiple correlations among past and present life problems and treatment focuses, (c) high levels of program satisfaction with variations in results dependent upon data analysis methods, (d) significant changes among multiple personality variables measured before and after the treatment episode, and, (e) significant predictability of group membership between program completers or those that terminate early with analysis of the characteristics that contribute to the discriminant function. Several implications to practitioners, evaluators, and funders based on the current findings were also generated. The study confirms the need for greater levels of future collaboration between evaluation researchers and treatment practitioners toward development of optimal substance abuse treatment services for women.
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