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Dance For Your Life! : Tangoflow!® Technique And Implications In The Treatment Of Trauma : A Mixed-Methods Empirical Study, Catherine A. Salmons
Dance For Your Life! : Tangoflow!® Technique And Implications In The Treatment Of Trauma : A Mixed-Methods Empirical Study, Catherine A. Salmons
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This thesis is a mixed-method, empirical study exploring the possible efficacy of TangoFlow!®—an original dance-conditioning technique based in Argentine tango, which I developed and trademarked in 2010—in reducing symptoms of trauma. Research employed both quantitative and qualitative measures to determine whether or not an eight-week intervention had any effect on type and severity of symptoms, as reported by participants. The sample (N=13) consisted of volunteer participants who self-identified as having a history of trauma. No specific information about their trauma history was solicited; rather, trauma symptoms were assessed through a pre-interview using a published testing instrument, the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2™, …
The Exploration Of Young Adults' Online And Offline Interpersonal Relationships, Josselyn B. Sheer
The Exploration Of Young Adults' Online And Offline Interpersonal Relationships, Josselyn B. Sheer
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The present study sought to learn about the ways in which young adults who are avid social networking site users (SNS) build and maintain interpersonal relationships given the ways in which social media shapes how young adults connect. This research explored how experiences via SNS such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tinder played a role in one's online and offline relationships. Inclusion criteria included being between the ages of 18 and 30, being an English speaker, logging onto SNS at least 10 times per day, and being able to speak in person or on the phone for one hour. With …
Mortality Practices : How Clinical Social Workers Interact With Their Mortality Within Their Clinical And Professional Practice, Joseph K. Hovey
Mortality Practices : How Clinical Social Workers Interact With Their Mortality Within Their Clinical And Professional Practice, Joseph K. Hovey
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This quasi-mixed methods, exploratory study examined the mortality practices of clinical social workers. The study sought to understand how clinical social workers interact with their mortality within their clinical and professional practice—whether they have discussions about their mortality with clients, what attitudes they have about disclosing potentially terminal illness to clients, and how clinical social workers prepare for the potential that they may die or become incapacitated during the process of practicing clinical work. While the literature provides robust support for at least some practices, few studies have examined actual practice implementation. The present study explored the attitudes and mortality …
What Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, And Queer (Lgbtq) Parents' Perceived Experience Of Inclusiveness In Their Child's Preschool Classroom?, Carla Haggard
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) parents are more visible now than ever before due to reduced stigma. Preschool is often children and family's first introduction to the school system and families outside of their social network. This mixed method research study examines the perceived experiences of inclusiveness or non-inclusiveness for LGBTQ families in their child's preschool classroom. This study presents data from 70 self-identified LGBTQ parents with a child who has been in preschool within the past year in the United States. Parents in this study often felt that their child's preschool was inclusive of their family structure …
Before And After : An Exploratory Study Of The Positive And Negative Effects Of Significant Weight Loss, Jo Ann Valle
Before And After : An Exploratory Study Of The Positive And Negative Effects Of Significant Weight Loss, Jo Ann Valle
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This mixed-methods exploratory study was undertaken to better understand both the positive and negative ways in which significant weight loss is experienced by people who have intentionally undertaken the process of weight loss. Ninety-two people completed an online survey which contained both quantitative and qualitative items. Four in-depth phone interviews were conducted with respondents who completed the online survey and contacted the researcher to offer further commentary. Survey respondents noted the amount of weight they had lost, the methods used and their reasons for deciding to lose weight. Other quantitative questions asked respondents to identify how dissatisfied with their bodies …
Exploring The Experiences Of Internalized Racism For Multiracial Individuals : A Clinical Foundation For Social Work, Miranda M. Mckinley
Exploring The Experiences Of Internalized Racism For Multiracial Individuals : A Clinical Foundation For Social Work, Miranda M. Mckinley
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative study is to give clinicians, researchers, and educator's insight into the multiracial experience. It is the hope of this study to give readers a greater understanding of the ways internalized racism manifest for multiracial individuals. The goal of the literature review is to illuminate past, current and potential further research, which would be useful tools for psychodynamic practice and clinical skill building for clinicians working with multiracial individuals. A total of ten selfidentified multiracial adults participated in this qualitative study that utilized semistructured open-ended questions. These questions were used to explore the unique experiences of …
From Sadomasochism To Bdsm : Rethinking Object Relations Theorizing Through Queer Theory And Sex-Positive Feminism, Simon Z. Weismantel
From Sadomasochism To Bdsm : Rethinking Object Relations Theorizing Through Queer Theory And Sex-Positive Feminism, Simon Z. Weismantel
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical thesis explores the phenomenon of BDSM. BDSM is a type of consensual erotic experience that covers a wide range of interactions between or among people. Referencing the compound acronym BDSM, these interactions encompass: bondage and discipline; dominance and submission; and sadism and masochism. This project investigates psychoanalytic conceptualizations of BDSM, often called sadomasochism in analytic literature. In particular, object relations theory conceptualizations of BDSM are explored. Object relations theorists have tended to identify sadomasochism as pathology. This thesis explores and uses queer theory and sex-positive feminism to analyze two important object relations authors' writings on sadomasochism (i.e., Otto …
We Need A Good War : Factors That Influence The Experience Of Racism In The United States Military, Sarah E. Chotkowski
We Need A Good War : Factors That Influence The Experience Of Racism In The United States Military, Sarah E. Chotkowski
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of the quantitative study was to explore the experience of racism in the United States military in the context of the historical evolution of racial integration policies. The present study aims to clarify how factors such as race, era of service, exposure to combat, rank and gender influence the experience of racism. A total of 112 veterans completed a survey online or in person through their local American Legion, VFW, or student center. The survey was a 22-item measure with six demographic questions and 14 Likert scale questions designed to solicit feedback about a wide range of experiences. …
Male College Veterans, Masculinity And Their Help Seeking Behaviors : A Thesis Based Upon A Sample Of Military-Veterans And Active Duty Personnel, Liam Lattrell
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study investigates the relevancy college experience has on masculinity amongst male US military personnel (active duty and veterans) and how this 'manliness' affects help seeking behaviors. Sample. 152 active duty male US military members and male veterans. Methods. Using quantitative survey instruments that measured masculinity and help seeking behaviors, I surveyed active duty military and veterans. I ran statistical tests to determine correlative factors related to masculinity and help seeking scores between participants with college experience and those without this experience. Additionally, I drafted open response questions and ran an analysis on this data comparing it to participants' quantitative …
Responding To Infant Sleep-Related Crying : A Theoretical Exploration Of Caregiver Response From Attachment And Object Relations Perspectives, Casey L. Zandoná
Responding To Infant Sleep-Related Crying : A Theoretical Exploration Of Caregiver Response From Attachment And Object Relations Perspectives, Casey L. Zandoná
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
How to respond to infant sleep-related crying is a ripe debate in much of the current parenting literature. This theoretical thesis explores how certain caregiver responses affect infants' psychological development. Particular attention is paid to the popular sleep-training technique—letting a baby "Cry It Out"—as there is an alarming lack of consideration within empirical and theoretical literature of the psychological impact of this parenting strategy on an infant. This thesis begins with an overview of current empirical research on infant sleep and crying behavior, and proceeds to include an in-depth look at attachment and object relations (mostly Winnicottian) theories, specifically in …
Feminist Identification In Heterosexual Encounters : Exploring The Relationship Betweeen Women's Personal Values And Their Experiences Of Verbal Sexual Coercion, Shawna M. Hershberger
Feminist Identification In Heterosexual Encounters : Exploring The Relationship Betweeen Women's Personal Values And Their Experiences Of Verbal Sexual Coercion, Shawna M. Hershberger
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Verbal Sexual Coercion by men is a common experience for young women that can lead to both physical and psychological harm (Byers and Glenn, 2012; Faulkner, Kolts and Hicks, 2008; Katz and Myhr, 2008). Clinicians who treat these young women may benefit from a deeper understanding of the role that personal values and beliefs about gender plays in the experiences of this common type of sexual coercion. The present study surveyed n=217 women between the ages of 21 to 30 about their gender role ideology, feminist identification and experiences of verbal sexual coercion to determine if there is a relationship …
Therapists' Experiences Treating Clients With Dissociative Identity Disorder, Alexandra E. Paull
Therapists' Experiences Treating Clients With Dissociative Identity Disorder, Alexandra E. Paull
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this exploratory study was to collect qualitative data to examine what social workers describe as their experience working with clients who fit the diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This study interviewed twelve licensed therapists through in person, phone, and skype interviews. These interviews explored the experience of their clinical work and its impact on them personally. Seven major themes were identified from coding the narrative data: the challenges and rewards of treatment, characteristics of the population, characteristics of the clinicians, treatment structure, what treating their first client with this disorder was like, misconceptions, and places current …
Exploring Clinicians' Use Of Evidence-Based Interventions That Treat Attachment Problems Between Children, Five Years Of Age And Under, And Their Primary Caregivers, Jean Faucher
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This exploratory quantitative study was an attempt to address the dearth of research regarding the use of attachment-focused evidence-based treatments (AF EBT) in the clinical setting. Thirty-eight Master’s level or higher licensed mental health clinicians who work with children that are five years old and under, as well as with their primary caregivers, were surveyed via an anonymous web based questionnaire. The survey explored clinicians’ level of awareness, training, use, adaptation, and perceived effectiveness regarding four AF EBTs, as well as potential barriers that may have impeded their use. The AF EBTs were Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-UP …
Clinical Perspectives On Etiology, Assessment, Formulation And Treatment Of Imaginary Companions In Adolescents With Attachment Trauma, Kathryn M. Collins
Clinical Perspectives On Etiology, Assessment, Formulation And Treatment Of Imaginary Companions In Adolescents With Attachment Trauma, Kathryn M. Collins
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study explored the phenomenon of imaginary companions as they present within the lives of adolescents with histories of attachment trauma. The phenomenon and is origins were explored through a review of developmental, psychoanalytic and trauma research. Theoretical perspectives of narrative therapy and Winnicottian object relations were then introduced as lenses through which to conceptualize assessment and formulation of the phenomenon, with careful consideration paid to the social context within which the phenomenon emerges. These theoretical perspectives were then applied to a discussion of assessment, formulation and treatment within a specific case example, written by Proskauer, Barsh and Johnson …
Spirituality, Community And Action : An Exploration Of Catholic Sisters In Social Work, Melissa L. Eells
Spirituality, Community And Action : An Exploration Of Catholic Sisters In Social Work, Melissa L. Eells
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explored how Catholic sisters who practice social work understand their experiences in both religious life and the field of social work. Sisters have made significant contributions to professional social services for centuries and have done so out of deep spiritual commitments; yet, modern sisters' experiences have not been examined by researchers as a source of knowledge about how spiritual belief and social work practice intersect and impact both individual growth and institutional action. A total of 12 Catholic sisters who had worked in social work settings across the U.S. participated in semi-structured interviews for this study about …
Identity And Cultural Competency : Critical Race And Postmodern Perspective, Nathan N. Orians
Identity And Cultural Competency : Critical Race And Postmodern Perspective, Nathan N. Orians
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical thesis explores how racism is unavoidable in social work because of the weight of systemic influences. It looks at how the use of cultural competency could be unethical, by using both critical race and postmodern theory. The use of critical race theory in thinking about cultural competency seems to allow for a passive acceptance of a system which has continued to be un-critical of its racist origins and assumptions. Furthermore the enacting of cultural competency through a postmodern view could at times be considered a micro aggression and as such unethical. This paper hopes that by acknowledging that …
Heavy Impact : The Experience Of Sustaining A Concussion As A College Athelete, Brittainy C. Johnson
Heavy Impact : The Experience Of Sustaining A Concussion As A College Athelete, Brittainy C. Johnson
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This exploratory study was undertaken to determine the extent to which college athletes access mental health services after sustaining concussions and their experience surrounding their recovery process. Using semi-structured interviews with college-level athletes, the study found that all nine participants were required to seek medical attention following their injury, while none were required or encouraged to seek mental health services such as counseling. Other emerging themes included the experience of Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms by all participants, the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for alternative methods of treatment, and the need for structure and support through the recovery process. …
"It Was Nice To Wake Up From That One" : An Exploratory Qualitative Content Analysis Of Vivid Dreams And Nightmares Reported By People Living With Hiv/Aids As Side Effects Of Efavirenz, Joel C. Coburn
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This is an exploratory, qualitative content analysis of 50 vivid dream and nightmare narratives posted to an online forum by people living with HIV/AIDS and taking the anti-HIV drug Efavirenz. It examines thematic connections among the dreams with consideration of how these themes might be linked to and reflective of complex subjective experiences of living with HIV/AIDS. This thesis demonstrates that the phenomenon of vivid dreams and nightmares as purported side effects of Efavirenz is of substantial interest to people living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it argues that vivid dreams and nightmares experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS and taking Efavirenz …
Application Of Somatic Interventions In Clinical Practice, Rebecca L. Rothberg
Application Of Somatic Interventions In Clinical Practice, Rebecca L. Rothberg
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study examined the extent to which and the ways in which somatic interventions are integrated into clinical mental health practice, and the thoughts, feelings and beliefs behind clinicians' decisions to integrate the body into mental health treatment. The study included twelve clinicians prepared at the master's level or higher who self-identified as having utilized at least one somatic intervention in thirty days prior to screening. Participants engaged in a 45-60 minute qualitative, semi-structured interview designed to elicit a greater understanding of how individuals conceptualize their use of the body in treatment based on their individual theoretical orientation, what somatic …
The Impact Of Texting On Committed Romantic Relationships, Danielle M. Maurer
The Impact Of Texting On Committed Romantic Relationships, Danielle M. Maurer
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The availability and affordability of mobile phones has increased dramatically in the last decade and continues to increase. Short-message service (texting), a popular feature of the mobile phone, has become a widely accepted phenomenon in today's society, and is beginning to dominate the landscape of interpersonal communication, used as a primary medium in romantic and sexual correspondence. There is minimal academic research focusing on the effects of texting on communication and social behavior within romantic relationships; research is lacking with regard to how mobile phone communication changes throughout the romantic relationships. The current study explores how texting practices are related …
Exploring Ways White Children Are Taught About Race And Racism, Angela M. Clark
Exploring Ways White Children Are Taught About Race And Racism, Angela M. Clark
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
In this theoretical study, I will explore ways White children are taught about race and racism, and ways this subject can be explored with White youth in therapeutic contexts. In the United States, racism continues to have a significant negative impact on the material and psychological experiences of people of color, limiting life chances while it is largely ignored by White individuals and White-dominated institutions. One factor that serves to maintain the existence and influence of racist systems is White people's ignorance of the degree to which racism is present in our institutions, dominant discourse and ideology, and in ourselves. …
The Intersection Of Religion And Spirituality In Clinical Practice : Bridging The Gap Between Outpatient Therapy And Pastoral Counseling : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Hartford Hospital, Institute Of Living Mental Health Center, Hartford, Connecticut, Susan A. Dimauro
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this study was to explore how the themes of religion and spirituality emerge in the clinical setting and how we can assess whether our current approach truly serves the needs of the clients. Recent literature has demonstrated an increasing exploration of these themes in research, while outcome analyses are slowly emerging. This suggests a tremendous opportunity to use scholarly work to bolster all working professionals in mental health who engage patients in discussions around potential religious or spiritual dimensions in their lives. Through the use of a focus group and two subsequent individual interviews, I wanted to …
Theorizing Anxiety : Psychodynamic Exploration Beyond The Medical Model, Daniel E. Weinbaum
Theorizing Anxiety : Psychodynamic Exploration Beyond The Medical Model, Daniel E. Weinbaum
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study explores the phenomenon of anxiety and how it has been understood, articulated and treated over time in psychoanalysis. Formulations of anxiety in classical theory, object relations, attachment, interpersonal, relational and trauma theory will be explored, offering a counterpoint to the current medical model in which anxiety is primarily understood as a symptom to be eradicated through medication and "evidence based" treatments. The study argues that anxiety only exists within a relational and systemic context, and that reducing anxiety to a set of discrete disorders requiring prescriptive treatment protocols often overlooks the complexity of individual experience and need …
Trans Enough : Trans/Gender Identities And (Mis)Representation In Social Work, Christopher C. Hamann
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 …
An Evaluation Of Clinical Interventions And Client Satisfaction In A Mandated Massachusetts Driver Alcohol Education Program : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Spectrum Health Systems, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Adesholla L. Gionet
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was carried out to evaluate the use of psycho-education as a clinical intervention with court-mandated, drunk, and under-the-influence (DUI) clients, as well as, those who operated a motor vehicle under-the-influence (OUI). Additionally, the study was designed to determine the extent of client-perceived satisfaction in a Massachusetts Alcohol Education program. Furthermore, the study intended to give clients a voice in expressing themselves about what elements of the program could benefit from improvement in order to assist in motivating court-mandated clients to make positive behavioral changes that will result in lower alcohol and substance-use related recidivism rates. A questionnaire was …
Exploring The Relationship Between Maternal Childhood Maltreatment History, Parent-Child Relations And Child Emotion Regulation, Chelsie D. Sampayan
Exploring The Relationship Between Maternal Childhood Maltreatment History, Parent-Child Relations And Child Emotion Regulation, Chelsie D. Sampayan
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Child maltreatment is an issue that has serious psychological and behavioral consequences in children now and in the future. This exploratory study used the developmental psychopathology framework to examine the relationships between maternal childhood maltreatment, parent-child relations, and child emotion regulation. I performed a secondary data analysis on 228 preschool-aged children (118 boys and 110 girls) and their biological mothers. Data was originally collected as part of a longitudinal study called the Child Regulation and Representation Project (CHiRRP). Mothers responded to a semi-structured interview, which was then coded for severity ratings of childhood physical abuse (CPA) and childhood sexual abuse …
Social And Academic Experiences Of Aagbm Who Graduate From Hbcus, Isaiah L. Jones
Social And Academic Experiences Of Aagbm Who Graduate From Hbcus, Isaiah L. Jones
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the social and academic experiences of African American gay and bisexual men (AAGBM) who graduated from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from 2008 – 2013; and strives to answer the question: What are the social and academic experience(s) of AAGBM who attended HBCUs? The study's specific aims were to describe: (1) How AAGBM describe their social and academic experiences, positively or negatively, on an HBCU campus; and (2) How HBCUs can help facilitate satisfying social and academic experiences for its AAGBM. These aims were addressed by asking seven open-ended questions to ten (10) AAGBM who …
For The Love Of Them : A Theoretical Study Of The Collective In The United States Military Through Freudian And Fornarian Theory, Sophia E. Slote
For The Love Of Them : A Theoretical Study Of The Collective In The United States Military Through Freudian And Fornarian Theory, Sophia E. Slote
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study examined the experience of the collective in the United States Military through a psychoanalytic psychosocial developmental framework, while drawing upon case material from War, Sebastian Junger's (2010) documentation of a U.S. platoon stationed in the Korangal Valley of Afghanistan. Freudian group theory was used to examine the strengthbased perspective of libidinal bonds developed in the military collective. Fornarian theory, rooted in the early Object-Relations school, was presented to critically examine the regressive qualities of collectivization in the military, characterized by the paranoid-schizoid position. This examination explored the potential impact of the collective experience on the individual service …
Origins Of Clinician Bias Against People Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder, Lindsay K. Heightman
Origins Of Clinician Bias Against People Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder, Lindsay K. Heightman
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
A growing body of literature confirms that bias exists and thrives in mental health settings among clinicians charged with the care of individuals who meet criteria for BPD as outlined in DSM V – TR and DSM V. This study explores the origins of such bias against individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Second, this study examines the various sources of learning that shape student clinicians' attitudes about people with a BPD diagnosis. Study participants, all students in Master's-level clinical social work programs, responded to an anonymous online survey wherein they were asked to reflect on their learning experiences …
Pet Ownership And Perceived Stress In Social Work Students And Clinicians, Karen E. Acheson
Pet Ownership And Perceived Stress In Social Work Students And Clinicians, Karen E. Acheson
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to determine if social work clinicians and students who owned pets had lower rates of perceived stress than those who did not own pets. Secondly, did an owner's level of attachment to their pet play a role in the benefits they might gain in stress reduction due to pet ownership. A survey was sent to social work clinicians and students which included the Perceived Stress Scale and Lexington Attachment to Pet Scale. Forty-nine individuals responded. The findings of the research showed that pet owners reported significantly lower stress when compared to non pet owners, and stress …