Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Social Workers’ Current Practice Of Screening For Brain Injury, Shawna Lyn Carey

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if and to what extent LICSWs are screening for brain injury during intake. Licensed social workers were invited to participate in an online Qualtrics survey. Questions in the survey gauged participants’ use of assessments for physical, cognitive and emotional categories of symptomatology identified in the literature. Thirteen LICSWs completed the survey for a response rate of 5.1 percent. All participants in this study work with at least one population at-risk for brain injuries, yet over half of the LICSW respondents indicated not having training in brain injury. Respondents who had training in …

Mary

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 19

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: African American / White

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Intergenerational poverty

ACE Factors: Parental separation or divorce, Domestic violence

Born in the Twin Cities, Mary is an African American/White woman who participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a first year student at St. Catherine University.Beginning around age 4 and then throughout her childhood she experienced homelessness, frequently being passed between parents and relatives and spending time in foster care. In her interview she discusses intergenerational poverty and her experiences, as an adolescent, couch-surfing and being kicked out of …

Nora

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 25

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: White

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Single parent

ACE Factors: Physical abuse, Domestic violence, Household substance abuse, Criminal household member, Parental separation or divorce, Mental illness in household

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Nora is a single mother who participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a junior at St. Catherine University. She experienced housing insecurity from her mid-adolescence until her mid-twenties. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s from St. Catherine University in 2014, prior to which she earned an Associate’s Degree in Health Care and Human Services. …

Helen

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 23

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: Hispanic

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Immigrant, Frequent moves, Intergenerational poverty, Food insecurity, Domestic violence

ACE Factors: Domestic violence

Born in Florida to an immigrant Hispanic family, Helen participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a junior at St. Catherine University. From birth she experienced housing insecurity and throughout her life her family moved frequently, often doubling up with friends and relatives. In her interview she discusses intergenerational poverty, food insecurity, and domestic violence.

Stacy

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 19

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: White/Asian

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Frequent moves, Food insecurity

ACE Factors: Parental separation or divorce

Born in rural Minnesota, Stacy is a White/Asian woman who participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a first year student at St. Catherine University.. She experienced housing insecurity beginning at the age of 6 and throughout her childhood. In her interview she discusses frequent moves, couch-surfing, getting kicked out of her home, and being passed around from relative to relative, as well as food insecurity and poverty.

Jazz

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 32

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: African American

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Frequent moves, Food insecurity, Intergenerational poverty, Single parent

ACE Factors: Parental separation or divorce

Born in Illinois, Jazz is an African American, LGBTQ-identified, single mother who participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a senior at St. Catherine University. At the time of her interview, she lived in public housing and was experiencing housing insecurity. In May 2013 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. Catherine University, and before that she obtained an LPN degree from a non-accredited trade school. Beginning …

Shaleen

Oral Histories

Age when Interviewed: 31

Date of Interview: Fall 2012

Race: White

Gender: Female

Keywords: Housing insecurity, Food insecurity

ACE Factors: Parental separation or divorce

Shaleen is a White woman who moved to the Twin Cities as a young child and she participated in the Voices of Homelessness project as a junior at St. Catherine University.. Prior to transferring to St. Kate’s, she earned a G.E.D. and took community college courses. Before this, starting at age 13 and throughout her adolescence, she experienced homelessness and in her interview she discusses couch-surfing and sleeping under bridges, as well as eviction from various …

Caring Confrontation With Involuntary Chemical Dependency Clients, Faith Clark

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to research the benefits of caring confrontation with 24 involuntary chemically dependent clients. The researcher created a survey which contained 11 variables that measured the benefits of caring confrontation and type of caring confrontation with the demographics of age, gender, and amount of time in treatment. The survey was distributed at a Midwestern chemical dependency facility. The results of the survey showed a positive mean score in the area of benefits of caring confrontation for the entire sample and when factoring in the demographics of age, gender, and amount of time in treatment. The …

Latino Immigrant Finances And Access To Mental Health Care, Nancy Avila

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The focus of this study was to determine how finances affect Latino immigrant mental health access. The relationship between variables was examined by emailing a three category survey, to a convenience sample of mental health practitioners who work with Latino immigrants ages 18 and older. Survey contents were as follows: demographics, financial strain and mental health access. The study was a cross-sectional, quantitative design. Survey responses were used to determine the relationship between the dependant variable finance and independent variable mental health. The research question for the study was: "What is the relationship between mental health and finances as it …

Teen Dad: Young Fathers And Identity Integration, Emily Bade

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Early parenthood is a topic of concern for social workers, researchers and policy makers due to the consequences for both young parents and their children. Despite declining rates of teen parenthood in the United States, teen birthrates remain high compared to other developed nations. Teen fathers have received less attention than teen mothers, but are an important component in the area of study. This study examines how five young fathers handled the transition from child to adult when faced with an off-time developmental event. Young fathers experienced drastically altered life paths, need for financial resources, complicated romantic relationships, and rapidly …

The Body As Process: An Examination Of Core Concepts In Body-Oriented Psychotherapy And A Brief Model For Implementation In A Clinical Social Work Setting, Bree Graczyk

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The field of body-oriented psychotherapy, of engaging the body and affect in the psychotherapeutic process, has grown tremendously over the last 20 years, and has shown to improve the treatment of both cognitive and somatic focuses of treatment. This paper uses existing research and interviews with practicing body-oriented psychotherapists to identify core concepts among various body-oriented modalities. Grounded theory was used to bring out the major themes from the interviews, which included: the importance of preparation and support, body awareness, memory stored in the body, touch, empowerment of client’s innate healing capacity, the clinician’s own practice, and a greater demand …

Deathbed Visions: Social Workers' Experiences, Perspectives, Therapeutic Responses, And Direction For Practice, Leslee Curtis

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Deathbed Visions (DBVs) are intensely personal, powerful, comforting and even reassuring experiences the dying may encounter just before death occurs. The term DBV is a general label for the broad category of spiritual, mystical, or unexplainable experiences or coincidental occurrences that take place in the arena of death. The dying have reported seeing angels, religious figures, spiritual guides, or deceased loved ones. They may even have control over the timing of their death. Death-related sensory experience (DRSE), end-of-life experience (ELE), and nearing death awareness (NDA) are several terms commonly used to describe the many different experiences people have reported around …

Effects Of Unemployment On Health And Mental Health Based On Gender, Kelly Holland

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research looks to explore three research questions: 1) What are the health concerns people believe are related to their unemployment? 2) What are the mental health concerns people believe are related to their unemployment? 3) Finally, do genders experience a difference in unemployment-related health effects and mental health issues? The research took place by an interviewing process. The respondents were found by advertising via informational flyers posted in a southern Minnesota community. Ultimately, three respondents were interviewed. The respondents discussed the financial effects of unemployment reporting that this was a deterrent in their job searching process. Additionally, all respondents …

Effects Of Spirituality On Professionals At Risk Of Developing Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stephanie Koslowski

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study investigated the relationship between spirituality and secondary traumatic stress with counseling professionals in a Midwestern metropolitan area (N= 35, 34). This study utilized a sample of therapists, social workers, case managers, and counselors. Two surveys were utilized to measure the level of secondary traumatic stress symptoms and level of spirituality. Scores from the Secondary traumatic Stress scale were used as predictor variables, with scores from the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale – Revised as criterion variables. Demographic variables were also utilized to explore the relationship between spirituality and secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Measurement of central tendencies was conducted …

Elder Abuse In The Nursing Home Setting: Social Workers' Perspectives Of Training And Education, Kelli M. Kinney

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives that social workers in the nursing home setting have in regard to their training and education on prevalence and prevention of elder abuse. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six nursing home social workers and one aging advocate from the St. Paul area, using convenience and snowball sampling. A demographic survey was also administered to participants. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings from the nursing home social worker interviews suggest themes of: awareness of elder abuse, education on elder abuse (both in nursing homes and education settings) and …

Companion Animal Loss: A Disenfranchised Form Of Grief And Why It's Relevant To Social Work, Emily Merrill

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Thirty participants of the Companion Animal Love, Loss, and Memories (CALLM) group held at The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center evaluated this program in order to find out if a mutual aid support group is beneficial for pet loss survivors. Demographics of participants were examined, as well as how efficient the CALLM group was at meeting its five main objectives which are: a.) Normalize feelings b.) Improve understanding on the grief process c.) Improve knowledge of useful coping mechanisms d.) Encourage therapeutic storytelling of one's companion animal and e.)Provide resources and referrals as needed. Results were that the majority …

The Use Of Self-Service Technologies In Stress Management: A Pilot Project, Carissa Morris

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research describes a pilot program created to help St. Catherine University’s Associate nursing students receive education regarding stress management and practice relaxation techniques. The program was developed using three key elements: 1) practicing a variety of relaxation and mindfulness techniques 2) practicing these techniques through the use of self-service technologies, and 3) participating in group sessions where psychoeducation regarding stress, depression and anxiety was provided.

Six participants completed the stress management program. They practiced breathwork, mindfulness and guided imagery exercises through podcasts and apps on internet-capable, mobile devices. Results showed decreases in stress and anxiety levels among participants. Additional …

The Government Funding Of Non-Profits: The Non-Profit Employee’S View Of The Practice, Michael Raguet

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Government funds are an essential funding source for many non-profits. The purpose of this project was to explore the views that non-profit employees have of the government funding of non-profits. Using a quantitative design, 86 employees at one Twin Cities area human serves non-profit were surveyed about their views of the government funding of non-profits.

Data were analyzed using frequency tables. The findings indicated that over 80% of those surveyed agreed with the practice of government funding of non-profits.

Clinical Social Work Practice In America: Has It Maintained Its Ethical Core?, Lawrence A. Ribel

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify if there is an ongoing dilemma relating to the ethical core values of the current practice of clinical social work in America. The conceptual framework for this study is based on a qualitative paradigm consisting of a synthesis of existing research and the subjective data that was collected and analyzed for the purpose of this research study. This study reveals an ongoing polarized view of the perceived priorities of the ethical constructs of clinical social work as practiced in America over the last 40 years. This study reflects the need for clarification, …

A Qualitative Study Of Medical Social Workers’ And Nurses’ Perceptions On Effective Interprofessional Collaboration, Britta Ryan

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study sought to explore perceptions of nurses and social workers regarding interprofessional collaboration within the hospital setting. Specifically, this study examines barriers to collaboration as well as aspects of positive collaboration in an effort to outline ways in which collaboration between social workers and nurses can be improved. The study used a qualitative method and incorporated interviews. Four social workers and three nurses participated in the study. Ultimately, it was found that collaboration between social workers and nurses is overall positive, although timemanagement continues to be a barrier. Social workers stated that management was crucial to how social workers …

Does Facebook Influence Well-Being And Self-Esteem Among Early Adolescents?, Sarah Schwartz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In America today, adolescents are the most "wired in" group of individuals and the most well positioned to utilize new technologies. As technology expands and the use of the computer as a medium of communication increases, adolescents begin to use the internet to maintain more of their friendships through social media such as Facebook. The ability to stay socially connected is something that adolescents rely on and largely determines their self-esteem development as adolescents. This study examined how the use of Facebook plays a role in development of self-esteem and well-being in 13, 14, and 15 year old adolescents. Using …

The Outcomes Of Illness Management And Recovery On Severe Mental Illness: A Client’S Perspective, Angela Thoreson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research project asked the question: What perceptions do individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness have of the treatment outcomes for the Illness Management and Recovery curriculum? This study confirms that individuals found the illness management and recovery curriculum had a positive impact on their treatment outcomes in the domains of coping skills and self-management, social functioning, along with recovery outcomes such as goal setting and obtainment, and dual recovery. This research project used a cross-sectional survey research design. The qualitative data collected utilized a structured interview; these items focused on perceptions of treatment outcomes. The research project sampled adults …

The Experiences Of Caregivers Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia, Molly E. Wassman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The Alzheimer’s Association indicates there are almost 15 million caregivers providing care to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (2011). Oftentimes family members willingly assume the role of caregiver for their loved ones as dementia progresses and cognitive abilities begin to fail. As a result, this qualitative research sought to explore the experiences of caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia. Seven participants were asked open-ended questions designed to elicit responses that explained their experiences caring for a loved one with dementia. The research participants were the primary caregivers for their loved ones for whom they were either …

Childhood Sexual Abuse And Obesity In Adult Women: Exploring The Mitigating Mechanisms, Emily Yokiel

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

A substantial amount of research has been dedicated to investigating the potential relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and subsequent obesity in adulthood among female survivors. While a significant body of literature supports this association, identifying prospective causes, confounding factors, or mitigating elements, has not been fully solidified and requires further research. Qualitative interviews with clinicians working within an eating disorder treatment center were conducted to gather data regarding professional opinions of such a relationship. Utilizing content analysis, the data was coded and materializing themes identified. Significant similarities between existing literature and the present research findings emerged, including recognition of …

Exploring Possible Connections Between Traumatic Brain Injury And Homelessness, Stacy Zimmer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The incidence and awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the general population has become more prevalent in recent times; however, limited public knowledge and research exists regarding the prevalence of TBI among the homeless population. Through an exploratory, qualitative pilot study, this research investigated possible connections that might exist between TBI and homelessness. Nine expert respondents from various disciplines, ranging from social work to neuropsychology, were interviewed to solicit their professional impressions, opinions and experiences about this subject. Findings indicate that there is a significant connection between TBI and homelessness. Specifically, TBI is believed to be both a causal …

Working In The Trenches: Compassion Fatigue And Job Satisfaction Among Workers Who Serve Homeless Clients, Alena M. Howell

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The experiences of compassion fatigue and job satisfaction among workers who serve homeless clients is explored. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between workers’ experiences of compassion fatigue and workers’ experiences of job satisfaction as they engage with homeless clientele with multifarious presenting concerns. Specifically, this study sought to determine if a relationship between the compassion fatigue and job satisfaction existed, and to determine the nature of possible correlations between the variables. Using a quantitative design, employees of a local, targeted agency that serves homeless clientele were targeted and administered two survey instruments. Data was collected …

The Benefits Of Yoga On Eating Disorder Recovery: Perspectives From Those In Recovery, Jennifer Grant

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the perceived benefits of yoga to eating disorder recovery through the subjective experiences of those in recovery. Qualitative interviews with seven women in recovery from eating disorders who regularly practice yoga were used to identify the specific ways in which yoga contributed to the recovery process. Findings indicated that the perceived benefits of yoga to eating disorder recovery include improved mind-body awareness, greater self-acceptance and more positive feelings about body image. Respondents also indicated that the practice of yoga can be a spiritual experience and a vehicle through which to …

Victims To Survivors: Liberians’ Experiences And Resilience During The Liberian Civil War, Melissa A. Petersen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Warfare is an ever-present phenomenon that impacts people all over the world. Many of those who live in a war-torn country encounter horrific experiences that cause trauma, loss, and grief. The Liberian people are an example of those who have experienced the tragedies of war in their country. The Liberian Civil War caused many individuals to flee, becoming displaced and seeking safety in other countries or refugee camps. This research study interviewed eight Liberian refugees who were children or adolescents during the war in order to explore their experiences and resilience. The participants in this study experienced horrific violence, separation, …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Examination Of Multi-Modal Interventions On Disruptive Behavior Of Children With Adhd In The Classroom Setting, Chrstine Mann

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In order to prevent further psychosocial problems for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD), including disruptive behaviors in the classroom and problems with substance use disorders (SUD), research is needed to determine the effectiveness of interventions and strategies that can be utilized to serve children with ADHD. This research study proposes to investigate the perception of teachers and school social workers about the effectiveness of multi-modal strategies on disruptive behavior of children with ADHD in the classroom setting. Additionally, this research study proposes to examine teachers and school social workers perceptions of ADHD, in relation to SUD.

Filial Therapy: Clinicians Experience With Untreated Siblings, Amie J. Wagner

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examined clinicians’ experiences providing filial therapy when working with untreated siblings. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data for this study. The interviewees were clinicians providing filial therapy services in Minnesota. The results highlight that treatment is focused on one identified child, clinicians have experienced untreated siblings exhibit their own difficulties, the relationship between the parent and untreated sibling often benefits from filial therapy, and the parent’s ability to generalize parental skills is an important component of filial therapy. The results showed varying experiences of the clinicians providing filial therapy. Clinicians often experience the untreated sibling as …