David J. Kallen

As a clinical sociologist and sociological practitioner I am concerned with the uses of sociological knowledge, theory, and findings to bring about planned change. In my work I make use of survey research methods, participant observation, and other qualitative methods. I am reasonably expert with the uses of SPSS for the analysis of quantitative data, and with methods for the analysis of qualitative data. I am an expert editor of professional writings, and reviewer of grant applications.

Content interests include many aspects of adolescent behavior, with a particular focus on their sexual, contraceptive, and reproductive decision making, and in the ways in which changes in social norms and values affect such behavior. This is a subset of a more general interest in adolescent decision making processes. I am also concerned with how the social settings in which people work and live affects their behavior, and in ways in which changes in those settings can change behavior without the need to create individual psychological interventions. For example, it is frequently more effective to make changes in work organization to reduce stress than to involve individuals in programs which attempt to teach them how to deal with stress. As a clinical medical sociologist, I help pediatric residents and physicians to understand how patients' cultural and social backgrounds affect medical care, and hence how the caregiver can provide more appropriate care for the patient.

As a clinical sociologist, I feel there is a great need to build a clinical literature in sociology, and have made several contributions to this area, both in terms of my own writings, and as a former Editor of the "Clinical Sociology Review."

In addition, I am interested in assisted suicide, and particularly the changes in the social self which accompany some forms of disease which make assisted suicide an attractive option for some.

As an editor, I can work with publications for professional and lay audiences.

Academic Experience:
Board of Directors Association for the Study of Food and Society, 1987-present
Advisory Board, Marriage and Family Review, 1990-present
Vice President, 1986-92 Sociological Practice Association, President elect, Sociological Practice Association, 1993
President, Sociological Practice Association, 1994-1997
Editor, Clinical Sociology Review, 1985-1991

Certificate of Appreciation for contributions to Clinical Sociology awarded by the Sociological Practice Association, 1987;
Distinguished Career Award from the Section on Sociological Practice of the American Sociological Association, 1992

Business Experience:
Professional Consultant, helping individuals complete dissertations in the social and behavioral sciences

I am interested in working with small, mostly non-profit organizations, on program development and evaluation which is scientifically rigorous while meeting the time and budget requirements of the organization.