Martha R. Burt

Bio: Martha R. Burt is an academic researcher from Urban Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Poison control & Supportive housing. The author has an hindex of 28, co-authored 61 publications receiving 5520 citations.

Cultural myths and supports for rape.

Abstract: This article describes the "rape myth" and tests hypotheses derived from social psychological and feminist theory that acceptance of rape myths can be predicted from attitudes such as sex role stereotyping, adversarial sexual beliefs, sexual conservatism, and acceptance of interpersonal violence. Personality characteristics, background characteristics, and personal exposure to rape, rape victims, and rapists are other factors used in predictions. Results from regression analysis of interview data indicate that the higher the sex role stereotyping, adversarial sexual beliefs, and acceptance of interpersonal violence, the greater a respondent's acceptance of rape myths. In addition, younger and better educated people reveal less stereotypic, adversarial, and proviolence attitudes and less rape myth acceptance. Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for understanding and changing this cultural orientation toward sexual assault.

Sexual Harassment at Work: Three Explanatory Models

Abstract: This article explores three models of sexual harassment derived from previous research, court cases and legal defenses: the Natural/Biological Model, the Organizational Model, and the Sociocultural Model. Data from a large (N=20, 083) stratified random sample of the federal workforce are analyzed in relation to these models. No clear-cut support for any one model emerges, and the picture of sexual harassment painted by these data appears to be more complex and varied than earlier, self-selected samples initially suggested. The results are discussed in light of the difficulties of using large-scale survey techniques to investigate complex cultural phenomena, and suggestions are made for future research approaches that could complement survey techniques.

Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve | Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients

Abstract: The information in this report is critical to discussions about effective public policy responses needed to break the cycle of homelessness. As such, it provides an important baseline and foundation for future assessments of the nature and extent of homelessness. It also provides a valuable overview that will improve our understanding of the characteristics of homeless people who use services, the nature of homelessness, and how best to address it.

Differences among Homeless Single Women, Women with Children, and Single Men

Abstract: This article presents descriptive data for homeless single women and women with children, and contrasts it to parallel data for single homeless men. It explores demographic characteristics (race, age, marital status, household composition and education), length of current spells of homelessness and joblessness, income and income sources, history of personal problems (mental illness, chemical dependency, criminal justice involvement), patterns of utilization of soup kitchens and shelters, and diet adequacy. The data base for these comparisons is 1,704 in-person interviews from the first national study of homeless individuals that uses probability sampling, and therefore has the capacity to develop generalizations about a known universe of the homeless that transcends unique conditions in single cities. The study's population is homeless adults who use soup kitchens and shelters in U.S. cities of 100,000 or more. The results indicate that homeless single women, homeless women with children, and homeless men differ significantly on many variables, with implications for both the probable causes of their homelessness and preventive and ameliorative efforts.

In a Different Voice. Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Cambridge, MA (Harvard University Press) 1982.

Abstract: Introduction 1. Woman's Place in Man's Life Cycle 2. Images of Relationship 3. Concepts of Self and Morality 4. Crisis and Transition 5. Women's Rights and Women's Judgment 6. Visions of Maturity References Index of Study Participants General Index

Social dominance orientation: A personality variable predicting social and political attitudes.

Abstract: Social dominance orientation (SDO), one's degree of preference for inequality among social groups, is introduced. On the basis of social dominance theory, it is shown that (a) men are more social dominance-oriented than women, (b) high-SDO people seek hierarchy-enhancing professional roles and low-SDO people seek hierarchy-attenuating roles, (c) SDO was related to beliefs in a lag number of social and political ideologies that support group-based hierarchy (e.g., meritocracy and racism) and to support for policies that have implications for intergroup relations (e.g., war, civil rights, and social programs), including new policies. SDO was distinguished from interpersonal dominance, conservatism, and authoritarianism

The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: measuring the positive legacy of trauma.

Abstract: The development of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events, is described. This 21-item scale includes factors of New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life. Women tend to report more benefits than do men, and persons who have experienced traumatic events report more positive change than do persons who have not experienced extraordinary events. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is modestly related to optimism and extraversion. The scale appears to have utility in determining how successful individuals, coping with the aftermath of trauma, are in reconstructing or strengthening their perceptions of self, others, and the meaning of events.

Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence

Abstract: This article describes the concept of posttraumnatic growth, its conceptual founda tions, and supporting empirical evidence. Posttraumatic growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life cri ses. It is nmanifested in a variety of ways, including an increased appreciation for life in general, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, an increased sense ofpersonal strength, changed priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual life. Although the term is new, the idea thatgreatgood can comefrom great suffering is ancient. We pro pose a modelfor understanding the process ofposttraumatic growth in which individ ual characteristics, support and disclosure, and niore centrally, significant cognitive processing involving cognitive structures threatened or nullified by the trauniatic events, play an important role. It is also suggested that posttraumatic growth mutually interacts with life wisdom and the development of the life narrative, and that it is an on going process, not a static outcome.

Target Article: "Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence".

Abstract: This article describes the concept of posttraumatic growth, its conceptual foundations, and supporting empirical evidence. Posttraumatic growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises. It is manifested in a variety of ways, including an increased appreciation for life in general, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, an increased sense of personal strength, changed priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual life. Although the term is new, the idea that great good can come from great suffering is ancient. We propose a model for understanding the process of posttraumatic growth in which individual characteristics, support and disclosure, and more centrally, significant cognitive processing involving cognitive structures threatened or nullified by the traumatic events, play an important role. It is also suggested that posttraumatic growth mutually interacts with life wisdom and the development of the life narrative, and t...