Digital Commons Network^™

Parenting One's Birth Child After Adoption Plans Dissolve, Elise Trujillo

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

I come to this work as someone who as a potential birth mother withdrew from an open adoption plan after giving birth. During my training as a clinical social worker, I have found little literature and research which speaks to the aftermath of the adoption process on the prospective birth parent. For the purpose of this thesis, I am interested in exploring the lasting impacts on birth mothers of creating and withdrawing from an adoption plan after giving birth. I hope through this thesis I will be able explore resources available to potential birth mothers and parents who sever their …

In Their Skin : A Discourse On The Modern Tattoo Experience For Adults Aged Thirty And Over, Margaret Feeney

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study was undertaken to determine what meaning individuals aged 30 and over with large scale tattoos place upon those tattoos. More specifically, to establish the motivating factors led these individuals to get tattooed, along with the meaning, if any, is placed upon them. Ten individuals aged 32-64 were interviewed regarding their tattoos. Half of the individuals were tattooed for the first time during adolescence. All individuals were interviewed regarding their motivations for getting tattooed as well as any meanings they place on specific pieces. The findings of the research showed the driving force behind getting tattooed to be …

Social Workers' Experiences Related To Online Dating : A Descriptive Study, Miriam B. Stevens

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This descriptive, mixed methods study was undertaken to explore social workers' experiences related to online dating. This study aimed to describe social workers' attitudes and approaches to online dating, determine the type and frequency of ethical and clinical issues that social workers may encounter in the course of online dating, learn how social workers are addressing these issues, and determine the extent to which there is a need for guidance and policies related to online dating as a social worker.

Using availability and snowball sampling, data was collected from 577 social workers and social work students using an online survey …

Does Degree Matter? : An Exploration Into The Stigmatization Of Mental Illness By Social Workers And Other Mental Health Professionals, Alexandria R. Huber

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quantitative descriptive study sought to explore any differences in stigmatization by social workers and other mental health professionals. The second research question explored whether mental health professionals felt their degree program actively challenged them to explore stigma towards those with mental illness. Fifty participants completed an anonymous online survey that included the Community Attitudes Towards Mental Illness scale, measuring stigma of mental illness. There were an additional four Likert scale questions exploring stigma of mental illness, and the participants perspectives of their education about stigma. The findings indicated that social workers had a lower mean score on the subscale …

We Were Treated Like Machines : Professionalism And Anti-Blackness In Social Work Agency Culture, Mark D. Davis

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study sought to answer two overarching research questions: (1) To what extent is there color-blind anti-Black bias in the way that professionalism is defined and enforced in social work agency culture? (2) What are exacerbating and ameliorating factors for this anti-Black bias? I developed a mixed-methods online questionnaire and recruited 246 participants via e-mail and Facebook. Participants were mostly White female social workers 18-39 years old, though the sample was disproportionately African American as compared with the general social worker population. When participants were asked if they perceived anti-Black bias in professionalism at their agencies, 42.7% answered yes …

"You Have To Know Whether Or Not You Can Really Compassionately Hold White Folks" : Perspectives Of Instructors On White Msw Student Engagement With Race And Racism Course Material, Eleanor H. Broh

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory thesis explores the perspectives of instructors of courses on race and racism in social work masters programs. It looks at how these instructors are teaching race and racism content and how White students in their classes engage with the content. In doing so, this study addresses a gap in the social work literature on pedagogy for race and racism, which often fails to address the particular dynamics of teaching this material to White students in the United States.

Through qualitative, semi-structured interviewed with eleven instructors, this project describes the many ways White students engage with this material, …

Experiences Of Multilingual Social Workers : Trauma Therapy In Spanish And English, Emily H. Aviles

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study examines the experiences of social workers engaging in multilingual—Spanish and English—therapy with individuals who speak both Spanish and English, identify as Latino/a, have a history of trauma, and identify as having a history (personal, familial) of immigration to the U.S. The study uses semi-structured interviews with 10 social workers to gather qualitative data about their experiences engaging in trauma therapy with individuals who identify as multilingual as well as Latino/a immigrants to the U.S. The project examines ways that multilingual clinicians process trauma with individuals in more than one language; paying attention to the ways clinicians think …

Exploring Military Social Worker's Dual Professional Identities, Sarah E. Bakst

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory study examines how active duty military social workers negotiate their dual roles as military officers and as social workers. This study used a demographic survey and semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions to interview twelve military social workers. The primary research question was "What are the experiences of active duty social workers in negotiating their dual professional identity as both social workers and military officers?" The major findings focus on the differences between military and civilian social work and implications for military social work practice. Recommendations include the need for workload management as well as education for …

Social Work And Human Sexuality : An Examination Of The Country's Top 25-Cwse Ranked Msw Curricula, Hannah R. Wineburg

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Graduate students of social work seek education and training to increase their competency to practice in dynamic, multicultural environments that allow them to help diverse clients with a multitude of mental health and sociological related issues. Moreover, social work programs have long been known for teaching students to be agents of change, in particular preparing social workers to effectively and ethically enhance the wellbeing and productivity of an increasingly diverse client base. This often translates into confronting oppressive systems that uphold traditional policies and practices in areas such as race, class, gender identity, and human sexuality. How are social work …

Client Perceptions On The Therapeutic Quality Of Care When Disclosing Spiritual And Religious Beliefs : A Mixed Methods Study, Maia Nikitovich

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The spiritual and religious life of clients is an important clinical factor in therapy; it holds significant meaning and may support therapeutic outcome. This study explored client perceptions of the quality of care they received in therapy when disclosing their spiritual/religious life to their therapists as well as the factors that might contribute to their perceptions of care and disclosure. A total of 75 respondents participated in an online survey tool composed of quantitative and qualitative questions. Qualitative responses were coded and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that most clients (73%) shared some or all of their …

Surviving The Divorce : The Power Of The Sibling Relationship, Jessica Hallberlin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Out of all family relationships, the sibling relationship remains the least studied. Due to the limited research on sibling relationships, the study aimed to provide a greater understanding of the importance of sibling relationships and the significant role that siblings may play in one another's lives when coping with the stressful effects of parental divorce. In this qualitative exploratory study, 14 adult sibling dyads were interviewed to explore the ways in which they helped one another deal with the effects of parental divorce. The three main themes that emerged from this study are (a) positive impact of sibling relationships on …

The Dyad Of Colleagues : Transferential Experiences Of Clinical Trainees With Their Personal Therapists And Its Impact On Practice, Aubrey J. Koch

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was conducted in pursuit of the answer to the following question: what is the experience of transference in the personal therapy of clinicians-in-training and how does this unique therapeutic relationship influence the practice of clinical trainees? This study utilized exploratory qualitative intensive interviews. Participants included individuals who were enrolled in a masters in social work (MSW), counseling, or clinical psychology program; participant had to have aspirations to be a therapist, voluntarily be in personal therapy, and reside in the United States. Questions were designed to draw from subjects their experiences of transference, specifically those that arose as a …

Altruism In Relationship To The Therapeutic Process : An Exploratory Study Of The Perspectives And Experiences Of Clinical Social Workers, Leslie M. Hammer

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

While engaging in altruism has been found to be therapeutic in many settings including mutual aid groups, there is a lack of empirical data regarding altruism in the context of clinical social work with individuals. Using qualitative methods, this study gathered perspectives on the current state of altruism in clinical social work, and inquired specifically about the use of altruism as a clinical tool. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 13 licensed clinical social workers. Participants varied in their perspectives about engaging in conversations about altruism with clients and the therapeutic use of participating in altruistic acts. Clinicians expressed being guided …

Trans Enough : Trans/Gender Identities And (Mis)Representation In Social Work, Christopher C. Hamann

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study critically examines the current discourse in social work on transgender individuals in an attempt to be a starting point for those seeking to gain a better understanding of the ways in which the profession has conceptualized and served this population over the last 25 years. Queer theory and critical discourse analysis were used to analyze a final sample of 30 social work articles that focus on the transgender subject. Analytical focus was aimed at the production and reproduction of social norms, particularly those that function through heteronormativity, as well as forces of power operating within the discourse. Through …

Exploring The Experience Of Biological Children Of Foster Parents : Their Views On Family As Adults, Jessica J. Studer

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Despite the fact that family foster care is a large part of the current child welfare system, little is known about the experience of biological children of foster parents. This qualitative research study analyzed the stories of ten adults who grew up in foster homes as biological children of foster parents from a family systems perspective. Common themes and areas for future research were identified. Participants identified and described diverse experiences in which both positive aspects as well as individual and family struggles . Participants described exposure to foster siblings behaviors and knowledge about their lives. Due to this exposure, …

Attractiveness Privilege : The Unearned Advantages Of Physical Attractivenesss, Kelsey P. Yonce

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

In this theoretical investigation, I explore level of physical attractiveness as a characteristic that privileges people who are more attractive and oppresses those who are less attractive. I discuss the concept of privilege, societal standards of physical attractiveness, and the ways in which people who are more physically attractive are treated and perceived more positively by others. To examine this phenomenon more deeply, I introduce the theoretical perspectives of intersectionality and conflict theory. Intersectionality refers to the idea that different areas of privilege and oppression interact with each other in ways that create unique experiences of privilege and oppression for …

Identity, Colonial Mentality, And Decolonizing The Mind : Exploring Narratives And Examining Mental Health Implications For Filipino Americans, Ashley M. Decena

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Colonial mentality is defined as the perception of ethnic and cultural inferiority and a form of internalized racial oppression. It is deemed a direct consequence of the Philippines' long history of colonialism. This empirical, qualitative study explored whether colonial mentality resonated with Filipino Americans who were born and raised in the United States. This study also investigated if and how the process of decolonization of the mind transpired within individuals. One way decolonization of the mind can be conceptualized is the process of understanding one's history to understand the present. Also examined was Filipino/Filipino American identity and how these perceptions …

Clinicians Behind The Curtain : Are White Smith Students Addressing Race And Racism, Why Or Why Not? If So, How?, Malcolm R. Pradia

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The literature confirms the importance of providing cross-cultural education and the development of cross-cultural skills for trainees entering clinical practice. In recognition of this, Smith College School for Social Work has a written commitment to anti-racism and as part of this commitment the college has developed a curriculum that addresses race and racism in clinical practice and the social work profession. Given this commitment, this study surveyed twelve white Smith College School for Social Work students to understand if white Smith students were addressing race and racism with clients of color in clinical practice, why or why not, and if …

All The World's A Stage And All The Men And Women Merely Players : The Use Of Performance In Therapy, T. Lee Shostack

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative exploratory study examined the use of performance and drama in clinical work with adults in the United States. Seven clinicians were interviewed about their training, work, techniques, clinical conditions they addressed, populations they worked with, and outcomes. All interviewees for this study were white and female. Clinicians shared their clinical experience and expertise. They discussed how they came to use performance in their clinical work. Many of the interviewees used performance with all clients with all clinical presenting issues. Clinicians also discussed the lack of training in these techniques in social work training programs. Clinicians all had training …

Social Workers Who Become Life Coaches : What Does The Social Work Field Have To Learn, Alexandra A. Jost

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory, qualitative study of social worker/coach practitioners elucidates themes about what motivates social workers to become coaches, how they integrate these roles in practice, and how this integration impacts their social work identity, adherence to professional ethics, and the types of clients they serve. The sample of 14 participants was recruited through professional listserves, social media, and a snowball technique. Key findings include that participants who integrated the role of coaching into their practices were able to connect more closely to a strengths-based and client-centered approach, feel more authentic and empowered, and make use of training in both disciplines …

Is Social Work The Work Of Love? : Love Practice And Queer Doing In The Process For Full Self-Determination, Sady K. Horn

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The 1915 National Conference of Charities and Corrections, during which Abraham Flexner stated that social work was not a profession because it lacked a "communicable technique", is understood as a historically significant event in social work history. Part of the discourse regarding the legacy of this conference has spoken to social work's struggle with comprehending the nature of its purpose and definition as a profession. In this thesis I explore the phenomenon of social work, understood as a profession, and how its professionalization may contribute to its struggle in developing a comprehensive practice method that makes its stated values of …

Hip-Hop As Healer : Black Males' Experience Of Hip-Hop Culture, Tawnee Sae-Saue

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study was developed to explore the experiences that Black men have of hip-hop and its potential healing function. Ten Black men were interviewed in the Los Angeles and Bay Area regarding their experiences as either practitioners or followers of hip-hop. Participants were asked to reflect on the role that hip-hop has played in their lives, hip-hop's effect on their racial identities and its impact on their emotions. All subjects described themselves as having a relationship with hip-hop that was, and continues to be, transformative. Participants described hip-hop as a chosen kinship and described the culture as having a …

A Queer-Positive Institution And Its Creation Of Gender-Competency In Social Workers : A Project Based On The Exploration Of Smith College School For Social Work Alumni, Haley M. Burton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quantitative study explored the inclusion of transgender specific curriculum provided at the Masters level at Smith College School for Social Work and the degree of competency and level of preparedness it provided graduates of the program. The chosen alumni population was reached through the alumni email network. This study utilized a curriculum survey created by previous researchers, as well as a transphobia scale to perform an attitudinal assessment. It was hypothesized that those who indicated receiving more education on issues specific to the transgender population would feel more competent and more prepared. An additional hypothesis was that those who …

The Natural Hair Transformation : A Journey Of Resilience And Resistance, Melissa H. Cranston-Bates

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The study sought to explore the self-identity motives, challenges, and rewards of the natural hair transformation experienced by Black women college students. Women in this study made the decision to stop the use of chemicals that alter the natural state of their hair. The study found that while many participants faced resistance and negative reactions from their families and individuals in their social circles, most described the natural hair transformation as one that was ultimately empowering across several categories of identity. At the same time, participants described immediate and lasting injuries, both physical and psychological, resulting from the use of …

The Experiences Of Clinical Social Workers In Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder In Children And Adolescents, Ashley Caroline Petitt

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a diagnosis that an increasing number of individuals under the age of 18 are being given, despite the fact that the DSM-IV has no description or criteria of what BD in this age group looks like. The purpose of this exploratory study was to look at the experiences of clinical social workers who have diagnosed BD in children and adolescents. To do so, eleven social workers who have a Master's of Social Work were interviewed using a standardized open-ended interview guide. The major findings of this study follow. Participants reported having diagnosed significantly more adolescents with …

Measuring The Cultural Competence Of Hospice Social Workers Using The Multicultural Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale-Racial Diversity Form, Revised Version For Use In Hospice Settings, Jessica Moore Begans

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Although about 40% of American deaths occur in hospice care, and although social workers are members of nearly all hospice teams, there is scant research on the cross-cultural practices and competence of hospice social workers. Before this study, no self-report cultural competence scale was available to measure the perceived cultural competence skills of hospice social workers. To address this issue, a validated cross-cultural competence scale, the Multicultural Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale – Racial Diversity (Sheu, 2005) was modified to reflect the functions of hospice social workers. The revised scale (Begans, 2011) was completed by 33 hospice social workers in a New …

The Lies That Bind : Heteronormative Constructions Of "Family" In Social Work Discourse, Cassie Maude Peterson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The social work profession has a long, enduring history and commitment to American families, and has often led the way in embracing alternative family arrangements. Gay and lesbian families are gaining more political visibility and lobbying for the rights and protections from which they were previously excluded. Therefore, this study is an analysis of social work's contemporary, defining representations of gay and lesbian families. Twelve, gay and lesbian "family" research studies were culled from the database, Social Work Abstracts, and subjected to queer discourse analysis in order to illuminate how these alternative family forms are being constructed within the discipline …

What Factors Deter Self-Identified White Anti-Racist Social Workers From Interrupting Acts Of Racism In Interpersonal Interactions, Mary Jane Panke

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Current National Association of Social Workers codes, mandates, and policies require members to work to end racism. Although there is a strong need for social workers to consistently act against racism there are times social workers choose not to interrupt racism in interpersonal interactions. This study was interested in learning how social workers understand their decisions not to act against racism to gain a better understanding of the barriers to interrupting racism. This information may assist social workers in meeting their personal and professional obligations to combat racism. Ten self-identified White anti-racist social workers were interviewed for this qualitative study. …

Sexual Attraction To Clients : Are Master Of Social Work Students Trained To Manage Such Feelings?, Jennifer Davis Begun

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory/descriptive study was undertaken to determine if master of social work students in a current field placement experienced sexual attraction to clients, and whether they felt adequately trained on the subject. The study also inquired about how the students handled their feelings of sexual attraction and whether they discussed them with their supervisor and/or fellow students. An email was sent out to the researcher's fellow social work students asking them to complete the qualitative and quantitative survey and to pass it along to others in master of social work programs. To be eligible, all survey respondents had to be …

The Relevance Of The Natural Environment To Social Work : A Comparison Of Fields That Consider The Natural Environment In Social Problems : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, John D. Ritchie

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Given the natural environment's importance to humans, this study was undertaken to understand how social work has considered the natural environment in approaching social problems compared to other fields that consider the natural environment. In addition, comparing literature from several fields, the author sought to evaluate the adequacy of social work's attention to the natural environment as the field analyzes and conceives solutions to social problems and carries out its mission. The study examined the gaps in social work literature regarding the natural environment. The author compared published literature from social work, psychology, environmental health and medicine, and environmentalism to …