Ruth Belknap - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ruth Belknap

PubMed, Mar 1, 2002

The findings of qualitative studies with women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner ... more The findings of qualitative studies with women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner suggest that a woman's sense of self is a central feature in her decision to leave the abusive relationship. This qualitative study was undertaken, in part, to listen to how women describe themselves, specifically explicating voices of relational connection and disconnection within the narratives. This paper presents the findings of interviews with 18 rural women from culturally diverse backgrounds who had been or were currently in abusive relationships. The women were asked to respond to the question "How would you describe yourself to yourself?" The responses were read using the interpretive method of reading narratives for self and moral voice. The theory of moral development was used to frame the inquiry. The experiences of self that emerged from the narratives are presented as progressively relational voices of separation and connection. The relationship between these voices and moral development is discussed, as are implications for nursing practice and for future research.

International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, Jun 3, 2012

ADN students are a large yet distinct subgroup of nursing students who require research and under... more ADN students are a large yet distinct subgroup of nursing students who require research and understanding. The purpose of this study was to describe the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of American associate degree nursing (ADN) students who participated in a short study abroad course in a low-income country. A qualitative, narrative method was used. Three categories emerged from the analysis. Participants revealed thoughts of "constant comparisons", feelings of an "emotional journey", and they experienced "learning". Participants did not demonstrate perspective transformation as defined by Mezirow as participants signified no intent for social action. Several potential blocks to perspective transformation were identified: egocentrism/emotional disconnect, perceived powerlessness/being overwhelmed, and a vacation mindset. The findings provide insight into the student experience of studying abroad. Transformative learning is not a guaranteed result. Nurse educators must consider strategies to foster transformation including discussing global systemic oppressors, international relations, coping, connecting, and social action.

Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 1999

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Oct 1, 2012

This integrative review aims to describe parents' perspectives on end-of-life care for their chil... more This integrative review aims to describe parents' perspectives on end-of-life care for their children. Fifteen publications from a literature search of the Cochrane databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PSYCHinfo were included in the review. Recurring themes included poor communication/lack of information, strained relationships/inadequate emotional support, parental need to maintain parent/child relationships in life and death, quality of care continues after the death of the child, influence of services/planning on parent/child impacts quality of life, and the difficult decision to terminate life support. No studies were identified that focused on parents' perspectives on the care their child received at the end of life. Further research that focuses on the special needs of parents at this difficult time is needed.

Health Care for Women International, Mar 8, 2016

ABSTRACT I analyzed interviews (n = 10) of women recently deported from the United States of Amer... more ABSTRACT I analyzed interviews (n = 10) of women recently deported from the United States of America to Mexico, exploring what women experienced immediately after deportation. The women who were residing in a short-term shelter in Nogales, Mexico, described their greatest stressors and sources of strength. Women identified the border crossing experience, apprehension, detention, and family separation due to deportation as stressors. Sources of strength included God and family. Irregular migration is not unique between the United States and Mexico. Women migrate in search of work, education, and safety. I offer these women's stories as exemplars and this study as one to be replicated with women in other contexts across the globe.

Journal of Adolescent Health, Jul 1, 2013

Purpose To test a theater intervention designed to raise awareness of the dynamics and consequenc... more Purpose To test a theater intervention designed to raise awareness of the dynamics and consequences of teen dating violence (TDV) and to facilitate creation of nonviolent responses to TDV among Latino and Latina adolescents. The intervention was based on Theater of the Oppressed, which advocates the use of theater methods to explore social issues and to allow audiences to experiment with problem-solving, thereby promoting change. Methods This study used a pretest-posttest, no control group, mixed-measures design to study 66 Mexican-American adolescents (mean age, 13.4 ± 5 years). Two plays containing subtle and overt signs of control and abuse were written and performed. Scripts were based on data from prior studies of TDV among Latino and Latina adolescents. At baseline, we measured sociodemographics, personal safety, and ethnic identity. Pre-post instruments measured acceptance of TDV, confidence to resolve conflicts nonviolently, and intentions to use nonviolent strategies to resolve conflict. We collected qualitative data via essay. Results At posttest, participants had less acceptance of TDV (t = −2.08; p < .05), increased confidence to resolve conflicts nonviolently (t = 3.82; p < .001), and higher intentions to use nonviolent strategies (t = 3.35; p = .001). We analyzed 20 essays. Qualitative results provided context for understanding participants' changes in attitude, confidence, and nonviolent behavioral intentions. Conclusions This adaptation of Theater of the Oppressed was an effective way to interact with Latino adolescents. In a safe setting, participants vicariously experienced TDV, which facilitated self-reflection and cognitive rehearsal strategies to respond nonviolently to TDV.

Health Care for Women International, Jan 2, 2019

Current understandings of the effects trauma exposure on women's health are limited because prior... more Current understandings of the effects trauma exposure on women's health are limited because prior research has largely focused on intimate partner and sexual violence in homogenous samples. In this descriptive study, the authors examined the relationships between lifetime trauma exposure and psychological well-being among women across the Pacific Rim. Psychological well-being differed significantly between the four locations and increased trauma exposures were related to poorer psychological well-being across and within locations. The authors report relevant findings on the relationship between trauma exposure and psychological well-being and provide evidence for future research to enhance knowledge on the effects of trauma in women's lives.

Journal of Community Health Nursing, Oct 2, 2015

African Americans have a higher risk of developing heart failure (HF) than persons from other eth... more African Americans have a higher risk of developing heart failure (HF) than persons from other ethnic groups. Once diagnosed, they have lower rates of HF self-care and poorer health outcomes. Promoting engagement in HF self-care is amenable to change and represents an important way to improve the health of African Americans with HF. This study used a community-based participatory action research methodology called photovoice to explore the practice of HF self-care among low-income, urban, community dwelling African Americans. Using the photovoice methodology, themes emerged regarding self-care management and self-care maintenance.

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Jul 1, 2018

The purpose of the current article is to describe the use of photovoice with individuals from vul... more The purpose of the current article is to describe the use of photovoice with individuals from vulnerable population groups. Ten African American men and women ages 66 to 72 with heart failure from three different low income public housing facilities were recruited for participation in a qualitative photovoice project. Participants were given 5 weeks to take photographs of images that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care behaviors. Each week, participants met as a group to discuss the photographs and their meanings to other participants. The photovoice method was empowering to participants, easy to use, and shown to be appropriate within African American older adults with heart failure. The photovoice method assisted in providing the opportunity for this vulnerable population to share their personal beliefs and perspectives. Use of this method assisted in identification of themes that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care and was effective in meeting the specific aims of the research project. Findings from the current study support photovoice as a valuable method to use with vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44 (7), 43–49.]

Public Health Nursing, Jun 11, 2010

Latinas in the U. S. face significant disparities. Recent immigrants are particularly marginalize... more Latinas in the U. S. face significant disparities. Recent immigrants are particularly marginalized due to cultural, immigration, and language barriers. The purpose of this community based participatory research study was to use listening sessions with groups of women to develop a contextual understanding of the lives of Latina immigrants and ultimately better serve the community's needs for domestic violence services. Seven listening group sessions were facilitated and recorded in Spanish, with 63 women participating. The participants also completed a demographic questionnaire. Themes derived from aggregated data from the listening sessions included women's unmet needs, responsibilities, goals, achievements, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Findings indicated that Latinas' comments were often family-focused and they have many unmet needs.

Heart & Lung, 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the influences of heart failure (HF) self... more Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the influences of heart failure (HF) self-care among low income, African Americans. Background: Compared to all other racial groups, African Americans have the highest risk of developing HF, coupled with high mortality and morbidity rates. Methods: Using the photovoice method, participants related important lifestyle factors through photography. The participants and researcher met for reflection and discussion 2 h per week for six weeks. Results: Four themes emerged: family support gives me the push I need, social interaction lifts me up, improving my mind to lift depression can improve my heart, and it is important but challenging to follow the HF diet. Conclusion: The findings from this study may assist policy makers, health care professionals, patients, and support systems in understanding the complexity of engaging in HF self-care. This understanding may lead to the development of appropriate patient-centered assessments and interventions.

Peace Review, Apr 3, 2014

Health Care for Women International, Sep 16, 2010

Nurse Educator, Jul 1, 2003

The author describes a 2-day immersion course on woman abuse/family violence conducted for underg... more The author describes a 2-day immersion course on woman abuse/family violence conducted for undergraduate nursing students. The goals of the course were to assist students in developing a commitment to routine screening, to become comfortable with screening questions, and to build confidence in their ability to respond to women who disclose past or present abuse.

Western Journal of Nursing Research, Jan 19, 2016

Health Care for Women International, 2010

Families in society-The journal of contemporary social services, Oct 1, 2008

Although studies have identified the importance of the mother-daughter relationship and of famili... more Although studies have identified the importance of the mother-daughter relationship and of familism in mexican culture, there is little in the literature about the mother-daughter experience after daughters have migrated to the United States. This study explores relationships between three daughters in America and their mothers in mexico, and describes ways in which interdependence between mothers and daughters can be maintained when they are separated by borders and distance. data collection included prolonged engagement with participants, field notes, and tape-recorded interviews. Narrative analysis techniques were used. Findings suggest mother-daughter interdependence remains. Some aspects may change, but the mother-daughter connection continues to influence lives and provide emotional and, to a lesser extent, material support in their lives. CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES Author's note. Research partially funded by Beta omega Chapter grant, Sigma Theta Tau International. The researcher is grateful to the participants who so willingly shared the stories of their lives with me.

Health Care for Women International, Apr 26, 2007

Nurse Educator, 2008

Teaching an undergraduate level diversity course with a health focus requires specific teaching m... more Teaching an undergraduate level diversity course with a health focus requires specific teaching methods. A pedagogy of engagement provides an effective strategy for exploring issues of race, class, gender, and structural inequalities that underlie health disparities. Engagement learning enhances understanding of theories of oppression and liberation presented in the course and highlights social justice issues. Culture and Health is a course offered within the College of Nursing at a Midwestern Jesuit University. Promotion of justice is at the center of the university's mission. The course fulfills a university core course requirement for diversity studies and is open to all students. It is required for undergraduate nursing students. A typical class contains freshman and sophomore students from nursing and other health science majors as well as students from a variety of non-health-related majors. The student mix provides differing perspectives that enhance classroom discussion and learning. The course description focuses on the cultural aspects of the course and mentions developing an appreciation for diversity. However, because this course meets a university diversity requirement, it also has objectives related to that requirement (Figure 1). Students are often surprised when during the first class session, it becomes clear that this is not a course about "interesting oddities" associated with "other" cultures. Instead this course lays the foundation for culturally competent care by learning about cultures. I explain that to begin to understand issues of culture and health and their relationship to social structures, it is necessary to first look at ourselves, our biases, and our presuppositions. This includes examination of social inequities and our place in sustaining and confronting them. My challenge as the faculty is to balance the bad news of health disparities held in place by structural inequalities with the optimism that, with focused effort, things can indeed change.

Western Journal of Nursing Research

This article describes a pilot test of a community engaged, culturally relevant, arts-based inter... more This article describes a pilot test of a community engaged, culturally relevant, arts-based intervention. The purpose was to increase children’s personal protective buffering resources. Protective buffering resources help children cope with stressful stimuli, reduce activation of their systemic stress response, mitigate allostatic load, and promote optimal health. The “Learning a Healthy Rhythm” intervention included a stress management component and an ongoing Afro-Latino percussion program for 18 children ages 9–11. The stress management component included educational content about stress, self-assessment of stress symptoms, and stress management techniques. A mixed-method intervention evaluation design was used. Qualitative data, quantitative data, and biometrics including hair cortisol were collected. Six intervention parameters were evaluated: effectiveness, fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, necessity, and safety. Positive results were obtained for all parameters. Reduction...