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Full-Text Articles in Social Work

Spiritually Integrated Care For Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis, Krystle Englund May 2017

Spiritually Integrated Care For Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis, Krystle Englund

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if spiritually integrated care positively changed symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and spiritual distress in veterans. This quantitative study used secondary data (n = 138) from a sample of veterans identified by the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Health Care System. Instruments used in the study were the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale. The findings from this study included a decrease in spiritual distress following a spiritually integrated intervention. Veterans who participated in an 8-session group intervention known as Building Spiritual Strength self-reported less distress with a Higher …


Officer-Involved Homicides Of Unarmed Black Males: Perceptions Of The African American Community, Sarah Fox May 2017

Officer-Involved Homicides Of Unarmed Black Males: Perceptions Of The African American Community, Sarah Fox

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Officer-involved homicides of unarmed black males have gained increasing publicity in recent years. However, there has been no research regarding how officer-involved homicides of unarmed black males have impacted members of the African American community’s perceptions of police. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine how members of the African American community’s perceptions of police have been impacted as a result of the officer-involved homicides of unarmed black males. Three members of the African American community were interviewed for this study. The interviews were guided by open-ended questions in a semi-structured format. After transcribing and coding the …


Intimacy After Sexual Trauma: Clinical Perspectives, Melissa Franckowiak May 2017

Intimacy After Sexual Trauma: Clinical Perspectives, Melissa Franckowiak

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research examines how clinicians address sexual intimacy with couples when one partner has experienced sexual trauma (i.e. childhood sexual abuse and/or sexual assault), including the ways clinicians incorporate sexual consent into their work. A qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews was employed for this study. The findings highlight the relational impact of sexual trauma as well as the need for relational healing and empowerment, not only for the survivor, but also for the partner and the couple. One significant finding suggests the need for some partners of sexual trauma survivors to further examine and address some of their sexual behaviors …


Making It Right In The End: Conflict On The Hospice Interdisciplinary Team, Sarah Green May 2017

Making It Right In The End: Conflict On The Hospice Interdisciplinary Team, Sarah Green

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the role of social workers in addressing conflict on the hospice interdisciplinary team. Seven semi-structured interviews were completed to generate qualitative data from licensed social workers on hospice interdisciplinary teams in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A brief review of literature showed there are many causes of conflict on the hospice interdisciplinary team including role blurring, leadership in the interdisciplinary team, and physical aspects of care superseding psychosocial. There are many studies exploring social work roles on the hospice interdisciplinary team, factors contributing to success on an interdisciplinary team in a …


Analysis Of Implementing Trauma Informed Programs In Grade Schools, Lilli Gray May 2017

Analysis Of Implementing Trauma Informed Programs In Grade Schools, Lilli Gray

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The prevalence of trauma experienced among children is a vast topic of study, in particular how these traumatic events can have detrimental consequences for a person as they age and impact their lifespan. More recently, policies have been introduced nationwide as it relates to trauma and education settings as a method of intervention and way to address trauma among students and the influence trauma can create as it relates to a child’s behaviors in school and academic success. The implementation of trauma informed programming into a school’s structure has been one response to these policy changes. This study conducts a …


An Exploration Of Resilience And Post-Traumatic Growth Following Traumatic Death, Shannon Henry May 2017

An Exploration Of Resilience And Post-Traumatic Growth Following Traumatic Death, Shannon Henry

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

It is really a paradox that the most violent, traumatic death can lead to transformative growth. Increased resilience, and a new understanding of the value of relationships, assists bereaved in blending the loss of their loved one into their own understanding of what they want life to mean. This systematic review attempted to answer the question of whether resilience and growth can come from a traumatic death. To answer this, the review used empirically based, peerreviewed articles published after 1995. The search of academic journals and sites included, Social Work Abstracts, SocIndex, PsycInfo, and ATLA. Key words searched were, traumatic …


The Common Benefits Of School Based Mental Health Programs: A Systematic Review, Briana Lindsey May 2017

The Common Benefits Of School Based Mental Health Programs: A Systematic Review, Briana Lindsey

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.


Assessing And Addressing Family Caregiver Burden: Palliative Care Social Work Perspective, Taylor Logeais May 2017

Assessing And Addressing Family Caregiver Burden: Palliative Care Social Work Perspective, Taylor Logeais

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social workers employed in end-of-life care settings are in a unique position to engage with family caregivers who are at a heightened risk for experiencing caregiver burden, which can have detrimental impacts on the caregivers’ health and wellbeing. Even though the National Association of Social Workers (2004) directs social workers specialized in palliative care to assess the complex needs of and provide helpful interventions to family caregivers, research suggests that this objective often fails to be met. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the ability for palliative care social workers to assess family caregivers for caregiver burden …


The Body Recovers: Practitioner Perspective On Somatic Experiencing, Saoirse Mcmahon May 2017

The Body Recovers: Practitioner Perspective On Somatic Experiencing, Saoirse Mcmahon

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Most individuals are exposed to a traumatic event in their lifetime, but not all go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by symptoms of intrusion and avoidance of stimuli related to the traumatic event, as well as dissociation. PTSD has been linked to a number of somatic syndromes including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic lower back pain, hypertension, and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction resulting in hormonal imbalance. Several evidence-based interventions for PTSD exist, including prolonged exposure therapy (PE), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), however many of these approaches address trauma …


Fostering Awareness, Inclusivity, And Self-Efficacy: Facing Social And Internalized Recovery Stigma, Trinity Parker-Grewe May 2017

Fostering Awareness, Inclusivity, And Self-Efficacy: Facing Social And Internalized Recovery Stigma, Trinity Parker-Grewe

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

A dynamic interplay takes place between social, public, and internalized addiction and recovery stigma. This systematic literature review sought to further understand the pervasive relationship between social stigma and internalized stigma around addiction, as well as clinical implications for alleviating the effects of shame and empowering those in recovery. A total of 14 studies were included in the final sample. The results of this review depict three main themes which explore the nature of social and internalized stigma as well as implications for responding to the effects of internalized stigma: Individual Identity Transformation, Group Belonging and Social Support, and Public …


The Impact Of Witnessing Domestic Violence On Children: A Systematic Review, Terra Pingley May 2017

The Impact Of Witnessing Domestic Violence On Children: A Systematic Review, Terra Pingley

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Domestic violence affects all who are exposed: perpetrators, victims, and the children who witness the violence. It is important to understand how complex domestic violence is to effectively understand the systems that are affected by this crime. This systematic review studied previous research that examined the experiences of children who witness domestic violence and it’s impacts on their behaviors, adjustments, and development. This review was designed to explore the question: What is the impact of witnessing domestic violence on children? Analysis revealed three interrelated themes from these articles. These themes centered on the impacts of witnessing domestic violence on children …


Music Therapy In The Treatment Of Adolescents With Emotional And Behavioral Disorder: A Systematic Review, Aubrie Roley May 2017

Music Therapy In The Treatment Of Adolescents With Emotional And Behavioral Disorder: A Systematic Review, Aubrie Roley

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review examined existing research to answer the research question: how does music therapy affect academic supports in adolescents diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disorder? “Academic supports” will be operationalized through social skills, community involvement, and academic performance. Upon thorough review of the present literature, nine articles met criteria. Common themes identified throughout the reviewed articles include improved social functioning, improved self-esteem and self-expression, group music therapy, improvisational music therapy, and lack of research. Findings conclude that further research is needed to identify if music therapy has an effect on community involvement and academic performance within adolescents diagnosed EBD. …


Professional Satisfaction Within The Mental Health System, Mary Pat Seter May 2017

Professional Satisfaction Within The Mental Health System, Mary Pat Seter

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Professionals providing mental health services experience various challenges that may put their potential to provide best practice and quality services at risk. The primary research question for this study is: How does a social worker derive satisfaction from their work within the mental health system? This study used a qualitative research design and was conducted through the completion of 8 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with mental health social workers. Several themes emerged from the research: Personal Satisfaction, Realistic Expectations, The Little Things, Self-Responsibility, Influence vs. Control, Sense of Support, The Value of Empathy, and Compassion and Self-Compassion. Through review of the …


Post-Adoption Support In Rural Minnesota: An Exploratory Study Of Parents' Experiences, Jean Soehl May 2017

Post-Adoption Support In Rural Minnesota: An Exploratory Study Of Parents' Experiences, Jean Soehl

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this interpretive study was to explore adoptive parents’ experiences with accessing and utilizing post-adoption services in rural areas of Minnesota. The study sought to answer three research questions: What are the experiences of adoptive families when accessing and utilizing post-adoption support in rural areas of Minnesota? What is the role of the social worker in facilitating post-adoption support and services? How can the social work profession adapt to help meet the needs of adoptive families and improve permanency outcomes for children? Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from seven (n=7) participants, and grounded theory methodology was …


Breaking Free Of Generational Poverty: Empowered Single Mothers Who Overcome The Odds, Angela Trenda May 2017

Breaking Free Of Generational Poverty: Empowered Single Mothers Who Overcome The Odds, Angela Trenda

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to understand what differentiates single mothers and their children who are able to break the cycles of generational poverty from the millions of resilient, capable single mother-headed households who remain stuck living in poverty. The research was studied through the lens of ecosystems and empowerment theories. It looked at what helped and hindered single mothers to develop the belief in their abilities, and access necessary resources, to leave poverty within the context of individual, familial, community and broader societal benefits and constraints. This study was a systematic review which included an exhaustive review of …


Culturally Specific Interventions To Support Adolescent Immigrant And Refugee Mental Health, Lynn Whitfield May 2017

Culturally Specific Interventions To Support Adolescent Immigrant And Refugee Mental Health, Lynn Whitfield

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This exploratory qualitative study examines various culturally specific interventions practitioners use to support the mental health needs of adolescent immigrants and refugees. Studies have noted that resilience, family involvement, peer support, art-based interventions, school-based interventions, and accessible community resources are all protective factors that promote positive mental health outcomes for adolescents adjusting to a new host country. The researcher conducted eight semi-structured interviews with three licensed clinical social workers (LICSW), one licensed graduate social worker (LGSW), one psychotherapist with a doctorate in psychology, a school counselor, and two clinical counselors. All of the participants of the study serve the refugee …


Chronic Care Management Implementation, Nathan Klein May 2017

Chronic Care Management Implementation, Nathan Klein

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The process of implementing management of chronic diseases can be a rigorous task for any healthcare system willing to invest resources for this care model. This paper intends to address aspects of implementation of chronic care programs, including the key disciplines required to provide adequate services. To incorporate details associated with chronic care management, a review of chronic care management program literature was conducted, with the intent of assimilating information for a model suitable for an interdisciplinary team. The study determined that implementation processes are full of intricate details. Staffing needs to be well researched, and a multidisciplinary approach, including …


Treating Trauma Among Veterans Using Complementary And Alternative Medicine: A Systematic Review, Brianne Wallgren May 2017

Treating Trauma Among Veterans Using Complementary And Alternative Medicine: A Systematic Review, Brianne Wallgren

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic review, literature and empirical intervention studies pertaining to the treatment of trauma among veterans using a Complementary and Alternative Medicine was analyzed. Using two databases, PsycINFO and PILOTS, 10 studies were located and key data was identified on theoretical foundations, therapy components, populations being served, as well as outcomes of interventions treating trauma among veterans via Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Each study was analyzed in full, to determine types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine interventions as well as results of the interventions utilized. The findings produced two major themes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine research treating trauma …


Factors Which Put Social Workers At A Greater Risk For Burnout, Brittney Wacek May 2017

Factors Which Put Social Workers At A Greater Risk For Burnout, Brittney Wacek

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review was designed to answer the following research question: What factors put social workers at risk for experiencing burnout. Databases searched were SocINDEX and Social Work Abstracts. Articles pertaining to professional burnout involving social workers were selected based on information gathered in peer-reviewed articles from the database search. Articles were systematically searched using the keywords and phrases secondary trauma, interventions, mental health professions, vicarious trauma, and clinical social workers. Out of the available articles, 14 were selected to be included in this review. Through review 2 primary themes emerged 1) occupational environment and 2) personal factors. Occupational environment …


Developmental Impact Of Inclusion Classrooms On Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Emily E. Aller May 2017

Developmental Impact Of Inclusion Classrooms On Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Emily E. Aller

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review examines the developmental impact inclusion classrooms have on children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An extensive review of current literature resulted in nine articles included in this study. The common themes identified in the literature include: social interaction; teacher preparedness; impact of age on education; and individuality of education. Results indicated that the educational setting alone does not impact the development of children with ASD. Further research needs to be completed in order to fill the gap in literature regarding the cognitive developmental impact educational settings produce and determinants of the best educational setting for children …


“I’M Tough, It’S Fine”: Prohibiting Restrictive Procedures And Seclusion In Educational Settings, Kaitlin Adams May 2017

“I’M Tough, It’S Fine”: Prohibiting Restrictive Procedures And Seclusion In Educational Settings, Kaitlin Adams

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The intent of this qualitative study was to explore participants’ stories and experiences of safety when working in a Federal Setting 4 Special Education environment with students who have disabilities and aggressive behaviors. This study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological research approach to better understand experiences participants have been through firsthand or witnessed in regards to their safety. The participants consisted of 10 professionals who all currently work in a Federal Setting 4 environment in two different Intermediate School Districts in the state of Minnesota. The participants included teachers, social workers, mental health professionals, and a psychologist. The participants were asked …


Making & Sustaining Change From Psychotherapy: A Mixed Method Study, Kelsi Dankey, Heather Karson, Arielle R. Yahnke, Sara Lemon, Tricia Downing, Danae Hoffman, Natia Wilcek May 2017

Making & Sustaining Change From Psychotherapy: A Mixed Method Study, Kelsi Dankey, Heather Karson, Arielle R. Yahnke, Sara Lemon, Tricia Downing, Danae Hoffman, Natia Wilcek

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This mixed method study explored both (1) how changes are made and (2) what encourages the maintenance of change after psychotherapy. Literature has called for further exploration into what helps clients to make and sustain change from their perspectives. While the effectiveness of approaches such as: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and other disorder-specific treatments has been demonstrated broadly, less is known about individual variables, and specifically about how individuals participate in and support their recovery. This study used a mixed method sequential design. Wampold & Imel’s (2015) contextual model was used as a conceptual framework throughout the study. Using secondary data …


What Can We Learn From Death And Dying? One Man’S Experience, Brooke K. Benson May 2017

What Can We Learn From Death And Dying? One Man’S Experience, Brooke K. Benson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The research explored a personal account of a man's experience of actively dying. From the findings, five major themes emerged describing the participant’s experience of dying. The first theme, physical states, was sub-categorized by states of being, felt senses, and physical things. The second emerging theme, mental, was sub-categorized by emotions and cognitions. The third emerging theme, beheviors, was sub-categorized by actions and communications. The fourth emerging theme was spirituality and the fifth and final theme was time. The findings provide valuable insight into the process of death and dying, the emotions surrounding the process of dying and various aspects …


Removing Stigma And Reducing Anxiety: Social Work Professionals Integrating Essential Oils In Mental Healthcare Services With African American And Native American Clients, Kamara Bauman May 2017

Removing Stigma And Reducing Anxiety: Social Work Professionals Integrating Essential Oils In Mental Healthcare Services With African American And Native American Clients, Kamara Bauman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how mental health professionals could use essential oils with African Americans and Native Americans who may have experienced or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Both African Americans and Native Americans have higher rates of Depression and Anxiety, but have lower rates of utilizing mental healthcare services than White Americans. How do essential oils reduce anxiety about seeking treatment for mental health and subsequently increase participation in therapy for African American and Native American clients? This project used a qualitative research design with semi- structured open – ended questions. …


Systematic Review Of High School Dropout Prevention Programs, Dayne Bartlett May 2017

Systematic Review Of High School Dropout Prevention Programs, Dayne Bartlett

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic literature review aims to introduce an innovative method of qualitative data analysis to the sparse empirical research of high school dropout prevention efforts. Through a framework of social capital theory, this study explores the social factors connected to at-risk schools and students. For decades, high school dropout and graduation has been a national focus. However, uncovering empirical studies evaluating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts is rare. This systematic literature serves two purposes, to fill gaps in the literature, and to integrate an innovative evaluation method for dropout prevention efforts. With a systematic literature review method, seven databases that …


Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, Crystal Barrera May 2017

Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, Crystal Barrera

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

A small but significant portion of the population has a diagnosis of an intellectual disability, defined as cognitive deficits that impact a person’s daily functioning. Adults with intellectual disabilities struggle with psychopathology at four times the rate as the general population, yet only 10% receive psychotherapy. There is very little existing research into the use of psychotherapy for adults with intellectual disabilities, the majority of which has been published in niche publications that most practitioners have limited access to. Therefore, this systematic review answered the question “What are the known outcomes of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for adults with intellectual …


A Qualitative Investigation Of Parental Experiences With Play Therapy, Kaitlin Bach May 2017

A Qualitative Investigation Of Parental Experiences With Play Therapy, Kaitlin Bach

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Today, 1 out of every 5 children are experiencing some sort of mental health condition, and of those children only one third will receive the treatment they need (As cited in Meany- Walen & Teeling, 2016; SAMHSA, 2015). As these mental health challenges in children continue to grow, so too does the need to use proven treatments. Play therapy is an effective and useful treatment approach for young children that has been proven effective for children ranging in age (Bratten et al., 2013; Cochran et al., 2010), diagnosis (Bratton, et al., 2014; Gold, et al., 2014) and culture (Cochran, Cochran, …


Racial Differences In Veteran Service Connection Disability, Jonathan Arnold May 2017

Racial Differences In Veteran Service Connection Disability, Jonathan Arnold

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The problem this project addresses is racial differences in veteran service connection disability, specifically for the African American Veteran community. Throughout history, African Americans have notably been underserved in the healthcare system. The literature also shows a huge disparity across races of veterans versus non-veterans when seeking mental health care. However, in some of the literature, there is conflicting research on whether non-white racial groups do in fact receive poorer quality care leading to poorer outcomes. The research question of interest is: What are the experiences of African American veterans in accessing disability resources? This research project was a qualitative …


Social Worker Perceptions On Education For Generalist And Specialist Roles, Jamie Blackledge May 2017

Social Worker Perceptions On Education For Generalist And Specialist Roles, Jamie Blackledge

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The current study examines the following question: How well does social work education prepare a Generalist or a Specialist to be in their social work role? Findings from existing research and interviews of five Generalist and five Specialist social workers within the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area were reviewed to explore the adequacy of the current BSW and MSW curriculum in preparing students for social work practice after completing their degree. Recent literature and responses from interviewees revealed common themes endorsed by both Generalist and Specialist social workers. Both note the relevance of generalist social work curriculum for Generalist …


Understanding The Mental Health Impacts Of Non-Kinship Vs. Kinship Placements, Lena Bessas May 2017

Understanding The Mental Health Impacts Of Non-Kinship Vs. Kinship Placements, Lena Bessas

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic literature review, the researcher synthesized literature regarding the mental health impacts of non-kinship versus kinship placements on children who are involved with the child welfare system. Using SocINDEX with Full Text, PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Child Development and Adolescent Studies and JSTOR, nine studies met the criteria for the review and were then analyzed. Themes that were identified included: Placement type, PTSD, depression and gender. The studies included in this review identified the mental health impacts on children depending on their placement type. This study gives evidence for the need of more research around this topic.