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Full-Text Articles in Social Work

What Is The Importance Of Educating Women On Postpartum Depression?, Ashley Akwa May 2015

What Is The Importance Of Educating Women On Postpartum Depression?, Ashley Akwa

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Postpartum depression is a mental health issue that affects one in seven women after giving birth to a baby. When a woman is undiagnosed and suffering from postpartum depression not only is she affected but her family members and the baby can be negatively affected as well. With the pressure for women to be able to do it all, postpartum depression symptoms are often ignored by mothers. Educating women on postpartum depression, especially prior to discharge at the hospital, is important so women (and spouses) are aware of what symptoms to look for when it is time to look for …


Psycho-Social Variables Regarding Military Reintegration, Krista Baysinger May 2015

Psycho-Social Variables Regarding Military Reintegration, Krista Baysinger

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This project was a systematic review of the research studies that have focused on the barriers of reintegration by military service members to civilian life. This paper examined what psycho-social variables these research articles have found that have had the greatest impact on those reintegrating into civilian life. Because reintegration is a process that affects the service member, his or her spouse, and potentially children, it is an important area to research. This paper is a systematic review of the research already published regarding barriers to military reintegration for OEF and OIF veterans. Mental health was the most dominant theme …


I’M Proud I’M Actually Writing: Analyzing The Poetry Of Urban Youth With Ebd For Risk And Protective Factors, Clara N. Bergene May 2015

I’M Proud I’M Actually Writing: Analyzing The Poetry Of Urban Youth With Ebd For Risk And Protective Factors, Clara N. Bergene

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Urban youth experience any number of risk factors in their daily lives, but they also have protective factors that serve to support and shield them. This study was designed to examine how urban youth who have been given the label of Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD) experience and perceive the various risk and protective factors that are present in their lives. This was done by examining 486 poems written by these youths. Data were analyzed using the framework of Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, as well as deductively coding for themes of risk. The following themes were used to code …


Maslow’S Hierarchy And Early-Onset Alzheimer’S Disease: Systematic Review Of Stages And Interventions, Bethany M.M. Doerr May 2015

Maslow’S Hierarchy And Early-Onset Alzheimer’S Disease: Systematic Review Of Stages And Interventions, Bethany M.M. Doerr

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs at a fairly young age and causes a life altering shift after being diagnosed. Helping persons diagnosed live to their fullest potential at all stages of the disease is a relevant and meaningful goal for social work. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the current research on how interventions, therapies, and practices address the different levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for individuals living with younger/early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. A systematic literature review design was used and the level of publication was limited to peer-reviewed English language academic articles within the time frame …


The Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Settings, Samantha J. Drusch May 2015

The Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Settings, Samantha J. Drusch

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Caregivers often recognize the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their child before age two, yet, they often do not receive a diagnosis until after the child is four years old. Preschool teachers have high levels of exposure to the developing child and so are in an ideal position to identify children who may have ASD and refer them for assessments which may lead to access to early intervention services. This research sought to better understand whether or not preschool teachers are familiar with signs of ASD in young children, comfortable discussing concerns with parents, and knowledgeable about services …


The Lived Experience Of The Mandated Reporter, Courtney J. Duvick May 2015

The Lived Experience Of The Mandated Reporter, Courtney J. Duvick

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experience of the mandated reporter. The research question for the study was as follows: What is the lived experience of the mandated reporter? This question was explored through the use of a qualitative research design, which in the case of this research project, included the use of interviews to obtain the necessary data to answer the research question. This research is important to the field of social work because all social workers are mandated reporters, whether they specifically work with children or not. The sample in this study consisted …


Adverse Childhood Experiences And Other Risk Factors In A Homeless Youth Population, Michelle J. Goar May 2015

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Other Risk Factors In A Homeless Youth Population, Michelle J. Goar

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This quantitative research project sought to explore the relationship between ACE score, homelessness, PTSD and substance use in a homeless youth population. 161 participants, age 18-21, participated in the 29 question survey, with 40% of youth indicating they were currently homeless, and 86% indicating they were homeless in the past. Mean ACE score was 4.15, with an average duration of homelessness of 17.7 months. 48% of the population screened positively for PTSD, and 83% indicated they used substances in the last six months with 39% using marijuana daily. ACE score, rates of PSTD and substance use was found to be …


Supporting Adults Living With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In Achieving Community Integration: A Complex Task, Lyndsay Gomos May 2015

Supporting Adults Living With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In Achieving Community Integration: A Complex Task, Lyndsay Gomos

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an all-encompassing term that refers to specific diagnoses resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure which cause a multitude of social and adaptive deficits for children that will typically become more pronounced as they age. These probable, lifelong deficits suggest that adults are likely to need unique supports throughout their lives for successful community integration. The purpose of this study was to explore the complex aspects of community integration for adults living with FASD. Using a qualitative design, four participants, who identified as a caregiver to an adult child with FASD, were interviewed regarding what types …


The Impact Of Compassion Fatigue And Burnout Among Residential Care Workers On Client Care: Implications For Social Work Practice, Amanda J. Hanson May 2015

The Impact Of Compassion Fatigue And Burnout Among Residential Care Workers On Client Care: Implications For Social Work Practice, Amanda J. Hanson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore what factors contribute to burnout and compassion fatigue in a residential treatment setting, what factors may help to minimize risk for the development of compassion fatigue in a residential treatment setting, and how these two issues affect client care. This study utilized a mixed-methods design by sending out an online survey to two residential treatment centers serving youth with emotional and behavioral difficulties (n = 88). Descriptive statistics were used to identify participants compassion fatigue and burnout levels as well as better understand what symptoms of these two phenomena were most affecting …


Factors Influencing Treatment Completion Of Involuntary Groups, Charles Kalogo May 2015

Factors Influencing Treatment Completion Of Involuntary Groups, Charles Kalogo

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative study explores factors that influence treatment completion of involuntary clients. Eight professionals who have substantial experience facilitating groups with domestic abuse, substance abuse, DWI, and general offender rehabilitation programs were recruited for participation. Through semi structured interviews, professionals reflected on the factors they believed contributed to attrition and interventions they implemented to improve retention. Thematic content analysis informed by grounded theory generated several themes associated with treatment completion. Motivation, readiness, stage of change, mental health and chemical dependency were individual factors believed to influence completion. While, housing, employment, transportation, child-care, program cost, program time, program length, closed, and …


Therapists’ Perspectives On The Use Of Yoga In The Treatment Of Trauma, Brianna Klatt May 2015

Therapists’ Perspectives On The Use Of Yoga In The Treatment Of Trauma, Brianna Klatt

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored therapists’ experiences of incorporating the practice of yoga into their psychotherapy with clients who experience traumatic stress. Using a qualitative design, five volunteer licensed mental health professionals were interviewed regarding their experiences with integrating yoga as a therapy tool with their clients who experience traumatic stress symptoms. Data was taken from a semi-structured interview and analyzed to identify common themes. The findings support the literature which says, traumatic events affect both the mind and body, and clinicians’ need to implement inventions’ addressing the whole person, to be effective helping clients’ heal from traumatic stress. Findings indicated that …


The Experiences Of Huntington’S Disease Caregivers, Alisa Kanuit May 2015

The Experiences Of Huntington’S Disease Caregivers, Alisa Kanuit

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic, inherited, and terminal neurological disorder that affects both physical and mental capacities. The most recent estimates state that 1 in every 10,000 Americans has HD and more than 250,000 are at risk of inheriting the disease from a parent (Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 2013). Caregivers can be defined as informal or formal. Informal caregivers are typically family members such as spouses, children, or siblings. Formal caregivers are paid, professional caregivers. Family members often become caregivers for diagnosed individuals, however, the need for formal and paid care increases as the disease continues to progress. …


Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Day Treatment Programs, Julie Lochen May 2015

Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Day Treatment Programs, Julie Lochen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This paper addresses the mental health concerns of millions of children across the United States; especially those with diagnosis of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. This researcher used a qualitative research design to obtain the perceptions of caregivers who have children placed in day treatment programs. This researcher used an exploratory design with action research theory. Action research theory was used in the hopes that clinicians would empower clients, caregivers, and families. The researcher used an open-ended interview technique to collect data through a qualitative questionnaire with participants, lasting about 15 minutes. The questions that were asked pertained to the perceptions …


Reducing The Amount Of Antipsychotic Medication Among Older Adults With Dementia In Skilled Nursing Facilities In The Twin Cities Area, Stehpanie D. Marshall May 2015

Reducing The Amount Of Antipsychotic Medication Among Older Adults With Dementia In Skilled Nursing Facilities In The Twin Cities Area, Stehpanie D. Marshall

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There are many stereotypes that older adults in nursing homes are “snowed” and not cared for properly by “burnt out” and “careless” nursing staff. The purpose of this project was to explore professionals in skilled nursing facilities attempting to meet the Minnesota Department of Health mandate to decrease the amount of antipsychotic medication usage among older adults with dementia. The research placed a focus on non-pharmacological interventions with an emphasis on music therapy. Using a qualitative design, six subjects were interviewed regarding their experiences, successes, challenges and non-pharmacological efforts that are being implemented in their facility. Data were analyzed using …


The Effects Of Gender On Resiliency For Children When A Parent Has Huntington’S Disease, Jessica B. Marsolek May 2015

The Effects Of Gender On Resiliency For Children When A Parent Has Huntington’S Disease, Jessica B. Marsolek

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The experience of children who are raised in a family where a parent has Huntington’s Disease (HD) is complex. The purpose of this project was to explore the resiliency of those who were raised in a family with a parent who had HD, explore the effect the gender of the child had on their resilience, and whether or not the gender of the parent who had HD impacted resilience. Using a quantitative design, 107 adults who were raised within a family with HD responded to an anonymous online survey answering questions on gender, resilience, and experiences growing up in a …


How Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Addresses Military Sexual Trauma Among Female Veterans: Systematic Review, Claire Niessen-Derry May 2015

How Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Addresses Military Sexual Trauma Among Female Veterans: Systematic Review, Claire Niessen-Derry

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There were roughly 5,061 reports of MST since the Department of Defense’s (DOD) fiscal year of 2012. The DOD believes that MST is vastly under reported and estimates that less than 20% of sexual assaults have been reported over the past seven years. The research question for this systematic literature review was: In what ways does equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) address military sexual trauma (MST) among female veterans? Levels of publication utilized in this systematic review included peer-reviewed articles, gray literature, and dissertations. Types of studies included in this systematic review include empirically supported studies and qualitative and quantitative studies. The …


The Exploration Of Human Service Workers Personal Bias In Regards Sex Offenders, Amanda Palmer May 2015

The Exploration Of Human Service Workers Personal Bias In Regards Sex Offenders, Amanda Palmer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examines the relationship of dehumanization, public emotion, and social distance theory in regards to human service workers personal bias on the subject of sex offenders. This study aimed to determine the following: (a). To encourage human service workers to self assess for personal bias and counter transference regarding working with sex offenders. (b). Respond and support treatment programs and government policy that are factual based. (c). Increase the fair, objective treatment of those who have sexually offended. The researcher explored current government policies and its impact on those who sexually offended and society as a whole while questioning …


The Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Effective Leadership: Exploring The Perspectives Of Licensed Clinical Social Worker Leaders, Shannon Perry May 2015

The Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Effective Leadership: Exploring The Perspectives Of Licensed Clinical Social Worker Leaders, Shannon Perry

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Transformational leadership has been found to be related to emotional intelligence. There has been limited research on emotional intelligence and transformational leadership in the field of social work. This study sought to explore the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership within a social service organization. Seven individual interviews were held with LICSW social workers that were leaders of an organization for at least one year. The major themes that emerged were: mentoring is an important component to being an effective leader, personality can impact transformational leadership behavior, transformational leadership can be learned, emotional intelligence means tuning into staff, and relationships …


The Impact Of Social Media On Emerging Adults’ Grieving Experiences, Nikole M. Sharpe May 2015

The Impact Of Social Media On Emerging Adults’ Grieving Experiences, Nikole M. Sharpe

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Emerging adults experience developmental challenges when faced with loss. They are responsible for meeting developmental milestones, such as, identity achievement as well as mourning a loss both at the same time. This complexity is heightened when adding social media. Social media grieving has become a new way of mourning losses. However, there is still little data on the impact of social media on emerging adults’ grieving experiences. A systematic review was utilized to gather and synthesize the most current and relevant empirical data. Twenty five quantitative studies were selected for analysis and key data was abstracted including, sample size, age …


Alzheimer’S Disease, Spousal Caregiving Relationships, And Attachment, Mary Sherman May 2015

Alzheimer’S Disease, Spousal Caregiving Relationships, And Attachment, Mary Sherman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Due to increased life expectancy and the lack of a current effective treatment or prevention for this disease, a growing number of older couples will face the transition to a caregiving relationship in which one partner has dementia. Studies have shown that spousal caregivers experience a greater strain than adult children in the caregiving role, and that spousal caregivers who are providing care for Alzheimer’s related dementia experience the greatest strain of any other caregiving group due to the nature of the Alzheimer’s disease process. Studies also suggest …


Do Cultural Misconceptions About Mental Illness Coupled With Other Social Barriers Prevent Somalis In Minnesota From Seeking Mental Health Treatment?, Ali Shireh May 2015

Do Cultural Misconceptions About Mental Illness Coupled With Other Social Barriers Prevent Somalis In Minnesota From Seeking Mental Health Treatment?, Ali Shireh

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States that is estimated between 28,000 and 60,000 (Minnesota Historical Society, 2015). Somalis in the United States have a low rate of mental health utilization despite experiencing trauma in their homeland (Ellis et.al. 2010). There is a gap in the current literature on if cultural values coupled with social barriers prevent Somalis in Minnesota from seeking mental health services and how to address these barriers. This study examined data from eight qualitative interviews with mental health professionals with experience working with Somali consumers in the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. These interviews …


The Personal Is Political: Integrating Clinical Social Work Practice Through Narrative Therapy, Taryn M. Tessneer May 2015

The Personal Is Political: Integrating Clinical Social Work Practice Through Narrative Therapy, Taryn M. Tessneer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social justice has been identified as the core organizing principle of the social work profession. As social workers increasingly move into clinical practice, there is a more pronounced need to develop concrete practice methods consistent with this professed value. Literature suggests that narrative therapy theoretically contributes to social justice by deconstructing dominant discourses and by empowering people to author their own life stories and connect with one another to address social problems. This study seeks to understand the extent to which narrative therapy is aligned with a feminist social justice framework as it is currently practiced. The study offers qualitative …


Experiences Of Personhood In Dementia Within Long-Term Care Settings: A Meta-Ethnography, Rebekah E. Taylor May 2015

Experiences Of Personhood In Dementia Within Long-Term Care Settings: A Meta-Ethnography, Rebekah E. Taylor

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

To date, few studies have explored the subjective experience of identity and personhood in individuals with dementia, particularly among those living in long-term care facilities. As the population in the United States continues to age and dementia becomes more prevalent, the need to understand the experiences of persons with dementia will only increase. This paper used Noblit and Hare’s (1988) meta-ethnography to synthesize existing qualitative research on the experience of personhood in dementia in long-term care. Seven studies representing a variety of professional disciplines, qualitative methodologies, and geographic locales were included. A first level of synthesis identified four major themes …


The Support Group Experience Of Older Male Caregivers In Providing Care For A Relative With Dementia, Olivia T. Tise May 2015

The Support Group Experience Of Older Male Caregivers In Providing Care For A Relative With Dementia, Olivia T. Tise

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

It is estimated that 40% of caregivers of individuals living with dementia are men (Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). As the number of people diagnosed with dementia rises, older male caregivers will increasingly meet the demand for care. Men over the age of 65 may be an especially vulnerable group of caregivers. Support groups are one of the most widely used and popular interventions with family caregivers (Hornillos & Crespo, 2012). However, few studies have examined the support group experience of older male caregivers in providing care for a relative with dementia. This qualitative study explored the caregiving experiences of older male …


Assessment Process Of Ebd Students: Professional Perspectives, Mallory A. Xurvein May 2015

Assessment Process Of Ebd Students: Professional Perspectives, Mallory A. Xurvein

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There are an increasing number of students labeled as “Emotionally or Behaviorally Disordered” (EBD) each year (Seidman, 2005). Less than one half of students labeled as EBD graduate (Lehr & McComas, 2005). Early identification is crucial in order to get EBD students the resources and supports that they need to succeed in school. Previous research shows that early identification and early provision of services leads to better outcomes (Kauffman, 1999). This places importance on the properly and timely assessments of students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. The current qualitative study seeks to examine whether current special education assessment processes, along …


Animal-Assisted Interactions: Impacts For At-Risk Youth, Emily M. Axen May 2015

Animal-Assisted Interactions: Impacts For At-Risk Youth, Emily M. Axen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Animal-assisted interactions (AAI) have shown increasing promise in reaching at-risk youth. Overview: This systematic review explores the biopsychosocial-spiritual impacts of AAI for at-risk youth through analyzing the existing body of empirical research in the field. Qualitative analysis of findings indicated three main themes identified as (1) “the human animal connection,” exploring the unique impacts of equine and canine partnership in treatment, (2) “a new sense of self,” describing internal benefits of AAI, and (3) “social impacts” or increased prosocial behavior in participants. Quality assessment ratings indicated need for additional research in the field; however, results indicate promising outcomes for at-risk …


A Systematic Review Of Cognitive Processing Therapy And Prolonged Exposure With Veterans, Lauren Bares May 2015

A Systematic Review Of Cognitive Processing Therapy And Prolonged Exposure With Veterans, Lauren Bares

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure in reducing PTSD symptomology in United States military veterans. The present research study attempted to identify individual factors that may lead to a more effective treatment outcome with one of the two therapies that are frequently utilized in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria for the present study. The findings demonstrated both Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure are effective in reducing PTSD symptomology in veterans. Only one study directly compared the two therapies, and Prolonged Exposure …


Views On Seeking Mental Health Services In The Somali Community, Hamdi H. Adan May 2015

Views On Seeking Mental Health Services In The Somali Community, Hamdi H. Adan

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There is a need for culturally sensitive and suitable health care in the United States since there is a rising population of immigrants and refugees that reside in this country. The purpose of this research is to examine the views of mental illness among Somali individuals that live in the United States. A quantitative design was used for the collection of the data by using survey. Thirty six participants completed the written survey. Data was analyzed using a descriptive and inferential statistics to investigate the relationship between the participant’s level of education, the participants’ length of stay in the United …


Food Insecurity: Providers’ Perspectives Regarding Improving Food Access For Low Income Americans, Sarah K. Barrett May 2015

Food Insecurity: Providers’ Perspectives Regarding Improving Food Access For Low Income Americans, Sarah K. Barrett

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Food is often seen as the common denominator that brings people together yet food-related issues often plague our society in negative ways. Food insecurity, defined as having limited access to food resources often, impacts individuals and households. The prevalence of food insecurity within a household can increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions and obesity. Food insecurity can also be a hard statistic to track because it is self-defined and self-reported. This qualitative research study was designed to investigate the impact of food insecurity from the perspective of providers that work within food resources programs. In total five participants …


Social Workers Perception Of Father Involvement And Infant Mental Health, Debra Bjorgaard May 2015

Social Workers Perception Of Father Involvement And Infant Mental Health, Debra Bjorgaard

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research project shows the perspective of six respondents on fathers and its impact on infant mental health. This research describes how in the Early Childhood setting and Infant Mental Health field how father involvement plays out. Infant Mental Health was defined by the respondents as an interdisciplinary field, involving many different disciplines, such as medical, education and mental health. Despite many of the respondents limited involvement with fathers in their programs and Infant Mental Health work, the research found that roles of fathers are changing and they are becoming more involved in their young children’s lives. Father involvement was …