Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety: A Parent Education Workshop, Clarissa Aglaén Gallardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Anxiety has become one of the most common mental health disorders in young children, and it has been shown to have a significant impact on their development. Anxiety can make a child more susceptible to a number of negative effects, including a weakened immune system, developing “negative” habits such as nail biting, increased proneness to anger or crying, as well as difficulties in learning and retaining information. Conversely, when parents/caregivers can prevent or decrease anxiety in their children, children can better regulate their emotions, have more successful relationships, take more risks, and cope better with challenges. The purpose of this …

Black Pugilism: The First Act In Twentieth Century America, Angel Mario Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

When teaching about the twenty-first century in the United States of America, educators delve deeply into how the Jim Crow Era was but a new manifestation of a slave-era philosophy. As W.E.B. Du Bois states in his 1903 book The Souls of Black Folk, “the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line.” Inspiring pro-Jim Crow government officials and citizens to impose economic and political segregation on black citizens that, on paper, are “separate but equal” when infringing on their civil and human rights deliberately. Limiting the black individual to the status of second-class citizenship where …

Impact Of Subjective Cognitive Complaints On Mci Diagnostic Criteria In Alzheimer’S Disease, Rhiannon Rivas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative disease characterized by deficits in patient cognition. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as an intermediate stage between cognitively normal (CN) and dementia in which the individual experiences some impairment but can function independently. Gold standard MCI criteria requires a subjective cognitive complaint (SCC) in which a patient acknowledges a decline in cognitive ability, however past findings on its validity as a measure of objective impairment have been inconsistent. Biomarkers found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and indicative of neurodegeneration are also used to examine AD progression. Our study investigates if inclusion …

Development And Validation Of The Employee-Supervisor Attachment Scale, Johnny Doherty

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Attachment theory and its connection to the workplace, as well as leader-member exchange (LMX) research, is reviewed before discussing strategies used for developing and validating the Employee-Supervisor Attachment (E-SA) scale. Analyses focused on an internal and external validation strategy. Study 1 consisted of item revisions from the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short scale (ECR-S) and SME ratings to develop the E-SA scale as well as a preliminary Exploratory Factorial Analysis to verify factor structure. Likewise, Study 2 tested the retained items to confirm factor structure, within a new sample, before assessing regressions between E-SA and relevant outcome variables. Furthermore, this project …

The Impact Of Infant-Toddler Screen Time On Self-Regulation And Behavior Challenges: The Role Of Parenting Style And Socio-Economic Status, Tara O'Malley

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As young children are growing up in a digitally enmeshed world, there is growing concern about the developmental impacts of screen time. Given the importance of early rapid brain development, understanding the developmental outcomes of screen time in early childhood is critical. Current research suggests that excessive screen time may lead to delays in physical, cognitive, and language development. However, the impact of screen time on socio-emotional development among young children (0-5 years) is not well understood. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of screen time on social-emotional outcomes of 12-to-36-month-old children, specifically, the impact on self-regulation and behavior …

Grief, Depression, And Well-Being: The Role Of Social Support And Psychological Inflexibility, Ashley Wicochea

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Grief/bereavement is a normal emotional process that individuals experience upon the death of a loved one. Complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder results when grief becomes prolonged and associated with impairment in functioning (Howarth, 2011; Al-Gamal et al., 2018). Previous research has found a positive relationship between prolonged grief and depression. Moreover, research has found that the relationship between grief and depression was strongest under conditions of low peer support (Al-Gamal et al., 2018). Previous research on psychological inflexibility has found a positive relationship with grief and psychological distress, and a negative relationship with psychological well-being (Howell & Demuynck, 2021). …

Perceptions Of Interpersonal And Intrapersonal Gains Following A Therapeutically Applied Tabletop Role Play Game Group, Tyler Giatroudakis

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are group-based games which involve character creation and collaborative storytelling in an imagined setting, allowing participants to engage in problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction. While TTRPGs have recently been gaining traction, few have assessed the tandem of benefits that participants may gain simultaneously. This study examined the range of benefits for youth involved in therapeutically applied role-playing games (TARPGs), a novel intervention combining therapeutic concepts with TTRPGs. Participants were recruited from a nonprofit organization offering TARPG skill groups. A Qualtrics survey was used to assess participants' perceived gains from involvement. It was hypothesized that youth and …

Psychological Distress And Problematic Video Gaming: The Role Of Psychological Inflexibility And Emotion Dysregulation, Frank Nieblas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Our increasingly technology-driven society has seen a dramatic increase in reports of problematic video gaming. Emerging evidence suggests that psychological distress and avoidance lead to problematic internet use in psychologically vulnerable individuals (Burleigh et al., 2017; Rapinda et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2021). There is also evidence that this process is associated with psychological inflexibility and emotion dysregulation, which are two psychological mechanisms thought to be predictive of maladaptive coping. (Chou et al., 2017; Blasi et al., 2019). Although existing evidence points to a role of uncontrolled processes in maladaptive behavior, psychological mechanisms in which distressed individuals specifically develop …

Proactive, Perceptive, And Positive Parenting Of Adolescents: A Proposed Workshop, Marbella Oseguera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

During adolescence, teenagers develop new needs for autonomy, respect, and privacy, but parents can be unaware of adolescents’ developmental changes or struggle with adapting their parenting practices. Unawareness of teens’ needs or unwillingness to restructure the parent-adolescent relationship can lead to misunderstandings, pushback from teens, and increased parent-teen conflict. If parents are unable to resolve conflict appropriately through positive guidance, they are likely to engage in psychological control. Psychological control is a harmful practice that is used to manage adolescents’ behaviors and maintain authority within the parent-teen relationship. Extensive research has demonstrated the negative effects of psychological control on adolescents’ …

The San Bernardino Daily Sun And Local Reporting Of The Great War, Jeff Leblanc

History in the Making

The scope and ferocity of World War I (1914-1918) shocked the world. It was the first conflict that was reported to the public in near real-time, engrossing people around the world. This paper analyzes the reporting on World War I by a regional American newspaper in Southern California, from America’s initial debate about entering the war in early 1917 until the end of hostilities in 1918. This paper makes use of the newspaper articles printed by the San Bernardino Daily Sun to analyze and evaluate the substantive content and underlying purpose of news stories published by the Daily Sun during …

The Double-Edged Sword: Examining The Contradictory Nature Of Savak And The U.S.-Iran Cliency Relationship, Braedon Mcghee

History in the Making

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked the end of the diplomatic relationship between Iran and the United States. This relationship, cultivated by the United States throughout the Cold War, served the interests of the United States’ hegemonic quest to contain communism while also appealing to the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s political goals. This paper analyzes the complex and contradictory nature of the U.S.-Iran relationship during the reign of the Shah, specifically focusing on the role of the Shah’s brutal secret police force Sâzemân-e Ettelâ’ât va Amniat-e Kešvar (SAVAK), created, directed, and funded by the United States to consolidate …

Assessing Rural Northern California Foster Parent Recruitment Strategies, Ava M. Hagwood

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Purpose: This research proposal aims to better understand the effectiveness of current recruitment of Resource Family Approved (RFA) foster parents in a rural Northern California region. Approximately half of the foster youth at the selected research site were placed out of county due to a lack of available in-county privatized foster homes or RFA foster homes. By assessing the effectiveness of current recruitment rates, researchers identified effective future recruitment efforts. This understanding can lead to an increase in local foster homes and aid increased Family Reunification efforts.

Methods: The study partnered with a rural Northern California Resource Family Approval (RFA) …

Burning Out Of Time: The Relationship Between Future Time Perspective, Workaholism, Psychological Capital, Emotional Intelligence, And Burnout, Hira Ikram

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Time perspective refers to an individual’s perception of the passage of and remaining time in their life. The way individuals view their past, present, and future influences their behaviors and actions. Future time perspective (FTP) is one’s perception of time they have left in life. A short FTP refers to the perception that there is little time remaining in life, while a long FTP refers to the perception of a lot of time remaining in life. The current literature has found that unbalanced time perspective can lead to negative consequences, such as burnout and workaholism. Additionally, factors such as psychological …

The Effects Of Organizational Justice, Anneliese Yuenger

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The aim of the present study was to examine the perceptions of organizational justice on employee outcomes of work engagement, burnout, turnover intentions, and presenteeism. The study used survey data from 329 employees who worked over 30 hours per week in the last six months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 28 and Hayes PROCESS Macro to assess descriptive statistics, correlation, simple linear regression, and mediated path analyses. The results of the study found that perceptions of organizational justice (POJ) positively related to engagement. An inverse relationship was found for POJ, burnout, turnover intention, and presenteeism. Overall, engagement and burnout were …

Adverse Effects For Siblings Who Witness Child Abuse, Leslie Chaires

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research explores the adverse effects on the mental health of children who have witnessed child abuse on siblings or relatives and interventions that can help mitigate adverse effects. The adverse effects of being abused have continued to be studied by different fields, such as child development and social work, but the children not directly abused are the missing voice in the literature on child abuse and mental and behavioral health. Social workers frequently have contact with children who have been victims of abuse or have witnessed child abuse. Social workers and other mental health providers can bring further insight …

Authenticity, Support, And Identity Management In The Workplace For Transgender Employees, Raeven Jones

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Prior research has established the importance of understanding topics such as identity management and authenticity in the workplace for the lesbian, gay, and bisexual communities. However, minimal research has been conducted on the unique experiences of transgender employees. Studying identity management for transgender employees can help researchers understand concealment and disclosure behaviors, which can impact employee work experiences. Efforts can be made to promote authenticity through a supportive environment inside the workplace and by encouraging inclusivity at work. Through interviews with 10 participants, this study identified precursors to authenticity for transgender employees, explored the support factors that influence the work …

Examining The Obstacles In Rehoming The Homeless With Substance Use Addiction, Denise Ortuno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the obstacles in re-homing the homeless with substance use to provide an understanding of the issues and possible solutions through the lens of social work caseworkers. The method of research was interviewing caseworkers from a homeless shelter that works with the homeless population with substance use. The caseworkers were interviewed via Zoom by the researcher who provided them with questions pertaining to their work with said population. The caseworker’s answers were then coded for themes, and categorized. The results indicated that there is a need to foster trust with the homeless with substance use, in order …

Perceptions Of The Impact Of Parental Mental Health On Adult Children, Samantha Ann Gallo-Vargas, Queray Mcmihelk Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study sought to gain further understanding of the perceptions of parental mental illness on adult children. Previous research suggests that parental mental illness may create generational trauma that impacts children even into adulthood. This study used a qualitative, exploratory approach, including in-depth interviews with eight individuals who grew up with a parent or caretaker with a mental illness. The participants ranged from ages 18 to 45 and came from various cultural and socioeconomic statuses. The interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide that the researchers designed. The findings of this study suggest that most of the participants used their experience …

Examining Homelessness And Its Effects On Functioning Among Foster Care Alumni, Silvia Romero

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Purpose: Homelessness among foster youths is so dire that understanding the impacts of homeless among this population is imperative. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of homeless using a subsample from the Inland Empire and to examine the effects of homeless on their functioning in the following domains: understanding and communication, mobility (getting around), self-care, getting along with others, life activities (work/school), and participation in society. Methods: This descriptive study used a cross-sectional design to gather quantitative data to examine the frequency, duration, and effects of homelessness. Participants were former foster youth between the …

Don't Say Gay: How Laws Are Tools For Hate, Discrimination, And Violence, Christina Hartman

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

American society teaches the narrative that the law is preeminently fair and just. The law is not now and never has been a bulwark for the rights of the marginalized, voiceless, or those who remain powerless. Instead, states effectively wield law to alter the social meaning behind thought patterns and behavior—whether through the writing of new laws, passing of new laws, or the disregarding of current laws—to mobilize a large population to accept a group as different or other. Florida’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law is an example of that method aimed at the LGBTQ+ community and part of a …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership And Workplace Relationships On Employee Burnout And Their Correlation To Turnover Intention And Organizational Commitment, Teni Davoudian

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Organizations are built through the contributions of their employees, which is why when employees leave, organizations suffer a significant loss. This can be foreseen by an employee’s level of organizational commitment and burnout which contribute to turnover intention. Measures can be taken to reduce burnout through nurturing leadership and the development of healthy workplace relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine the respective relationship between transformational leadership and workplace relationships on turnover intention and organizational commitment with interest in the mediating role of employee burnout. Leadership has a strong influence on individuals and organizations. It largely contributes to …

Increasing Teacher Awareness Of Mental Health In Children, Sarah Alexis Cortes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health issues in school-aged children have become a larger issue especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Because children spend a large amount of time in a school setting, it is important to utilize teachers to assist in preventing, recognizing, and supporting mental health issues in their students. This can be difficult however, when many states throughout the United States of America, have little to no requirements for mental health training in both their credential programs and their school districts. This can leave teachers feeling less comfortable and lack an understanding of how to prevent, recognize, and support, student mental health …

Services For American Indian/Alaska Natives Foster Youth Victims Of Sexual Exploitation: The Social Worker’S Perspective, Maria Marquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study focused on child welfare workers and practitioners’ perceptions of Native American foster youth sex trafficked victim clients' most pressing needs. The research also sought to understand the perspectives of social workers and practitioners on services for the victimized youth. The study was conducted in a large urban county in Southern California, with social workers and practitioners that work with American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) foster youth in child protective services, clinical settings, and a tribal entity. The study adopted a post-positivism paradigm. The data was collected through interviews of individual social workers and practitioners servicing AI/AN youth in the …

How Does Having A Pet During The Coronavirus-19 Pandemic Among University Students Affect Anxiety And Depression, Sugey Gonzalez-Escobedo, Jessica Morales Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examined whether having a pet among university and college students is associated with anxiety and depression during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. A modified survey of a non-probability sample was conducted during a 5-month period during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. A total of 115 students voluntarily participated and completed the survey. In the midst of the pandemic, students were forced to isolate themselves in their homes. This isolation may have caused anxiety and depression in students. However, a furry companion could have alleviated any anxiety/depression symptoms they may have endured during this time. This research contributes to the literature in regard …

Attitudes Of Social Work Students On The Use Of Psychedelics As A Mental Health Treatment In Clinical Settings, Amanda Nickles

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Although psychedelic substances are currently categorized under federal law as a Schedule I controlled substance, there has recently been a renewed interest in the use of psychedelics to treat a number of mental health and substance use disorders. Research is garnering positive results in clinical trials, although much fear and stigma still surrounds psychedelic use. Future social workers’ presence in both macro level practices, advocating for mental health treatments and access to care, as well as their work in micro level clinically focused practices adds to their relevancy and legitimacy in advocating for potential policy changes on therapeutic psychedelic usage …

Examining Educators’ Perceptions And Preparedness On The Needs Of Undocumented Students, Imelda Duran Herrera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored educator perspectives on the needs that undocumented students have and perceived preparedness on supporting students in this population. This study arose from the need to further explore how prepared educators are to address the many barriers that undocumented students face in navigating school and their home lives. Using a mixed-methods research approach, this study gathered educator perceptions through quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews. Survey data used descriptive statistics to analyze demographic data and used statistical correlational analyses between variables to explore the question of educator’s perceptions of undocumented students’ needs and preparedness. Thematic analysis of gathered …

Social Work’S Role In Addressing Police Oppression: Social Workers’ Perspectives, Jess Husband

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and other marginalized identities experience constant oppression by the systems of policing. Based on the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers have an ethical responsibility to challenge social injustices. Because of the interactions between the two professions, social workers are in a unique position to engage in this social justice issue. Objective: This research study explored social workers’ perceptions of their ethical responsibilities in responding to oppressive policing. Methods: This concurrent nested mixed-method study gathered data from 12 participants. Participants were social workers within the state of Texas, recruited through …

How Stigma Impacts The Utilization Of Mental Health Services Among Young Adults' Within Three Different Ethnic Minority Communities, Ivette Garcia, Melissa E. Gomez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health is an important aspect of every individual’s life. However, regardless of its importance, mental health is a topic that does not get much recognition. It is often simply brushed under the rug and ignored. Consequently, individuals who have mental health diagnoses may or may not choose to seek the necessary assistance. This specifically seems to be the case among adolescents and young adults within various ethnic communities, which may be due to the stigma surrounding mental health in their communities. To illustrate, regardless of the high prevalence rate of mental health issues among the minority youth, many of …

The Barriers Direct Social Service Workers Face When Working With Incarcerated Youth, Elizabeth Padilla, Valerie Mercado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research examined the barriers direct social service workers face while working with incarcerated youth. Using an exploratory method with a qualitative approach. Researchers interviewed participants with experience in working with incarcerated youth and conducted interviews via Zoom. A purposive method was used and incorporated the snowball sampling technique and explored the barriers direct social service workers experience when working with families, probation, and the juvenile justice system. Data analysis identified three common themes: challenges in engaging families, lack of understanding between direct social service workers, probation, and their work, and challenges associated with collaboration between agencies. Limitations to this …

Placement Instability And Its Effects On The Mental Health Of Foster Youth, Tyra Turner, Shalynn Burton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the impacts of placement instability and how that can affect a foster youth’s mental health. There has been minimal research investigating this problem from the perspective of a social worker. This quantitative research explores the effects of placement instability and its impacts on the mental health of former foster youth. Former foster youth were randomly selected from various geographic locations to participate in a brief survey to evaluate their state of mental health. Participants were randomly selected across various social media platforms and were asked to complete questions on the K10 scale which is a …