Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 133

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Therapeutic Presence : An Exploration Of Buddhist Mindfulness, Winnicott And Neuroscience, Susan A. Shelby Sep 2014

Therapeutic Presence : An Exploration Of Buddhist Mindfulness, Winnicott And Neuroscience, Susan A. Shelby

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

There has been an explosion of interest in mindfulness within contemporary Western society and across diverse disciplines, including the mental health field with enthusiasm for the promise of how mindfulness enhances psychotherapy. It has been proposed that mindfulness training offers a tremendous resource for cultivating those desirable qualities present in a strong therapeutic relationship. In light of the importance of the therapeutic alliance and the promise of mindfulness, this theoretical thesis presents the nature of mindfulness from a Buddhist perspective and explores how mindfulness informs the therapeutic process and potentiates a clinician's therapeutic presence. The psychodynamic concepts of D.W. Winnicott …


Clinicians' Self-Disclosure Of Personal Experience With An Anxiety And/Or Mood Disorder, Emma M. Sando Sep 2014

Clinicians' Self-Disclosure Of Personal Experience With An Anxiety And/Or Mood Disorder, Emma M. Sando

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study used a mixed methods design to examine an emerging field of inquiry in selfdisclosure research, exploring the decisions clinicians make about the disclosure of their personal experiences with an anxiety and/or mood disorder to their clients. The researcher posited that this specific form of non-immediate disclosure might engender unique therapeutic benefits as well as particular ethical and professional dilemmas for practitioners. Forty-nine licensed, clinical social workers participated in an anonymous online survey with quantitative and qualitative components that inquired about their self-disclosure decisions, including the frequency of their disclosures, the types of information they revealed, their perception of …


The Exploration Of Young Adults' Online And Offline Interpersonal Relationships, Josselyn B. Sheer Sep 2014

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 …


Dance For Your Life! : Tangoflow!® Technique And Implications In The Treatment Of Trauma : A Mixed-Methods Empirical Study, Catherine A. Salmons Sep 2014

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™, …


Mortality Practices : How Clinical Social Workers Interact With Their Mortality Within Their Clinical And Professional Practice, Joseph K. Hovey Sep 2014

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 Sep 2014

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 …


Exploring The Experiences Of Internalized Racism For Multiracial Individuals : A Clinical Foundation For Social Work, Miranda M. Mckinley Jan 2014

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 …


An Exploration Of Romantic Adult Attachment, Marital Satisfaction And Parenting Stress In Couples Participating In The Supporting Father Involvement Program, Sarah T. Robins Jan 2014

An Exploration Of Romantic Adult Attachment, Marital Satisfaction And Parenting Stress In Couples Participating In The Supporting Father Involvement Program, Sarah T. Robins

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Over the years attachment theory and research have provided frameworks for understanding infant attachment and adult attachment. More recently, the phenomenon of romantic attachment between couples has been examined. The current mixed-methods study investigates the relationship between romantic adult attachment, marital satisfaction, and parenting stress in partners participating in the Supporting Father Involvement Program. Quantitative and qualitative results indicate that there is an association between adult attachment styles, marital satisfaction, and parenting stress. More specifically, fearful insecurities in mothers are associated with more parenting stress while secure attachments in mothers are connected to more satisfaction in the marital relationship. Fathers …


Black Women's Natural Hair Care Communities : Social, Political, And Cultural Implications, Sarauna M. Moore Jan 2014

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 …


Therapy Portrayal In The Media : Exploring How Viewing Scenes Of Therapy In Film And Television Affect A Person's Decision To Seek Therapy, Melissa E. Bayer Jan 2014

Therapy Portrayal In The Media : Exploring How Viewing Scenes Of Therapy In Film And Television Affect A Person's Decision To Seek Therapy, Melissa E. Bayer

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore how viewing media representation of therapy, expressly film and television, can affect a person's willingness to attend therapy. This study also explored a person's perceptions of media on their beliefs about therapy and what scenes of therapy and therapists impacted them. Our current society is saturated with media messages and this study looks to explore how the constant amount of media can influence us and affect our decisions, such as attending therapy. Scenes of therapy have long been portrayed in the media and frequently continue to be in the media. Fifty people …


Pet Ownership And Perceived Stress In Social Work Students And Clinicians, Karen E. Acheson Jan 2014

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 …


The Intergenerational Transmission Of Parenting Beliefs And The Impact Of The Supporting Father Involvement Program On Parenting Beliefs In Western Canada, Rachel H. Honig Jan 2014

The Intergenerational Transmission Of Parenting Beliefs And The Impact Of The Supporting Father Involvement Program On Parenting Beliefs In Western Canada, Rachel H. Honig

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research examined the intergenerational transmission of parenting beliefs and the impact of the Supporting Father Involvement (SFI) program on parenting beliefs of program participants. In phone interviews, 49 participants from Western Canada were asked about parenting beliefs they hold most dear from their own growing up experience, how these beliefs influence their parenting, and if SFI strengthened or changed their beliefs. All participants had previously participated in SFI, an intervention designed to strengthen parenting, co-parenting, and couple relationships. Results from this study found the intergenerational parenting beliefs of participants to be putting the family first, discipline, unconditional love and …


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 Jan 2014

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 …


Defining Suffering : African American Young Men And Conduct Disorder, Sascha D. Atkins-Loria Jan 2014

Defining Suffering : African American Young Men And Conduct Disorder, Sascha D. Atkins-Loria

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This paper will discuss the disproportionate overrepresentation of African American young men among those diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. Existing research attributes this disproportionality to a variety of factors but does not incorporate historical or social analysis. This project will endeavor to consider how the historical and enduring stereotype of black men as "criminal" impacts this diagnosing pattern, and explores alternate ways to define and treat behavioral symptomology among young black men. This paper will discuss how stereotypes as well as the fear of being stereotyped impact both client and clinician and affect their interaction, thereby influencing psychological assessment and diagnosis. …


Heterosexual Men In The United States Of America : Are The Oppressors Also Oppressed?, Shanta P. Cortez-Greig Jan 2014

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 …


What Do Clinicians Know About Human Sexuality After Leaving Graduate School?, Linzy K. Barnett Jan 2014

What Do Clinicians Know About Human Sexuality After Leaving Graduate School?, Linzy K. Barnett

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Clinicians are trained to address a variety of issues regarding their clients' mental health, but how well are professional counselors being trained to explore "alternative" sexual expressions, erotic (counter) transference, gender identities, and the enumerable ways clients can have concerns or issues with aspects of their sexuality? Within this study 15 clinicians were interviewed regarding their experiences within graduate school and the level to which they felt competent and prepared to discuss topics of sex, gender, and sexuality within a clinical context. Many of the participants described utilizing their personal life experiences, self-sought trainings, and individual reading choices as ways …


Youth Incarceration : Restorative Justice And Social Work Practice, Elissa N. Berlinger Jan 2014

Youth Incarceration : Restorative Justice And Social Work Practice, Elissa N. Berlinger

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This project examined the problem of juvenile crime and incarceration. I explored how two Criminal Justice theories—Attribution theory and Deterrence theory—support and explain the problem, and how two Social Work theories—Social Justice theory and Responsive Regulation theory—offer an alternative view and solution to the problem. I explained the principles and program models of Restorative Justice and strived to understand why there are so few Social Workers involved in Restorative Justice programs. Through this work, I addressed the following questions: with Restorative Justice carrying similar values as the Social Work profession, why are Social Workers not involved in Restorative Justice programs? …


Does Internalized Racism Affect The Mate Selection Process Of African American Men And Women?, Afrika N. Cotton Jan 2014

Does Internalized Racism Affect The Mate Selection Process Of African American Men And Women?, Afrika N. Cotton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The main objective of this study was to determine if internalized racism, which can be seen as self-stereotyping, colorism and low self-esteem, affects the mate selection process of African Americans who are pursing heterosexual relationships. A qualitative interview guide, that contained demographic questions and 23 open ended questions plus a set of picture questions, was administered to 15 African American men and women from the North and the South. Participants were interviewed to assess their responses about heterosexual mate selection within the African American community. The questionnaire contained culturally sensitive information to determine if internalized racism affects participants mate selection …


We Need A Good War : Factors That Influence The Experience Of Racism In The United States Military, Sarah E. Chotkowski Jan 2014

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. …


The Cultural Influences Which Motivate Countertransference For The Collectivist-Oriented Clinician Working With Clients In The United States, Janet Namono Jan 2014

The Cultural Influences Which Motivate Countertransference For The Collectivist-Oriented Clinician Working With Clients In The United States, Janet Namono

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis explores the phenomenon of the collectivist-oriented clinician and the cultural influences that motivate countertransference while working with clients in the United States. This project explores the cultural influence of difference in the cultural orientations of the clinician, and the clients' in two internship placements as contexts of the work in the United States. The cultural experiences in the dyad are related to differences in the issues of sense of self, differentiation, separation-individuation, autonomy, and self-determination. In particular, these influencing cultural differences are analyzed through structural drive theory and relational theory. Ethnocultural countertransference literature (Comas-Diaz and Jacobsen) informing …


Why Activists Seek Psychotherapy, Collin B. Lee Jan 2014

Why Activists Seek Psychotherapy, Collin B. Lee

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study aimed to identify reasons why people who identify as activists seek psychotherapy. The literature on social movements supports the claim that activists are highly motivated individuals who seek to create meaning through work to promote social change, and as a result are exposed to a complex array of social forces that are institutional and interpersonal. As a collective social behavior, involvement in social movements allows activists to develop strong relationships with others while also becoming exposed to the risks of conflict and disapproval of others. Given that these relational factors and the nature of their organizing work …


Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy : A Quantitative Study Of Intervention Effectiveness, Nakita Dziegielewski Jan 2014

Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy : A Quantitative Study Of Intervention Effectiveness, Nakita Dziegielewski

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study uses a quantitative lens to examine if Natural Lifemanship's ® Trauma- Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy ™ (TF-EAP) model is effective in reducing the psychological, emotional, and/or behavioral problems in youth with a trauma history. Secondary data was collected on behalf of Spirit Reins, the organization that implements Natural Lifemanship's ® TF-EAP ™ model, and used to determine the effectiveness of their traumainformed treatment intervention. Through a pre and post-test research design, data analysis was conducted on 40 youths' Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) total scores to determine intervention effectiveness. Findings suggest that Natural Lifemanship's ® TF-EAP …


Reaching The End : An Exploration Of Attachment And Existential Theory As A Path To Assist In The Dying Process, Jillian Debenedetto Jan 2014

Reaching The End : An Exploration Of Attachment And Existential Theory As A Path To Assist In The Dying Process, Jillian Debenedetto

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

In this exploration I will utilize the theory of Attachment as well as Existential Theory to assist in expounding upon available paths to assist elderly individuals in their journey at the end of life. I will present an overview of the two selected theories of Attachment as well as Existential Theory and argue that such approaches honor the venerable end stage of life. A discussion pertaining to these two theories will shed light on the question of how a clinician can seek to improve the quality of life for an individual during the end of life process and therefore assist …


Trauma, Criminalization, And Movements For Healing Justice : A Theoretical Study Of Relational Theory And Transformative Justice Interventions In The Treatment Of Juvenile Sexual Offending, Megan E. Shaughnessy-Mogill Jan 2014

Trauma, Criminalization, And Movements For Healing Justice : A Theoretical Study Of Relational Theory And Transformative Justice Interventions In The Treatment Of Juvenile Sexual Offending, Megan E. Shaughnessy-Mogill

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis explores the etiology and treatment of juvenile sexual offenders from the perspectives of psychoanalytic relational theory and the emerging grassroots theory of transformative justice, drawing together the often-disconnected spheres of the individual and the systemic in the study and treatment of child sexual abuse. This study traces the concepts of dissociation and reenactment to examine the role of unconscious traumatogenic phenomena and the apparent parallel process across the individual and systemic dimensions of juvenile sexual offending. Engaging two theories from outside the mainstream treatment model, this study asks what clinical understandings and treatment possibilities may be foreclosed …


Do You Even Lift Bro? : A Psychodynamic Feminist Analysis Of The Mental Health Benefits Of Weight Lifting For Women, Katharine H. Macshane Jan 2014

Do You Even Lift Bro? : A Psychodynamic Feminist Analysis Of The Mental Health Benefits Of Weight Lifting For Women, Katharine H. Macshane

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

No abstract provided.


Raíces En Ambos Países : Voices Of Latino Immigrant Parents Raising U.S. Born Children In The Washington Metropolitan Area, Vanessa A. LeóN Jan 2014

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 …


Trans Enough : Trans/Gender Identities And (Mis)Representation In Social Work, Christopher C. Hamann Jan 2014

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 …


Sex Abuse? : Just As Long As You're Not Gay : An Exploratory Study With Queer Adults On Childhood Sexual Traumatization, Kathleen A. Salmon Jan 2014

Sex Abuse? : Just As Long As You're Not Gay : An Exploratory Study With Queer Adults On Childhood Sexual Traumatization, Kathleen A. Salmon

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study engages with the experiences of queer adults following childhood sexual victimization (CSV), with particular attention to issues and situations that may implicate both their queer identity and history of CSV. These issues include possible messages that participants received about CSV and queer identities; the impact of CSV on coming out; resiliency and support systems; and, whether participants engaged with queer-affirmative resources or persons in the process of healing from CSV. Intersectional theory was applied in conceptualizing this study and analyzing data, as this theory puts particular attention on the ways that multiple social identities interact influencing one's …


Sibling Relationships : Growing Up With A Sibling Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Its Influence On Perceived Family Cohesion, Attachment And Current Life Satisfaction, Laura M. Nordone Jan 2014

Sibling Relationships : Growing Up With A Sibling Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Its Influence On Perceived Family Cohesion, Attachment And Current Life Satisfaction, Laura M. Nordone

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

When there is a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a family, the whole system is profoundly impacted. Little is known about the impact having a sibling with ASD has on the typically developing siblings within a family, as the research that exists on the topic has typically been conducted using parent-impressions of the sibling dyads, making it difficult to infer how the typically developing children themselves make meaning of their internal experiences (Petlas, Hastings, Nash, Hall, Joannidi, and Dowey, 2012; Tomney, et al., 2012). In a sample of 67 adult siblings of individuals with ASD, perceived attention in …


Exploring The Experience Of Biological Children Of Foster Parents : Their Views On Family As Adults, Jessica J. Studer Jan 2014

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, …