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Papers by marcia spira

Clinical Social Work Journal

As the number of older adults grows exponentially, social work and psychology practice must embra... more As the number of older adults grows exponentially, social work and psychology practice must embrace a more nuanced appreciation of the aging process. Family life is evolving in unprecedented ways, leaving adults with new challenges and choices for how best to live out their lives. Adults may face difficult decisions and increased anxieties regarding their own health, concern for loved ones, and uncertainties about the future. The noteworthy trends associated with the "new adulthood" holds clinical significance and raises important questions for contemporary practice. Our collective clinical and research experience with older adults suggests a re-envisioning of the threshold from midlife to older adulthood as well as an expansion of clinical sensitivity to issues raised by clients. We conceptualize this transition period as Emerging Elderhood (EE) and propose key tasks, developmental opportunities, and suggestions for clinicians to guide clients toward adaptation and change.

Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Smith College Studies in Social Work

Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services

This article focuses on the persistence of physical and emotional sibling violence through the li... more This article focuses on the persistence of physical and emotional sibling violence through the life course and its potential connection to elder abuse. Theories relevant to the linkage between sibling violence and elder abuse are presented and discussed. Highlighted is the need for future studies to examine the association between these forms of family violence in order for preventative and intervention mechanisms to be created and implemented. Implications for practice include the need to assess physical and emotional sibling violence as a potential risk factor for elder abuse.

Clinical Social Work Journal, 2016

Psychosocial Studies of the Individual's Changing Perspectives in Alzheimer's Disease, 2000

When a member of a family is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the impact of the disease reverb... more When a member of a family is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the impact of the disease reverberates throughout the relationships within the family. This paper explores the challenges and strengths within one family as members manage and cope with Alzheimer's disease. The person with dementia and his family members are individually interviewed and each person explores the consequences of the disease on personal well-being as well as the relationships within the family. The family demonstrates how dementia in one family member demands flexibility in family roles as they navigate life through the challenges of living with dementia.

Clinical Social Work Journal, 2015

Clinical Social Work Journal - CLIN SOC WORK J, 2000

While the literature supports the view that a parent's illness will have an impact on a chil... more While the literature supports the view that a parent's illness will have an impact on a child, less specific attention has been given to the impact of a mother's breast cancer on her adolescent daughter. In this paper, clinical vignettes derived from interviews with adolescent daughters (ages 12–19) living with mothers who have breast cancer are presented to illustrate some of the concerns daughters have about themselves and their mother's illness. The daughters express anxiety about changes in family roles, but seem more concerned about the potential loss of the mother/daughter relationship. They describe their fears of recurrence of the disease as well as getting the disease themselves. The girls also demonstrate great strength; resilience and hope in the face of the challenges presented by the changes in their lives. Girls who had mothers die of the disease are not included in this article. Implications for treatment are discussed.

British Journal of Social Work, 2010

Psychoanalytic Social Work, 2001

ABSTRACT

Clinical Social Work Journal - CLIN SOC WORK J, 2002

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a traumatic event and changes one's life forever. The per... more Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a traumatic event and changes one's life forever. The period of initial diagnosis and treatment is indeed a life transition, regardless of the prognosis. It precipitates a change in self-perception, physically, emotionally, and interpersonally. It changes how a woman sees herself, her family, and her world. Simultaneously the woman is confronted with many decisions to make regarding treatment options and the management of personal, familial, and work related responsibilities. People have the opportunity to reflect on old decisions and to make new decisions. Inevitably one is confronted by mortality. The management of this illness is done in the context of a complex network of relationships with family, friends, coworkers, doctors, other medical personnel, and clergy. Often it is the clinical social worker who is in the position of facilitating access to and participation in resources for care. Many women join healing communities or wellness ce...

Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 2013

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2014

The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms &

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 2009

Culture exerts powerful influences on each generations&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;am... more Culture exerts powerful influences on each generations&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; responses to older members in declining health. Narratives, the stories people tell about their lives, depict the different the ways that the elderly and their children experience their world. Their personal narratives chronicle their connections to culture the past. They also illustrate the ways that the cultural values are transformed to accommodate the present and future. The stories are influenced by immigration, assimilation, development, interpersonal relationships, and life events. These differences between the cultural narratives of the elderly and the following generation are particularly apparent during times of chronic stress. One such situation occurs during chronic illness when the younger generation is called upon to provide for the elderly and chronically ill.

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 2006

As the number of older adults who live healthy and extended lives increases, people will need to ... more As the number of older adults who live healthy and extended lives increases, people will need to envision the ways in which they choose to live. More emphasis will be given to the potential and strengths that older adults maintain in to later years rather than anticipating the consequences of decline. This paper describes the development of a tool to be used by older adults in planning their futures. It provides an individualized portfolio that encourages older adults to contemplate their future needs and resources. It includes the domains of health, work/leisure, finances, housing, and relationship/support systems. It is a means of encouraging conversations about life choices and maintaining a sense of empowerment and well-being.