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Caregiver Experiences Of A Therapeutic Nursery Program : An Exploratory Study, Jaimie Tyler
Caregiver Experiences Of A Therapeutic Nursery Program : An Exploratory Study, Jaimie Tyler
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to increase our understanding of caregiver experiences whose children use the services of early-intervention programs. The primary value of this study is a better understanding of caregiver perceptions of program aims (how they understand the program), program impact (what they feel or believe it has done/ is doing for them), and program relationships (how they view their family’s relationships with staff). The goal was to add to the limited body of literature on the therapeutic nursery programs by seeking to better understand overall caregiver perceptions and experiences of one such program located …
Exploration Into Pre-Clinicians' Views Of The Use Of Role-Play Games In Group Therapy With Adolescents, Sarah H. Flashman
Exploration Into Pre-Clinicians' Views Of The Use Of Role-Play Games In Group Therapy With Adolescents, Sarah H. Flashman
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study examines pre-clinicians' beliefs and experiences with adolescent group therapy and role-play games (RPGs) as therapeutic group treatment. Twelve pre-clinicians in a community mental health agency were asked about their thoughts and experiences of group therapy and the use of RPGs in adolescent group therapy. The larger themes found in this study were participants' experiences with group therapy, use of group therapy, and RPGs in adolescent group therapy. These results indicate that pre-clinicians rely heavily on experience, rather than research, when making clinical decisions. Furthermore, this study shows that pre-clinicians have little knowledge about RPGs, but view them …
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 …
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 …
"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 …
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 …
How Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youth Develop Positive Identities During Adolescence And Young Adulthood, Lauren E. Millerd
How Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youth Develop Positive Identities During Adolescence And Young Adulthood, Lauren E. Millerd
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study was designed to examine the ways in which gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents form positive identities, specifically in strength-based ways looking at factors of resilience. Twelve individuals, aged 22-28, were interviewed to give retrospective information about their adolescent development. By utilizing a semi-structured interview model for this study, the researcher was able to analyze the subjective findings utilizing thematic analysis. Significant findings include the influential nature of one's first disclosure of sexual orientation in the development of one's identity, and the positive impact that role models have for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth during adolescence.
"Eating Bitterness" : Mental Health Help-Seeking And Chinese International Students In The United States, Ran Huo
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative exploratory study examines how Chinese international students in the United States, aging from 18 to 30 years old, 1) perceive mental health help-seeking in China, 2) how they compare Chinese and American cultural views of help-seeking, and 3) how cross-cultural experiences may influence their understanding as well as their behavior related to mental health help-seeking. Twelve Chinese international students in Massachusetts and Rhode Island provided narratives through face-to-face interviews. Generally, there was reluctance among Chinese international students to identify their mental health needs, which was revealed from the examination of language use for mental health in Chinese. As …
Black Women's Natural Hair Care Communities : Social, Political, And Cultural Implications, Sarauna M. Moore
Black Women's Natural Hair Care Communities : Social, Political, And Cultural Implications, Sarauna M. Moore
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study was undertaken to explore the social, political, and cultural implications of Black women's participation in the natural hair care community. The narratives of ten women who participate in the online natural hair care community were used to explore how this participation may effect personal and cultural identity, ideas of beauty, and social and economic capital. Women were interviewed and asked 13 questions to elicit the personal experiences of women, and their thoughts on patterns in larger society. The findings suggest that women's interactions with the online natural hair care community is dynamic on both a personal and …
Implications For Best Practices In Post-Abortion Emotional Care : Perspectives Of Clinicians Who Have Provided Post-Abortion Emotional Care And Experienced Abortion Personally, Abigail L. Reider
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to explore the factors that contribute to emotional distress postabortion and interventions used to mitigate such distress. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 clinicians who had provided professional emotional care to women post-abortion and who had had one or more abortions themselves. Clinicians described their personal experiences with abortion and their process of healing from associated emotional distress, as well as the experiences of their patients and interventions that mitigated distress for their patients. Factors that protected against emotional distress post-abortion were explored, as were clinical practice issues that arose for participants in their professional roles. …
Raíces En Ambos Países : Voices Of Latino Immigrant Parents Raising U.S. Born Children In The Washington Metropolitan Area, Vanessa A. LeóN
Raíces En Ambos Países : Voices Of Latino Immigrant Parents Raising U.S. Born Children In The Washington Metropolitan Area, Vanessa A. LeóN
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The following qualitative study sought to explore the living and parenting experiences of Latino immigrant parents in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Snowball sampling, via an email to the researcher's family, friends and colleagues, was used to recruit a total of twelve individuals (female=8; male=4) for participation in the study. Participants ranged from 31 to 68 years of age and had immigrated to the United States from Peru (n=6), Colombia (n=2), El Salvador (n=2), Ecuador (n=1) and Uruguay (n=1). Data for the study was gathered during individual, semi-structured interviews between the researcher and participants, which were audio recorded, transcribed and manually …
Negotiating Our Membership : Factors Leading Latina Lesbians To Develop A Political Collective Identity, Susana Rodriguez
Negotiating Our Membership : Factors Leading Latina Lesbians To Develop A Political Collective Identity, Susana Rodriguez
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the factors that lead Latina lesbians to develop a politicized collective identity. Simon and Klandermans (2001) define a politicized collective identity as an intentional group membership where members are mindful and conscious of the power difference that exists between in-group members, out-group members and the larger society, as well as engage in social and political power struggles to achieve justice and equality for their group. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the differences between a social identity and a politicized collective identity and the factors influencing the evolution from the former into the latter. Finally, the …
Chinese American College Graduates In The Great Recession : An Exploratory Study, Rebecca D. Lee
Chinese American College Graduates In The Great Recession : An Exploratory Study, Rebecca D. Lee
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the ways in which the Great Recession has affected Chinese American, recent college graduates in their career development. The person-in-environment perspective of clinical social work was the foundation for this study: it was expected that the negative economic effects of the Great Recession have changed the occupational landscape for Chinese American recent college graduates, which has had an effect on their mental health and personal relationships. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and 12 individuals were interviewed regarding their career-related experiences after graduation. All participants identified as Chinese American and graduated …
Muslim Women In American And Hijab : A Study Of Empowerment, Feminist Identity, And Body Image, Anderson L. Beckmann
Muslim Women In American And Hijab : A Study Of Empowerment, Feminist Identity, And Body Image, Anderson L. Beckmann
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study examines how, if at all, the Islamic practice of hijab (veiling) empowers those women who practice and if it has any influence upon feminist identity and body image. This study is based upon the perspective of 12 adult Muslim American women living in North Carolina who practice a form of physical hijab on a daily basis. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique and interviewed in person by the researcher. Questions included, but were not limited to: do you feel empowered by the hijab why or why not? Do you identify as a feminist, why or …
Heterosexual Men In The United States Of America : Are The Oppressors Also Oppressed?, Shanta P. Cortez-Greig
Heterosexual Men In The United States Of America : Are The Oppressors Also Oppressed?, Shanta P. Cortez-Greig
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study examines the experiences of heterosexual men in the United States, exploring their disadvantages, in particular. The responses of the men studied showed that they did feel oppressed on some level, and/or that they perceived that heterosexual men they knew experienced oppression because of the social expectations for men. On their own accord, they also acknowledged their privileges and that it is great to be a man. The most salient forms of oppression discussed involved feelings of limitations in their authentic self-expression and disenfranchisement in unwed fathers. Research data were collected from a focus group of five men …
Sex Trafficking : An Exploration Of Clinician Perspectives Of The Type And Efficacy Of Treatment Interventions, Jennifer Kung
Sex Trafficking : An Exploration Of Clinician Perspectives Of The Type And Efficacy Of Treatment Interventions, Jennifer Kung
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study investigates clinician perspectives on the type of clinical interventions used in therapy with sex trafficking survivors. Due to the absence of systematic evaluation of mental health treatment for this population, the limited current research recommends interventions that are used for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This study's main research question is: what are the perspectives of clinicians who provide therapy for trafficking survivors on the type and usefulness of their treatment interventions? This study interviewed 11 clinicians who provided therapy for sex trafficking survivors. The major findings of this study show that the most commonly …
Identity, Colonial Mentality, And Decolonizing The Mind : Exploring Narratives And Examining Mental Health Implications For Filipino Americans, Ashley M. Decena
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 …
"Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" : The Cell Phone And The Therapeutic Relationship, Rachel C. Gordon
"Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" : The Cell Phone And The Therapeutic Relationship, Rachel C. Gordon
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study examines the impact of both clinician and client use of cell phone on the therapeutic relationship. Eighteen one-hour interviews were held with clinicians who either used cell phones as tools in their therapy practice or who had clients who used them. Different ways in which clinicians used cell phones as interventions and tools in therapy as well as the varied ways in which clients brought cell phones into therapy to discuss their own lives were examined. Open-ended questions included: affects on the real relationship, the working alliance, countertransference experience, talking on the phone, phone coaching, text messaging, …
Therapeutic Aspects Of Dance For Dancers Experiencing Life Adjustment Issues, Khanhsong V. Nguyen
Therapeutic Aspects Of Dance For Dancers Experiencing Life Adjustment Issues, Khanhsong V. Nguyen
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The following qualitative-interview based study explored the therapeutic benefits of dance training classes (i.e. ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, etcetera) as reported by dancers who are currently in individual talk-therapy for life adjustment issues. Life adjustment issues are defined as, but are not limited to, loss of job, divorce, marital conflict, and gender issues. Using thematic coding, the researcher found that all participants reported that dance was therapeutic and/or mentally healing for life adjustment issues of mood disturbance (anxiety and depression), low selfesteem, eating disorders, medical diagnosis, and problems in personal relationships. Participants also reported that dance provided physical benefits, …
Men In Social Work : A Qualitative Exploratory Study Of The Male Experience, James E. Flood
Men In Social Work : A Qualitative Exploratory Study Of The Male Experience, James E. Flood
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study examines male gender identity in social work. The purpose of this study was exploratory in nature and asked how men in social work construct and reflect on their male identity. The investigation is based on the perspectives of 12 male licensed social workers from across the country. Further, the study explores influences of male gender identity construction, the male experience in social work education and the male experience in social work practice. The most compelling findings were that while men tend to be the numerical minority in social work they still occupy more positions of privilege; that …
Who Does What? : Navigating Gender Roles In Early Parenthood, Annabel L. Lane
Who Does What? : Navigating Gender Roles In Early Parenthood, Annabel L. Lane
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores gender role dynamics between couples in early years of parenthood. Forty-nine individuals in heterosexual couple relationships participated in phone interviews where they described their experiences making decisions and resolving conflict with their partners about the division of family labor. The families in this study had participated in the Supporting Father Involvement Project in Alberta, Canada. Findings of this study confirm existing research that gender roles become more traditional among heterosexual couples after parenthood, with mothers carrying out the majority of household tasks. Participants described a complex and challenging set of internal and external factors that were …
College Bound : Factors That Influence First Generation College Student Process, Claudia Y. Hernandez
College Bound : Factors That Influence First Generation College Student Process, Claudia Y. Hernandez
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the biopsychosocial factors that influence first-generation Latino students in their decision to attend college, including individuals' demographic characteristics, and how first generation Latino college students cope with changes in their environment when away from home. The fact that only one in ten Latino adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a college degree (Brindis, Driscoll, Biggs, and Valderrama, 2002) is a staggering number that highlights part of the need for this study. Twelve first generation Latino College students residing in California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and New York participated in this research study. They …
Exploring The Selfie Phenomenon : The Idea Of Self-Preservation And Its Implications Among Young Women, Amy J. Nguyen
Exploring The Selfie Phenomenon : The Idea Of Self-Preservation And Its Implications Among Young Women, Amy J. Nguyen
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this study is to explore how female users identify the act of uploading selfies as an expression of external affirmation or as an act of empowerment in terms of redefining beauty standards that are reinforced in society. In addition, this study attempts to provide a foundation for understanding the selfie phenomenon and its relationship to perceived sense of self-worth in young women from the usage of Instagram. As the literature review indicates, there is a lack of research presented on the user's emotional state in relation to using Instagram. Thus, the most appropriate research design for this …
"I Know That I'M Strong" : Survivors Of Sexual Violence And Their Experiences With Pregnancy And Childbirth, Gretchen J. Davidson
"I Know That I'M Strong" : Survivors Of Sexual Violence And Their Experiences With Pregnancy And Childbirth, Gretchen J. Davidson
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain a deeper understanding of how women with a history of sexual violence experience pregnancy and childbirth. The study used semistructured phone interviews with eleven women to gather qualitative data about their experiences with pregnancy and childbirth and their reflections on the relationship between past sexual violence and childbearing. The findings suggest that most women experience negative effects of past sexual violence at some point in the childbearing year and that these effects manifest as emotional, physical, and relational trauma reactions. When these reactions occur women may have the opportunity to process …
Sex And Sexuality In Formerly Ultra-Orthodox Jews : Defining Sexual Health, Abigail R. Hurvitz-Prinz
Sex And Sexuality In Formerly Ultra-Orthodox Jews : Defining Sexual Health, Abigail R. Hurvitz-Prinz
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This is an exploratory, qualitative study of interviews with 11 individuals who selfidentify as formerly Ultra-Orthodox from the United States and Israel. It is an examination of the unique dynamics and difficulties faced by formerly Ultra-Orthodox Jews as they transition into the secular world, especially around sexual health. This thesis distills some of the specific ways in which formerly Ultra-Orthodox Jews understand their own sexuality, how they would define "healthy" and "unhealthy" sexuality, and what they thought of those experiences. This thesis offers guidance to practitioners so that they may better serve these clients with increased attunement to issues of …
How Service Learning Impacts Identity Formation And Social Responsibility In Emerging Adults, Paige M. Hustead
How Service Learning Impacts Identity Formation And Social Responsibility In Emerging Adults, Paige M. Hustead
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the impact of service learning experiences on identity formation and social responsibility in emerging adult college students. Utilizing purposeful convenience sampling, fourteen college students at a liberal arts college in the northeast were interviewed about their nonprofit volunteer experience. Study results indicated that service learning experience positively impacted the identity formation processes of participants by allowing for identity integration and continuity, exposure to idealized mentors in the field, space for reflection on professional identity, and a deeper understanding of social responsibility. This study has implications for clinical social workers because it offers in-depth insight into the …
Community Resilience In The Face Of Community Violence, Mary Kate Schmermund
Community Resilience In The Face Of Community Violence, Mary Kate Schmermund
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study was created to learn more about communities that are labeled as dangerous by external sources. This research explores how organizations and community groups in cities nationally ranked as violent cultivate resilience within the community. People who work in these cities completed an online survey answering qualitative and demographic questions. The study found that respondents portrayed their communities of work and resilience within those communities in complex ways offering increased insight into resilience at the mezzo level. Themes of community cohesion, organizational collaboration, and community violence were present in several responses. The research concludes that while violence is …
A Sense Of Pride Over My Size : A Qualitative Study Of Women Of Size Who Consider Themselves Body Positive, Ruth A. Salen
A Sense Of Pride Over My Size : A Qualitative Study Of Women Of Size Who Consider Themselves Body Positive, Ruth A. Salen
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative exploratory study investigated how women who self identify as a person of size and who have a positive body image developed their positive body identity. Through the process of a semi-structured interview, the study explored the personal experience of the participants from their youth into adulthood regarding the messages they received about their bodies and how they responded and resisted the impact of those messages. The theoretical underpinnings of this study were based on body objectification theory, stigma theory and feminist theory. Sixteen female participants participated in the study and shared what they believed contributed to their body …
The Impact Of Parental Narcissistic Traits On Self-Esteem In Adulthood, Brittany N. Bach
The Impact Of Parental Narcissistic Traits On Self-Esteem In Adulthood, Brittany N. Bach
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Very little research directly addresses the question of how a parent's narcissistic traits affect the development of their children into adulthood. In this qualitative study, 9 adults were interviewed to explore how they experienced the effects of a parent's narcissism, especially in relation to their understanding of their own self-esteem in adulthood. All 9 participants identified these parental traits as having an impact on their self-esteem, and nearly all of them (n=8) felt these experiences significantly affected their lives as adults. Many participants described needing external support or validation from others to feel competent or worthy, and some reported feeling …
Self-Care In The Practice Of Oncology Social Work : A Project Based Upon The Self-Care Practices Of Twelve Oncology Social Workers, Lindsay Cotter
Self-Care In The Practice Of Oncology Social Work : A Project Based Upon The Self-Care Practices Of Twelve Oncology Social Workers, Lindsay Cotter
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the ways in which oncology social workers employ self-care. Twelve oncology social workers throughout the nation were interviewed and their personal narratives addressed the role that self-care plays in a field with compassion fatigue, death and other intense emotional reactions to patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. A semi-structured interview explored why participants chose the field of oncology as well as self-care practices they found helpful throughout their careers. The interview guide also included a focus on the rewards and challenges of the work and how outlooks on life were impacted as a result …