Browsing by Author "McGovern, Thomas F."
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Item Caucasian parents' experiences of adopting african-american/biracial children: a phenomenological exploration(Texas Tech University, 2008-05) Miller, Bobbi Jean; Wampler, Karen S.; Ivey, David C.; Kimball, Thomas G.; McGovern, Thomas F.The transracial adoption of African-American and biracial children has been the subject of much criticism and debate. Many of the criticisms levied against transracial adoption rest upon concerns about Caucasian parents’ motives in adopting these children and their ability to parent minority children effectively (Hollingsworth, 1999). Despite these concerns, little research has been conducted that explored the motives and experiences of parents who had chosen to adopt African-American or biracial children. The small body of literature that explored the experience from the parents’ perspective is largely outdated (e.g., Falk, 1970; Feigelman & Silverman, 1983), defined transracial more heterogeneously (e.g., Dore, 1995; Flores de Kistler, 1995), or did not focus on the experiences of couples (e.g., Moosnick, 2001). Given the many changes in adoption policy and overall societal views that have taken place since this past research was conducted, as well as the particular challenges these children face in the adoption system, more current exploration of the topic was warranted. This study used a phenomenological methodology in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of a complex experience that has been the subject of much debate. The sample consisted of 6 heterosexual, Caucasian married couples (12 participants) who had adopted an African-American or biracial child. Participants had adopted a 2 year old or younger child within the past 5 years. A total of four interviews were conducted with each participant (2 couple interviews and 2 individual interviews). Participants were asked to describe the process of adopting their child and what it was like to become a father/mother through transracial adoption. Five categories emerged from their experiences, including: (1) making the decision to adopt transracially, (2) my child is African-American/biracial and a member of our family, (3) we are tuned into your perception of us, (4) the impact of transracial adoption on our lives, and (5) reflecting on our experience. In addition, themes that emerged as part of these categories are reported and discussed. Results were situated within the existing literature and the clinical, research, and policy implications, as well as limitations of the current study were discussed.Item Gamer widow: the phenomenological experience of spouses of online video game addicts(Texas Tech University, 2008-12) Northrup, Jason C.; Shumway, Sterling T.; Kimball, Thomas G.; Morelock, Catherine N.; McGovern, Thomas F.Recent studies have examined the concept of addiction to video games, particularly to the genre known as Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). To date, however, none have examined the impact of this addiction on family members of video game addicts. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game addicts. This study uses a phenomenological methodology as described by Moustakas (1994). Data were gathered via a qualitative online survey solicited to members of three different online forums that cater to “gamer widows.” Data suggested three categories that described participants’ experiences of being married to an online video game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship. Among these categories, 12 themes emerged, including Isolation…Except His Gamer Friends, Protecting His Gaming, To Get Back to His Game, Personal Consequences, Emotional Consequences, Concept of Addiction, Aversion to MMORPGs, Ignoring the Addict, Our Roles and Responsibilities, More Distance Between Us, Financial Losses, and Why I Stay. In addition, 37 subthemes were identified. The study concludes by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as implications for mental health professionals who might encounter gaming addicts and their spouses in their practices. Recommendations are made for future studies as well.Item Marriage and family therapists' experience of creativity in the therapy room(Texas Tech University, 2008-05) Drew, Faith; Kimball, Thomas G.; Wampler, Karen S.; McGovern, Thomas F.; Morelock, Catherine N.Research stresses the importance of creativity in family therapy, yet a paucity of information describes how Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) define and experience creativity in their practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe MFTs’ experiences of creativity in their work with individuals, couples, and families. The study discusses creativity within various disciplines and frames the concept within a stage and a systemic model, illustrating an individual creative process and a system of interconnected components. The study uses a phenomenological methodology, as outlined by Moustakas (1994). Data were gathered through in-depth interviews from 10 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists practicing in the West Texas region. The interviews revealed 3 main categories, 8 main themes, and 15 subthemes describing how MFTs experience creativity personally and professionally. The study concludes by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as implications and guidelines for behavioral health professionals, specifically MFTs, to promote creative development in their practice. Recommendations are made for future studies.Item The effects of an inpatient alcoholism treatment program, with two variations, on measurements of depression, hopelessness, loss and grief(Texas Tech University, 1983-05) McGovern, Thomas F.Not availableItem The role of the Franciscans in the expansion of the northern frontier of New Spain, 1525-1760(Texas Tech University, 1969-05) McGovern, Thomas F.Not available