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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Fibromyalgia : A Legacy Of Chronic Pain, Lisa Pauline. Smith
Fibromyalgia : A Legacy Of Chronic Pain, Lisa Pauline. Smith
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study explored the syndrome known as fibromyalgia (FMS), a chronic pain condition which is rife with controversy about its very origins and nature. This study examined FMS from a biopsychosocial perspective, taking up the question of the relationship between the body and mind and their respective roles in pain. FMS is elucidated using an eclectic approach, including concepts from drive theory, object relations, contemporary case studies, and trauma theory (including the role of the brain in pain with no known etiology). A biopsychosocial assessment of a hypothetical client is offered in an attempt to ground the various ideas …
Attachment In Older Adolescent Romantic Relationships, Whitney E. Young
Attachment In Older Adolescent Romantic Relationships, Whitney E. Young
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this exploratory/descriptive study was to explore the possible relationship between attachment styles of individuals in romantic relationships during older adolescents. The research question that guided this research is: Is there an association between the individual attachment style of each partner in a romantic relationship? A flexible methods approach of data collection, with a standardized data collection instrument was used to procure the necessary data for this independent research. The sample of this study was purposive and a snowball strategy was used in finding participants. The sample consisted of 19 couples (38 individuals); the inclusionary/exclusionary criteria for the …
Live Today : Transition From Patient To Long-Term Cancer Survivor, Lynn Ann. Mazur
Live Today : Transition From Patient To Long-Term Cancer Survivor, Lynn Ann. Mazur
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to examine the illness-related adjustment experiences of adults who have survived five years beyond the crisis and trauma of cancer diagnosis and the recommended medical treatment. The study explores the transition from being a cancer patient to becoming a long-term survivor. The study's purpose is to increase understanding of the growing population of long-term cancer survivors currently numbering more than 10 million in the US. This exploratory study involved 12 participants living in or near the Boston, Massachusetts area. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who were diagnosed at or after age 35, with a …
The Undercover Wounded Healer : The Role Of Personal Therapy In Being A Clinical Social Worker, Leanne Marie. Lemire
The Undercover Wounded Healer : The Role Of Personal Therapy In Being A Clinical Social Worker, Leanne Marie. Lemire
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explored therapists' perceptions of how their experiences in their own personal therapy related to their practice as a clinician. Utilizing interviews with 10 therapists who have prior experienced or who are currently engaged in their own personal therapy, this exploratory study examined clinicians' experiences ways in which their personal therapy affected their clinical practice. Specifically, the study also explored clinicians' reflections, while practicing, of their abilities to identify with their clients, their personal therapists, and their overall understanding of the therapeutic process between therapist and client, due to their participation in their own personal therapy. The study found …
Women's Perceptions Of Different Power Dynamics In Their Sexual Encounters With Both Women And Men, Genna Blaine Brodsky
Women's Perceptions Of Different Power Dynamics In Their Sexual Encounters With Both Women And Men, Genna Blaine Brodsky
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explored women's fluid sexuality by asking the following question: Do women who have had sexual encounters with both women and men experience different power dynamics based on their partners' gender? There was minimal literature devoted to this topic. Past research focused on gender differences within relationships, violence used as a resource of power in heterosexual and lesbian relationships, theory written on relational therapy, and articles on female sexual fluidity. Eleven women from San Francisco were interviewed to explore their thoughts and feelings on how they experienced different power dynamics during sexual encounters with women and men. The interviews …
Let's Talk About Sex : Sexual Education And Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Stephanie Grace Agnew
Let's Talk About Sex : Sexual Education And Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Stephanie Grace Agnew
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The study was undertaken to look at adolescents' experiences in school sexual education programs, to examine how abstinence only and comprehensive sexual education programs impact adolescent sexual behavior, and to explore whether there is a correlation between adolescents' sexual behavior and their satisfaction with their sexual health education. This study also set out to examine where adolescents turn for more comprehensive sexual health information when they are not satisfied with what they are receiving in school. This study surveyed 56 college freshmen about their middle school and high school sexual education experiences and their attitudes toward sexual health. Participants provided …
A Homicide In The Family : The Dual Perspective Of Mothers' Experience Parenting And Use Of Community Resources And Community Providers' Report On Services Utilized By Mothers And Their Children, Leah Elizabeth Berkowitz
A Homicide In The Family : The Dual Perspective Of Mothers' Experience Parenting And Use Of Community Resources And Community Providers' Report On Services Utilized By Mothers And Their Children, Leah Elizabeth Berkowitz
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This research study was conducted to clarify the impact of the experienced homicide of a family member on mothering, post-homicide. Data was gathered regarding mothers' use and perception of community support services and providers' perception of the efficacy of those services currently available to surviving family members. Potential alternatives to already-existing services and modes of delivering these services to families impacted by violence were explored. In this dual-perspective flexible methods study, seven mother-participants and four community providers – comprised of three victim/witness advocates, who currently work in Massachusetts Court-based District Attorney's offices and one licensed independent clinical social worker, who …
Couples' Decision-Making Processes : First-Time Parenthood In Dual-Career Partnerships, Amelia Fern Hube
Couples' Decision-Making Processes : First-Time Parenthood In Dual-Career Partnerships, Amelia Fern Hube
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Dual-career couples are increasingly becoming the norm in society, and for these couples experiencing first-time parenthood, having been raised in a world of stay-at-home mothers and breadwinning dads, the decisions for how to manage childcare and career choices can be challenging. This qualitative study was undertaken to explore the question, "What are the experiences of couples in dual-career partnerships as they approach the birth of a first child?" Twelve partnered, first-time parents were asked a series of questions about their experiences with their partners, families and work environments as they navigated choices related to careers and childcare. Participant narratives revealed …
Are We Attracted To Romantic Partners Who Tend To Resemble Our Caregivers?, Rebecca Kohrman Kohrman
Are We Attracted To Romantic Partners Who Tend To Resemble Our Caregivers?, Rebecca Kohrman Kohrman
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to explore the phenomenon of romantic attraction. It sought to explore the degree of which imago theory (Hendrix, 1988) may pertain to people's choices of romantic partners and asked the following research question: Are we attracted to romantic partners who tend to resemble our early caregivers? Twelve participants were interviewed as part of this qualitative study, which included three men and nine women. At the time of the study participants ranged in age from 20-57 years old and were all in a heterosexual relationship ranging from seven months to 21 years. The findings of this study …
Nowhere To Nap : How Service Providers And Homeless Adult Males View The Influence Criminalizing Survival Activities Has On Support Service Use, An Exploratory Study, Brion Inness. Phipps
Nowhere To Nap : How Service Providers And Homeless Adult Males View The Influence Criminalizing Survival Activities Has On Support Service Use, An Exploratory Study, Brion Inness. Phipps
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores how service providers and homeless adult males view the influence criminalizing survival activities has on support service use. Six homeless adult males and five service providers were interviewed for the study. Participant narratives revealed the complexity and uniqueness of homeless experiences. The major findings revealed that homeless individuals do not directly acknowledge the impact criminalizing homeless survival activities has on support service use. On the other hand, service providers were not in agreement about the impact of criminalizing survival activities. While some providers felt the impact was severe, others felt it had no affect on homeless …
Christianity, Familial Acceptance, And Current Spirituality Among Lgb Individuals : Blessed Be The Tie That Binds?, Megan Elaine Browning
Christianity, Familial Acceptance, And Current Spirituality Among Lgb Individuals : Blessed Be The Tie That Binds?, Megan Elaine Browning
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explores LGB individuals' perceptions about how acceptance by their Christian families of origin has impacted their current religiosity and/or spirituality. A qualitative semi structured interview with a demographic survey was conducted with fifteen self-identified LGB individuals who were raised in a variety of Christian households in the Southern United States. The participants were selected through a snowball sampling method and were representative of the surrounding metropolitan area. The methodology allowed for the study to be flexible and inclusive of people from diverse religious, spiritual, sexual, and cultural backgrounds. The participants discussed receiving messages as children from their church …
Adaptation, Positive Learning, And Methods Of Coping In Women With Congenital And Acquired Facial Differences, Fusang Carly Yin
Adaptation, Positive Learning, And Methods Of Coping In Women With Congenital And Acquired Facial Differences, Fusang Carly Yin
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explored women with facial differences and the various adaptive pathways and positive coping mechanisms that have developed in order to handle social challenges. Currently, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about this underrepresented population, making it necessary to examine women's personal reflections and perspectives as well as their strengths. Fourteen women between the ages of 18-50 with congenital or acquired facial differences (13 congenital; 1 acquired) participated in this exploratory study. Participants were recruited based on availability and snowball sampling, along with help from the director of a non-profit facial differences organization. Participants also had to …
"I'M Not Afraid Of Storms For I'M Learning To Sail My Ship", Claire Marie Arbour
"I'M Not Afraid Of Storms For I'M Learning To Sail My Ship", Claire Marie Arbour
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This mixed methods study explores psychological resiliency, social support and community development in adolescent girls who completed an adventure program at sea (Tall Ship Semester for Girls or TSSG). Individuals from two graduating classes, 2005 and 2006, responded to an online Resiliency Scale survey and participated in an in-person interview. Thirteen individuals responded to the survey (2005 n=7, 2006 n=6). Thirteen individuals participated in an interview (2005 n=7, 2006 n=6). Eight participants completed both survey and interview. Five participants completed only the survey and five completed only the interview. Participants in the study are female adolescents, ages 17 years to …
Latina Mothers : An Exploratory Study On Their Attachment With Their Children, Patricia Becerra
Latina Mothers : An Exploratory Study On Their Attachment With Their Children, Patricia Becerra
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This research study was conducted as a strategy in learning more about Latino culture, specifically how Latino culture influences a mother's attachment to her child. In this study I will operationally define "Latina" as an immigrant mother who was born in Mexico, Central America, or South America or who has at least one parent that is Latino/a. This researcher found that there is a gap in the literature about attachment in Latino families. This study aimed to uncover the meaning of attachment in Latino families and conceptualize its meaning when compared to predominant "white" culture style of attachment. Research on …
Suicide Postvention : How Can We Improve Existing Models?, Seana Carmean
Suicide Postvention : How Can We Improve Existing Models?, Seana Carmean
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of suicide postvention approaches used with suicide survivors, who are defined as the families, partners and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. The goal was to determine the experience of postvention support for survivors through their own voice, and then to use the findings to develop a proposal for a National Suicide Postvention Plan to better meet the stated needs of this disenfranchised population. Twelve male and female survivors from around Massachusetts were interviewed using an open-ended question format to encourage the description of their own postvention experience. The …
Predictors And Prevention Strategies For Homelessness Among Women Veterans, Angela Sue Casper
Predictors And Prevention Strategies For Homelessness Among Women Veterans, Angela Sue Casper
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study was undertaken to explore the experience of women in the military and to gain an understanding of military women's vulnerability to homelessness and their service needs. A study conducted by Gamache, et al. (2003) established that women veterans did show a higher instance of homelessness than non-veteran women. This study includes an exploration of trauma theory and approaches for treatment of homelessness to develop a better understanding of an effective model to treat homelessness within women veterans. Knowledge about effective treatment of combat trauma and homelessness in male veterans and trauma and homelessness among women is used …
Putting The Body Back In Social Work : How Social Workers Experience And Differ In Levels Of Personal Body Awareness, Lauren Nancarrow Clarke
Putting The Body Back In Social Work : How Social Workers Experience And Differ In Levels Of Personal Body Awareness, Lauren Nancarrow Clarke
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to determine whether or not and if so, to what degree social workers are aware of their personal body awareness in sessions with clients. The corollary question was whether or not those with higher reported body awareness would have similar socio-demographic indicators, environmental factors, or clientele to each other. Based on current literature, it was hypothesized that social workers in general would report a low body awareness and those reporting a higher body awareness would have similar correlates of individual factors. Smith School for Social Work graduates and current students were solicited for participation in an …
Art And The Clinical Social Worker, Lucy Goldstein
Art And The Clinical Social Worker, Lucy Goldstein
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The current social work literature implores clinicians to create self-care practices to help reduce their levels of occupational stress. Literature from a variety of fields points to the healing capabilities of the art making process, yet there is a dearth of empirical evidence linking the two. This study examines whether self-directed art making can reduce stress for the clinical social worker. Ten clinical social workers who make art either as a hobby or as a dual career were interviewed to determine how their art making practice impacts their clinical work and whether or not art making reduces their occupational stress …
Uncovering Oppression Within The Anti-Rape Movement : The Role Of Race In The Reporting Experiences Of Adult Black Female Rape Survivors, Amy Rebecca Hochberg
Uncovering Oppression Within The Anti-Rape Movement : The Role Of Race In The Reporting Experiences Of Adult Black Female Rape Survivors, Amy Rebecca Hochberg
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study sought to explore how the oppressions of race and gender intersect within the experiences of Black female survivors in the anti-rape movement, specifically in the experience of reporting rape. The experiences of twelve helping professionals, who work with Black female survivors, were collected to determine the prevalence of discrimination within the anti-rape movement and to examine how anti-oppression training could improve services for survivors of sexual violence. The first-hand experience of one survivor further enhanced an understanding of how discrimination affects the reporting experiences of rape survivors. Thirteen individual interviews were conducted with one survivor, seven helping professionals …
How Non-Disabled Children Respond To A Sibling With Disability? : The Challenges They May Or May Not Haved Faced, Dawn Leona. King
How Non-Disabled Children Respond To A Sibling With Disability? : The Challenges They May Or May Not Haved Faced, Dawn Leona. King
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this study was to explore how non-disabled siblings respond to their siblings with disabilities. My focus was the ways in which growing up with a sibling with a disability impacts the life of the non-disabled person. This study illuminated this perspective by an examination of the experiences, needs, pressures, advantages, and coping mechanisms of non-disabled siblings in families with disabled children. In my qualitative study I used (flexible method), open ended questions, to interview adult non-disabled individuals who grew up with a disabled sibling. The study explored the dynamics between the siblings and between the parents and …
A Nation Divided : An Exploration Of National Identity And Immigration Through Analysis Of Naturalized Mexican And Non-Hispanic White Citizen's Attitudes Toward Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Mekhala Miriam. Koshy
A Nation Divided : An Exploration Of National Identity And Immigration Through Analysis Of Naturalized Mexican And Non-Hispanic White Citizen's Attitudes Toward Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Mekhala Miriam. Koshy
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study sought to understand the intersection of citizenship status and national identity as factors impacting perceptions of undocumented immigration in the U.S. Increased national identity is proposed to coincide with low levels of support and more negative associations with undocumented immigration. An additional hypothesis asserts immigrants and non-immigrants alike will illustrate parallel attitudes, though the naturalized group will retain more positive attitudes towards the impact and future of U.S. immigration. The current research was undertaken to illustrate how immigrants are compelled towards native-cultural distancing to gain access to privileges afforded to adherents to Anglo practices deemed as 'American' culture. …
The Integration Of Exercise As An Adjunct Treatment For Depression By Clinical Social Workers In Massachusetts : A Study Designed To Expand The Practice Of Area Social Workers, Thomas Lawrence Lusignan
The Integration Of Exercise As An Adjunct Treatment For Depression By Clinical Social Workers In Massachusetts : A Study Designed To Expand The Practice Of Area Social Workers, Thomas Lawrence Lusignan
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this study is to explore the practice of clinical social workers utilizing exercise as an adjunct treatment to psychotherapy for major depression. A significant motivation in undertaking this study for the researcher was the limited attention to the effectiveness of exercise as an intervention in the treatment of depression by clinical social workers. While there is significant literature on the value of exercise in maintaining and improving physical and mental health of exercisers, there is a scarcity of material relating to the perspectives, experiences and practices of clinical social workers who are integrating exercise into treatment of …
An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personal Ideal(S) Of Female Beauty, Self Perception(S) Of Female Beauty, And Self Esteem In Women, Megan S. Lynch
An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personal Ideal(S) Of Female Beauty, Self Perception(S) Of Female Beauty, And Self Esteem In Women, Megan S. Lynch
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explored the relationship between personal ideals of female beauty, the self perceptions of female beauty, and self esteem in adult women. Most studies that have been conducted on this topic have been quantitative and used college age samples that are still in the process of transitioning into adulthood. The sample for this study consisted of twelve adult women between the ages of 24 and 39. Participants were asked a series of structured demographic background questions followed by more semi-structured and open-ended questions that explored their ideals of female beauty. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (a standardized self-esteem inventory) …
Undocumented Latino Immigrants' Opinions On Seeking Counseling From Non-Latino Clinicians And Their Views Of What Would Constitute Culturally Competent Services, Maria Angelica. Mccoy
Undocumented Latino Immigrants' Opinions On Seeking Counseling From Non-Latino Clinicians And Their Views Of What Would Constitute Culturally Competent Services, Maria Angelica. Mccoy
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to allow Latino immigrants who have lived undocumented in the U.S. and never received mental health services, describe their experiences in the U.S. and views of mental health services to an audience of mental health providers. Six men were interviewed individually. In addition to demographic questions, they were asked about their daily experience of being undocumented, how they related to non-Latinos, where they normally turned for emotional support, whether they would seek mental health services from a Latino or non-Latino clinician and what advice they would give the clinician regarding how to best help them. The …
From The Perspectives Of Both : The Impact Of The Therapist's Job On The Relationship Between Therapists And Their Partners, Linda S. Mcginnis
From The Perspectives Of Both : The Impact Of The Therapist's Job On The Relationship Between Therapists And Their Partners, Linda S. Mcginnis
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was done in order to examine, from the perspectives of therapists and their partners, the impact of the therapist's job on the couple's relationship. Each participant was encouraged to offer examples of both positive and negative experiences in their relationship and how they believed these experiences were affected – if at all – by the mind-set and/or skill-set of the therapist. Twelve participants were interviewed: six therapists and their partners. The major findings were that most of the participants believed that the therapists' use self-reflection during times of conflict had a positive impact on the relationship. The extended …
Transcending Culture : The Universality Of Grief, Kelly Diane Meade
Transcending Culture : The Universality Of Grief, Kelly Diane Meade
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explored how culture influences the grieving process. This study was undertaken in part to expand on the limited research on this topic. Some of the literature, including various studies, indicates that social context affects the experience and expression of grief (Catlin, 1992). Twelve individuals who had lost their "loved ones," defined by the researcher as a significant other, family member or close friend, at least two years but not longer than five years ago were interviewed for this study. Participation included answering questions regarding their experience of grief and various factors that influenced their grieving process. The results …
El Ser A TravéS De Las Fronteras Y El Tiempo: The Experience Of Mexican Immigrant Women And Their Sense Of Self, Nidia A. Ponce
El Ser A TravéS De Las Fronteras Y El Tiempo: The Experience Of Mexican Immigrant Women And Their Sense Of Self, Nidia A. Ponce
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study investigates immigration as a defining event in the experiences of Mexican undocumented immigrant women. Specifically, the line of inquiry is guided by one main research question: How do individuals subjectively perceive their immigration experiences as shaping their sense of self? The study reviews a wide range of psychosocial literature on identity definitions, historical views of identity, models of identity development, immigration, biculturalism and the effect of international relocation on identity. Furthermore, the circumstances and reasons for leaving one's country of origin are diverse and complex for every immigrant. This study provides some understanding of a few general …
Drawing The Line : An Exploration Of Otto Kernberg And Marsha Linehan's Understanding Of Borderline Personality Disorder, Lili. Schwan-Rosenwald
Drawing The Line : An Exploration Of Otto Kernberg And Marsha Linehan's Understanding Of Borderline Personality Disorder, Lili. Schwan-Rosenwald
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken in order to examine the insight and treatment of borderline personality disorder by cognitive-behavioral therapist Marsha Linehan, and psychoanalyst Otto Kernberg. The report considers the two theorists' beliefs on the importance of individual temperament and invalidating environment towards the development of borderline personality. It then focuses on the modified treatments that the two theorists have developed to work with this population, specifically Linehan's Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Kernberg's Transference Focused Psychotherapy. The study looks at the difficulties encountered by Linehan and Kernberg in working with this population, and then concentrates on the strengths and weaknesses that …
A Question Of Culture For Overweight Individuals, Heather A. Macdonald
A Question Of Culture For Overweight Individuals, Heather A. Macdonald
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study was designed using flexible research methods to explore the experiences and beliefs of overweight individuals in a cultural context. Two research questions were undertaken: the first being Do overweight individuals experience a subculture?, and the second exploring How do overweight individuals' experiences of oppression relate to whether they have a subculture or not? As an analysis of the literature revealed, the overweight population's oppression and stigmatization is often unrecognized within our greater society. With millions of Americans being classified as overweight this population is increasing in number, warranting further notice within social research. This exploratory study includes …
Social Capital In Contemporary Society : Decline Or Change, Eleonor Domenichini
Social Capital In Contemporary Society : Decline Or Change, Eleonor Domenichini
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical thesis is going to explore social capital and its relation with trust, civic engagement, and leisure to better understand the complexity of social capital. Some of the concerns advanced by scholars stating that there is a decline of social capital in contemporary society are challenged. Controversies regarding theoretical and methodological applications, and a review of how "special" interests might have been used to promote particular causes affecting intervention and division of resources, are going to be examined. The intent is to show that there are alternative explanations for changes that do not pertain or predict decline. A discussion …