Social Work Commons^™

Purpose In Pain: John Green's The Fault In Our Stars With The Gospel, Jasmine Depalmo, Michael Sherr, Justin D. Lyons

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Suffering And Hope In Still Alive, Anna Hurt, Melissa D. Brown, Justin D. Lyons

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Veteran Participation In Operation Song: Exploring Resiliency In A Songwriting Experience, Danielle E. Lauber, Steven Estes, Michael E. Sherr

Social Work Faculty Publications

This study takes a phenomenological approach to explore the experience of Operation Song, a United States nonprofit organization’s songwriting program for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six participants completed semi-structured interviews to identify the structural, textural, and composite descriptions of the Operation Song experience. Findings were analyzed through an interpretive phenomenological analysis, which led to themes describing the essence as a “catalyst to invoke personal change.” When restructured for this article, original key themes describing the overall experience were reestablished as a setting that promoted authenticity, trusted social support, uniquely skilled songwriters, songwriting, and listening to the songs. …

The Effects Of Absent Father Figures On The Social Functioning Of Teens, Sidney M. Beckman, Lindsey M. Silver, Emily I. Deceglie

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Problem: In America, children under the age of 18 are being negatively affected by the absence of a father in the home. This is important because fatherlessness is on the rise (Census Bureau, 2016) and can harm a child’s future opportunities (Snyder, McLaughlin, & Findeis, 2006). Specifically, depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior have been recognized as two tangible outcomes of growing up without a father. Trending research suggests that delinquency and depressive symptoms are linked to a lack of parental monitoring (Markowitz & Ryan, 2016), yet the aspects of socialization (early father departure) and emotional distress (late father departure) should …

Lowest Rates Of Substance Abuse Following Adolescent Trauma Treatment In Ohio, Lacie S. Tomson, Caroline E. Phillips, Abigail M. Dewitt

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Problem: Though a substantial amount of research substantiates a link between childhood trauma and later substance abuse, there is a lack of research regarding what types of trauma treatments work best in the prevention of substance abuse for victims of childhood trauma. Research Question: Which adolescent trauma treatment programs in Ohio have the lowest rates of substance abuse following intervention? Design: We propose a cross sectional descriptive study examining a random sample of adolescent trauma treatment programs and their success rates in preventing substance abuse. Sample: This study would randomly select 5 adolescent trauma treatment programs in Ohio which complete …

Does Stable Housing Predict Extended Sobriety?, Megan E. Crawford, Creslyn J. Van Dyck, Hannah J. Boardman

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This study will examine adults in the Miami Valley area who have been treated for substance abuse. Using an explanatory quasi-experimental post-test design, we will explore participants’ length of housing and sobriety through a one page survey. Data will be imputed and assessed through SPSS. We will use frequency distributions and measures of central tendency to describe the sample. We will also run an independent t-test to determine differences between stable housing and length of sobriety. We anticipate findings will indicate adults who attain stable housing with have extended sobriety. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Understanding How Juveniles Become Human Traffickers, Molly M. Paisley, Rachel D. Price, Abigail R. Snow

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Modern-day slavery, also known as human trafficking, exists and grows worldwide, exploiting people for their physical and sexual labor (Banks & Kyckelhahn, 2011). Though media sources and legal changes have increased awareness about the issue of human trafficking, there is still a great void of research about the population of traffickers and perpetrators, especially a particularly concerning population: youth traffickers (Blank, Troshynski, 2007). Youth perpetrators have an easier time recruiting minors into human trafficking because they appear more trustworthy. However, little to no research is available to explain the histories and characteristics of this phenomenon regarding youth perpetrators. Therefore, we …

Lifestyle Choices That Help Prevent Women From Reincarceration, Victoria C. Ederer, Krystal R. Null, Anne G. Aston

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

There is immense research about recidivism rates in different populations such as African Americans, men, and other population groups. During our preliminary research and literature reviews, we saw a need for more research about recidivism rates in women. This research proposal hopes to examine the different lifestyle choices that would be most conducive to helping women stay out of prison after being released. Fifty women will undergo individual, in-depth interviews through a fixed purposive sample panel that will be confidential and anonymous. These fifty women will be found by posting flyers at social service agencies, prisons, AA meetings, NA meetings, …

Juvenile Perceptions Of Probation Officers In Relation To The Use Of Strength-Based Programs, Maddie Hille, Elaina Joy Southwell, Lily Danae Hellwig

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Research on the influence of strength-based programs on recidivism with juvenile offenders in probation is minimal. This study will seek to analyze the perceptions of juvenile delinquents on their interactions with probation officers. Using quota sampling, based on levels of recidivism rates in the state of Ohio, we will interview a select number of juvenile offenders between the ages of 12-16. We will be conducting general one-on-one interviews with juvenile offenders from our selected sample. We will also review multiple sources of data such as case notes, policies, and agency process and programs to determine the use of strength-based programs …

Elder Abuse In The European Union, Shannon E. Garland, Anna Burr, Brooke Jacobs, Thomas David Simic, Sarah Ingram

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The rapid rise in persons over age 60 has created a platform for the rise of elder abuse all over the world. Increasing strains on caregivers and the realization that elder abuse is a serious issue have only recently produced research on the topic. In light of this, this presentation evaluates the state of the aging population in the European Union where more research has been done on elder abuse than in other areas of the world. This presentation focuses specifically on elder abuse in Germany and in Greece, as these countries represent the cultural and geographical extremes in Europe …

Causes, Effects, And Possible Solutions To Blood Feuding In Albania, Gabe Cyrus, Kelly Fischer, Jessica Stricker, Abigail O'Neel, Celeste Davis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to inform the audience about the causes, effects, and possible solutions of blood feuding in Albania, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,100 people since 1991. Albania contains one of the few remaining cultures that is still partaking in blood feuding. Blood feuding began in the 1600s and resumed after the fall of communism in the absence of a strong governing body. The Kanun sets forth the rules of blood feuding, but they are not always followed as they were intended. Cultural values influence the course of blood feuding and make it …

Transnational Parenting, Rachel May, Alyssa Kelly, Savannah Hale, Rebecca Carrell, Rebekah Sheard

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to offer a review of current literature on transnational parenting to educate others on the effect that it has on family dynamics. We will first discuss the reasons for transnational parenting, as well as social restrictions which cause children to be left behind. In addition, we will discuss the effects of transnational parenting on the part of the child that can include traumatic separation experiences, family role confusion, and poor parent-child relationship health. Next, we will discuss the ramifications that immigration has on gender roles in the family and how the economic status of …

Unethical Business And Fair Trade, Charlotte Lively, Sarah Plantenga, Kennan Schwartz, Alysia Bey, Emilie Delgado

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to educate others about the impact of America’s businesses on the global community. We will do this by first discussing the history of foreign trade in America, highlighting the exploitative characteristics our international business has for decades. From here, we will move into five specific industries that consume American life and the ways they violate social, environmental, and economic justice worldwide. These three industries include: the fashion industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the oil industry, and the food industry. We will end our presentation by challenging our audience to think about the spirit of consumerism …

Foreign Aid, Breanna L. Bishop, Kelley M. Vernon, Kylie A. Corbett, Daniel C. Marquez, Rebecca A. Simpson

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the research regarding foreign aid. We will present how foreign aid is received in the nations of Russia, Afghanistan, and Haiti to incorporate three different regions of the world. First, we will define foreign aid by reviewing its history in comparison to how it is practiced today. We will also look at why the United States initially decided to provide foreign aid to the referenced countries, but how the original intent actually caused issues and concerns within these countries and provided little to no actual help. In addition, we will expose the …

The Cyclical Relationship Between Generational Poverty And Poor Education: Breaking The Barrier In Haiti, Jesse A. Childress, Ashley Hand, Lauren Pullins, Emily Rutherford, Michelle Tye

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Research demonstrates that generational poverty and poor education are cyclical in nature. In Haiti, poverty diminishes the quality of education due to the fact it hampers access to education, lacks parental involvement, and has inadequate health care. Conversely, poor education traps Haitians in the cycle of generational poverty by inhibiting them from developing life skills and adequate literacy; in turn, this disables them from participating in higher paying jobs. Based on the repetitive correspondence between the two, our goals are: to educate individuals on the cyclical relationship between poor education and generational poverty, expose and examine the barriers to receiving …

Women's Rights Violations In Prison, Holly Robinson, Emily Crabb, Teara Caston, Leane Ewert, Jessica Mcdonald

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to conduct research and educate others about the women’s right violations experienced by incarcerated women. We are proposing to address three specific women’s right violations present within American, Russian, and Brazilian correctional facilities. We chose these countries because, according to research, the US, Russia, and Brazil are among the top five countries with the highest number of female inmates. First, we will discuss world statistics about female incarceration and general information about female penitentiaries in the US, Russia, and Brazil. Second, we will discuss physical and sexual abuse present within these correctional facilities. Third, …

Child Brides, Brydon Koch, Alexis Steffanni, Carly Catalanello, Michelle Gamberdella

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to take a look into the human rights violation of child marriage happening in countries all over the world. For the purpose of this presentation, we will focus on four countries where child marriages are extremely prevalent: India, Niger, Bangladesh, and Yemen. First, we will begin with a brief history and background of child brides and statistics related to this population. Second, we will discuss the four countries (as stated above) where this is a major problem, and why the rates of child brides are especially high within each country. Third, we will consider …

2017 Symposium Overview, Cedarville University

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Click the "Download" button in the top right corner to view the abstract booklet.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis, Jessica Schneider, Molly Stark, Wendy Chen, Jillyan Misiak

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Our primary goal in this presentation is to provide a comprehensive review of literature as it pertains to the influence of the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan, Turkey and Germany.These countries have experienced an enormous influx of refugees which has caused a need for economic and political concern. First, we will examine the history of Syrian Civil War that led to the displacement of Syrian individuals and families. Second, we will evaluate the effects of Syrian migration on the economical and political situation in Jordan, Turkey, Germany. We will discuss the various policies implemented in each of the countries that …

Transnational Terrorism, Kylie E. Faxon, Daejanna Preston, Amanda Stables, Sarah Powazki

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to review the literature regarding transnational terrorism. We hope to identify four aspects of terrorism within the United States, the Middle East and Nigeria. We will explore homeland attacks and recruitment in the United States, the Middle East as an active site of terrorist origins, and Nigeria where the terrorist group Boko Haram has violated the country’s safety and rights. First we will look at the history of terrorism and its origins. Second, we will discuss the environmental and psychological factors that lead to the formation of terrorist groups and the goals behind their …

Foreign Aid, Susanna R. Mathew, Rachel Accas, Jervonne Ward, Ellery Kent

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

While foreign aid is generally thought of as a positive means to help the poor, in many areas it may do more harm than good. This presentation will provide a review of literature that focuses on the effects of foreign aid on developing economies. This presentation will highlight some harmful examples of global foreign aid by highlighting these examples in several different countries. First, the presentation will discuss the history and development of America’s foreign aid. Secondly, the presentation will highlight the positive and negative effects of foreign policies. Third, the presentation will consider a more recently developed form of …

Conflict Minerals, Joy Lindner, Jenna Parker, Sara Rogers, Erin Scott

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This presentation will include an extensive review of literature of Conflict Minerals, particularly situations occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conflict minerals, as defined by Salem Press Encyclopedia are raw minerals that derive from areas of armed conflict. The presentation will examine the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conflict minerals and its intersection with militant groups and the recovery process. We seek to portray historical events that led to this conflict and discuss current initiatives to combat this important social issue. Our goal is to raise awareness of the far reaching impact of this conflict on …

The Impact Of Kinship Care On Children, Brittany Kopas, Bethany Hull, Maggie Weyandt, Jessica Rabenstein

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Our presentation examines the dynamics of kinship care in three regions of the world. The following countries were chosen due to the extensive contrasting research available regarding kinship care values, practices and experiences. In light of these factors, personal interest was also utilized to identify three unique countries: Australia, Kenya and the United States. The literature reflected that the value placed on the family unit remains firm despite region specific differences. We uncovered the prevalence of kinship care in these three specific countries to highlight underlying causes and lasting effects on the family unit. The Australian kinship care system has …

Evaluating Interprofessional Fast Forward Rounds For Transition Of Care Education, Laura Cummings, Ashley J. Smith, Mike Pelyhes, Zachary Jenkins, Phillip L. Thornton, Maurice Lee, William Matcham

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Background: Interprofessional Education is gaining recognition by key pharmacy organizations for its value in healthcare education, producing various models for implementation among healthcare students and professionals. Unfolding cases incorporating transitions of care may improve student skills and attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration.

Objectives: This project assessed the efficacy of unfolding cases in improving interprofessional skills and attitudes among pharmacy, nursing, and social work students. The ultimate goal is to integrate this model, if proven effective, into the curricula of multiple health science centers.

Methodology: First, pharmacy, nursing, and social work students completed a pre-intervention survey regarding interprofessional skills and attitudes before …

The Right To A Safe And Healthy Birth, Rebecca D. Neff, Liz C. Widman, Leslie A. Lopez, Brittany M. Cowart, Rebecca L. Aviles

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The right to a safe and healthy birth is included in the declaration of human rights- the intrinsic allowances that humans are obligated to be protected by on a global scale. These rights, however, for some pregnant women have been submersed by lack of transportation, education and skilled birth attendants. Financial constraints and difficulty in obtaining adequate healthcare are also issues of concern. A review of literature pertaining to three different countries, the United States, China and India will be examined in light of safe and healthy birthing techniques for women worldwide. These countries were chosen due to their diverse …

Suicide Tourism, Emma L. Anderson, Bethany J. Ebben, Abby L. Sherman, Johnna R. Vanstrom

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The number of people traveling to other locations, including Switzerland, or different U.S. states, for the sole purpose of receiving assisted-suicide is increasing. This phenomenon is known as suicide tourism. Switzerland is a major destination for recipients globally, as noted by Saskia Gauthier, Julian Mausbach, Thomas Reisch, and Christine Bartsch (2014) in the article, Suicide tourism: a pilot study on the Swiss phenomenon. The influx of recipients travelling to Switzerland for the purpose of committing suicide is largely due to the country’s lack of regulation in who might receive assisted-suicide. This issue is relevant in the United States, as Oregon, …

Social Media Advocacy, Jennifer G. Langton, Ashtyn B. Bush, Samantha M. Stacy, Kaitlyn C. Howard, Kelly J. Schaffter

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Our research project’s purpose is to inform the local community on the ethics and effectiveness as well as the exploitive power of using social media to promote international and domestic causes. We will educate the public and professionals on the responsible use of social media in advocacy and the consequences of its misuse. We will achieve this goal by researching social media movements and their lasting effects in academic journals and major news outlets. We will then share these findings in a presentation, educating our audience and providing them with the knowledge necessary for responsible use. The presentation will compare, …

The Impact Of Developmental And Humanitarian Aid In The Nation Of Haiti, Hannah J. Chitty, Jessie A. Comeau, Esther R. Fluhart, Lauren N. Mullahy, Katherine A. Ward

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Short term aid has numerous benefits and limitations in contrast with sustainable development. For this project sustainable development is defined as: utilizing the resources in communities and encouraging indigenous leadership to promote well being for future generations. The impact of short term relief is determined by various factors. The focus of this research will be the impact of humanitarian emergency assistance and developmental assistance in the nation of Haiti. The research findings obtained through literature review educates the local community on how to effectively assist developing communities both domestically and abroad to become self-sustaining.

Shattered Silence: Unmuting The Voices Of Syrian Refugees, Denida Chapman, Laura Klodnicki, Megan Lowry, Abbie E. Patzke

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The Syrian conflict has affected over 12 million people in the past five years resulting in one of the most devastating forced migrations in global history. Through literature reviews and further research, this presentation will define the context that fostered the refugee crisis, as well as outline the current conditions experienced by refugees remaining in and outside of Syria. After exposing the cause of this catastrophe as well as highlighting present injustices, presenters will examine the impact of this event on refugees and explore future implications of the crisis. Finally, insight will be provided as to how individuals can become …

Effectiveness Of Clinical Scenarios In Improving Student Interprofessional Skills And Attitudes, Ashley Peterson, Mike Pelyhes, Laura Cummings, Phillip L. Thornton, Zachary N. Jenkins

Pharmacy and Nursing Student Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Poster Session

Background: “Interprofessional education (IPE) is defined as the process by which individuals from two or more health professions learn with, from, and about each other across the spectrum of their education to improve collaboration, practice, and the quality of health care.” [1] Interprofessional Education has recently gained interest as an important aspect of training in healthcare professions, attracting the attention and support of several key pharmacy organizations. Various models of IPE have been implemented to facilitate collaboration among medical, nursing, pharmacy, and social work students and professionals. One model found to be particularly effective among pharmacy students is a mock …