Social Work Commons^™

Foster Care And Education: Exploring The Success Of Interventions Aimed To Improve Academic Achievement Of Foster Children, Olivia Erickson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Foster care youth are faced with many academic difficulties throughout their childhood and adolescence such as an increased risk of academic failure, higher drop-out rates, special education placement, and grade repetition. The researcher identified six articles that explored various educational interventions aimed to improve the academic outcomes for foster care youth. This exploratory study evaluated the selected interventions research methods, measurement tools, and findings. The findings identified three common themes: tutoring interventions, school stability interventions, and exploratory interventions. These themes mirror the results of past literature regarding academic interventions for foster care students, demonstrating differing efficacy and results among all …

Early Interventions: Preventing At-Risk Youth From The Path Of Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review, Rahma Farah

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a hidden, complicated, and oppressive issue affecting children and adolescents on a transnational level. This systematic review examines factors that place at-risk youth for CSEC and early intervention strategies preventing at-risk youth from sexual exploitation and trafficking. The finding of this study determined that prevention would fall into the following categories: Psychoeducation, community awareness and education, developing comprehensive legislation, and reducing demand and supply. With the amount of at-risk youth for sexual exploitation and trafficking, it is imperative that practitioners, researchers or anyone working directly with youth understand this implication and relevancy of …

Promoting Resilience And Preventing Sexual Offenses In Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review, Cassie Degraw

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Maltreatment is often experienced in adverse environments during childhood. Children who survive maltreatment demonstrate protective and risk factors that impact the developmental pathway to lifelong outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the factors that impact the pathway between surviving childhood sexual abuse and committing a sexual offense. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse may possess protective factors that are important towards their ability to function and have positive lifelong outcomes. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it is important to identify the protective factors essential to positive lifelong outcomes and resilience. Educating professionals on important protective …

Exploring Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Behavioral Symptoms Of Dementia: A Social Work Perspective, Ashley Schoonover

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Dementia is a progressive neurological brain disease that affects the quality of life of those diagnosed (Goldberg, 2017; Tjia et al., 2017). The diagnosis of dementia affects the patient and the caregiver in different ways: those diagnosed with dementia may have difficulty in thinking, memory and physical or psychological skills. Those diagnosed with dementia may experience behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Behavioral symptoms can be heterogeneous and unpredictable, which can be difficult for caregivers to manage (Cerejeira et al., 2012). Social workers are able to connect families with in-home services and institutional care services if requested by the …

Using An Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approach To Help Adults Cope With Chronic Pain, Bethany Miletich

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Chronic pain is a complex and costly condition that impacts many American’s lives. While there are medical interventions available, individuals may continue to experience some level of chronic pain. Therefore, the efficacy of psychotherapeutic techniques should be explored. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine how to use an integrative psychotherapeutic approach to help adults cope with chronic pain. Seven interviews with psychotherapists serving the chronic pain community in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary medical settings were analyzed. Results showed the important roles that psychoeducation and a strong therapeutic relationship had when it came to implementing a variety of psychotherapeutic …

Sleep Deprivation And The Health Of Firefighters, Bridget Bender

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

As public safety workers, the wellbeing of firefighters is of concern to the entire community. One of the primary work-related health issues facing firefighters is sleep deprivation, which can contribute to an array of health problems, including: mental illness, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this exploratory, quantitative research study was to gather preliminary data regarding the health of professional firefighters, with a focus on sleep. Data was collected from several Midwestern, metropolitan fire departments via an online survey. Sleep-deprived participants were identified using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), as well as self-reports of average sleep onset latency, …

Examining Services Effective At Preventing Domestic Homicide: Interviewing Relevant Stakeholders About Their Perceptions Regarding Their Role In Reducing The Recurrence Of Domestic Violence, Katlin Morse

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to recognize possible barriers in the prevention of domestic homicide and further incidents of domestic violence. Respondents were chosen based on their professional role in responding to domestic violence incidents and expertise in domestic violence intervention. Respondents were asked about specific methods of intervention that would be helpful in preventing domestic homicide, how barriers to effective prevention could be removed or improved, and to what extent domestic violence court would assist in preventing domestic homicide if it was implemented in their respective county. Respondents offered various suggestions as to what might constitute effective domestic …

Challenges And Opportunities In Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services In Rural Minnesota, Kassara Kneeland

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

America’s aging population is increasing and mental illness among older adults continues to go under-diagnosed and under-treated. The purpose of this research was to collect data and information on the resources available to older adults living with mental illness in rural Minnesota. This research was informed primarily by the text Rural Mental Health: Issues, Policies, and Best Practices (2012). A survey was conducted utilizing both quantitative and qualitative questions developed by the researcher. The survey was distributed to 153 recipients in 14 counties surrounding Central Minnesota, with an 11% total response rate. Respondents were primarily county-affiliated, identified as social workers …

Rural Service Providers’ Perceptions Of Cultural Responsiveness To Lgbt Older Adults, Lisa Twomey

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative study was conducted to assess how senior care facilities are responding to LGBT older adults in rural communities. While reviewing previous literature, the following themes were found: discrimination and health disparities, families of choice and social support, challenges in rural communities, and cultural responsive services. This study interviewed seven social workers and one social work designee. Seven of the participants worked at rural nursing homes and one participant worked at a rural assisted living in Minnesota. Many of the results were also found within previous research. The major themes include: limited diversity in rural settings has slowed progress …

“Make ’Em Laugh” The Interaction Of Humor In The Therapeutic Treatment Of Trauma: A Narrative Review, Katherine Goodman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Like oil and water, humor and trauma would seem to be as opposite as can be. This systematic narrative review set out to discover if and how humor interacts with the therapeutic treatment of trauma. Peer reviewed data was collected, analyzed, and organized in four levels; humor in trauma therapy, humor in therapy promoting behavior for the client, humor in therapy sustaining behavior for the clinician, and humor in trauma work outside of a therapeutic setting. Using conceptual models of Trauma-Informed Care and Resiliency Theory, each level of articles were analyzed for similarities and differences through identifying; the use of …

"Si No Estuviera Conmigo, Yo Seria Muda En Este País": A Systematic Literature Review Of Language Brokering Among Latinx Youth, Manuela Gonzalez

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study reviews the literature on language brokering among first and second-generation Latinx youth. Language brokering is a commonplace occurrence among bilingual Latinx children and takes place in many locations from public institutions to the family home. Language brokering consists of translating and interpreting oral and written information as well as the cultural nuances that come with many social interactions. The impact of language brokering on the emotional and social well-being, acculturation process and parent-child relationships of Latinx youth is mixed. Further research addressing the impact of language brokering on parents and siblings as well as the importance of familial …

Best Practices For Engaging Birth Mothers In Post-Adoptive Grief Work, Melanie Dejong

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Birth mothers who have placed one or more children for adoption experience a variety of difficult emotions both during and after the placement of the child. The literature reveals the idea that there needs to be an increase in the support available to birth mothers following placement. The literature also discusses the grief that birth mothers experience post placement and the importance of addressing and helping birth mothers grieve. However, there was a lack of research suggesting the best ways to engage birth mothers in post-adoptive grief work. This systematic review aims to examine past research to reveal the best …

Mapping Social Justice: A Case Study Of A School Of Social Work Student-Led Social Justice Initiative, Lauren Abdill

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Throughout the history of social work, two different branches – micro social work and macro social work – have emerged. Micro social work is largely focused on treating mental and behavioral health problems in individuals, couples and groups. Macro social work, meanwhile, focuses on making systemic changes through advocacy like lobbying and community organizing. Despite their differences, a key principle unites these branches: social justice. Although the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) identify social justice as a guiding principle of social work, there is little consensus in the field of what …

The Role Of Social Work On College Campuses: A Systematic Narrative Review Of Social Work Roles And Values, Ryan Sheats

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

On college campuses, both mental health and systematic issues are apparent for students. The role of social work needs to be more present on college campuses. This paper will serve to explore the role of social work on college campuses. A narrative systematic review was done in order to answer the question “What is the role of social workers on college campuses”. The databases that were used were PsycNet, SOCINDEX, Social Work abstracts, and the Journal of College Counseling. The following search terms were used: Colleges AND Social Casework, College Counseling AND Higher Education, Social Work Practice AND Universities & …

Identity And Belonging: Documentation Status And Mexican-Origin Children: A Systematic Review, Alicia Bauers

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There is a growing body of literature on the ways in which legal status affects the lives of undocumented Mexican immigrants, yet very little is known about how their status impacts the well-being of their children. This systematic review was conducted to answer the research question, “According to the literature, how do the children of undocumented Mexican immigrants describe the impact of parental documentation status on their identity and sense of belonging?” Studies utilizing qualitative methods were emphasized to gain insight directly from the voices of the children themselves. Results from the review included perspectives from the 1.5 generation, second-generation …

Systematic Review: Considerations For Women With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder And Ptsd, Brittany Feller

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Statistics demonstrate the prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD among women, and the need for integrated mental health treatment. The researcher of this systematic literature review sought out to explore the following research question: “In what ways do helping professionals intervene with women with co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD?” A systematic review was conducted using the following databases, SocINDEX, Social Work Abstracts, PsychINFO, and SAMSHA and searched variations of the terms, “Social Work,” “Helping Professionals,” “Women,” “Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder,” “PTSD,” and “Treatment.” All articles were peer-reviewed and involved some aspect of women with co-occurring substance use …

Best Practices Of Building Therapeutic Alliances With Clients Living With Psychotic Disorders, Nicole Rominski

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic narrative review examined best practices for developing therapeutic alliances with clients living with psychotic disorders. A systematic narrative literature review resulted in eight articles included in this research. A narrative review of the articles presented three main findings: practitioner’s utilization of psychotherapeutic theories in order to conceptualize psychotic symptoms and build relationships, recovery-focused collaborative models of care, and what clients say they want in relationships from practitioners. Results indicated that there may be a disconnect between theory and practice, as data speaking to the process of building a therapeutic alliance with this population was limited. Further implications recommend …

Intervention Effectiveness Following Gender-Based Violence And Forced Migration: A Critical Systematic Literature Review And Synthesis Of Qualitative Studies From The Voice Of The Client, Malory Giraldo

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Aim. This systematic review aims to understand effective therapeutic interventions from the voice of the client; female forced migrants, post-migration who have endured and survived gender-based violence.

Background. Professionals are implementing therapeutic interventions for this population whose experiences convey both vulnerabilities and resiliencies, yet a common understanding of what effective interventions are has not yet been established in the literature.

Design. Systematic narrative review and synthesis of literature.

Data sources. Electronic database search sources included ScienceDirect, SAGE, PubMed, and Scopus. Professionals in the field, think tanks, and research organizations were also consulted to locate texts which could contribute to the …

Social Work Perspectives On Working With Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder, Ann Schroeder

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The incidence of addiction to opioids, more formally known as opioid use disorder (OUD), has skyrocketed in the U.S. in the last 25 years. Opioids are a class of narcotic drugs that include a range of synthetic prescription opioid pain relievers, including fentanyl. The number of pregnant women in the United States experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD) related to nonmedical use of prescription opioids has increased dramatically. Between 2000 and 2009, the number of child-bearing women with an OUD increased five-fold. Nonmedical prescription OUD affects vulnerable, young, low-income or poor women and their children, including White, African American, and Hispanic …

Aging Americans: Family Factors And Satisfaction With Life And Aging, Miranda Eastham

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Successful aging has been explored and defined in research as a particularly desirous state of being as one approaches older age. Operational definitions of successful aging often include measures of physical health, internal and external resources, proactivity levels, and wellbeing. Additional research on later life has included the study of family and support factors on the aging experience. In light of these topics, the current research sought to explore successful aging within a family context by comparing family demographics to older Americans’ satisfaction with life and aging. This inquiry was conducted using a secondary data analysis design on the public …

Changing The Narrative: How People With Disabilities Overcome Discrimination In Employment Settings, Gabrielle Holloway

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research assessed the research question of how people with disabilities overcome barriers of discrimination in employment settings. The introduction focused on the overall impact of societal discrimination towards people with disabilities. The literature review narrowed the discrimination focus to how that discrimination arises in employment settings for people with disabilities and how it negatively impacts their opportunity to find work, and advance in competitive career settings. The literature also discussed the benefits of hiring people with disabilities which included factors related to reliable, hardworking, and unique perspective to use for workplace collaboration and discussion. A conceptual framework of the …

The Social Work Perspective: A Systematic Review Of Best Practices For Social Workers In Healthcare Teams, Sarah Kirschbaum

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social workers are involved in a variety of multidisciplinary teams in different settings, but the role social workers play in a multidisciplinary healthcare teams lacks clarity and consistency in research. The literature solidifies the notion that social workers utilize a broad perspective and are heavily relied upon to be a voice of reason in multidisciplinary teams (Patterson, 2004). In addition, the literature isolates role ambiguity and mistrust as the most common factors weakening teams in the work place. (Patterson & Pennefather, 2015); however, there is minimal qualitative research on how a social worker self-identifies as part of a multidisciplinary team …

Disability Accommodations In Postsecondary Education A Systematic Review, Kaitlyn Gartner

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

More students with disabilities, both visible and nonvisible, are attending postsecondary institutions. In order for these students to be successful, there needs to be collaboration between students, professors, and disability support services. Engaging students with disabilities and helping them succeed is an integral part of the postsecondary experience. Students with disabilities face challenges in postsecondary education that students without disabilities won’t face. This systematic review aims to identify the best practices of accommodating students with disabilities. A total of 12 articles were reviewed, including both qualitative and quantitative studies. Some of the studies suggested that a caring environment and a …

Privlineage: A Conceptual Model For Exploring A Legacy Of Privilege, Derek Otte

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Peggy McIntosh likens white privilege within American culture to an “invisible package of unearned assets that [one] can count on cashing in each day” (McIntosh, 2008, p 1). Majorities of people entering the social work profession are white and hold advanced degrees, while many of their clients come from minority, marginalized populations with a high percentage of people of color (Whitaker, Weismiller, & Clark, 2006). Without a healthy amount of awareness on the part of a social worker regarding his or her privilege, clients with disadvantage may become further alienated and marginalized by unwittingly discriminatory actions and decisions. Due to …

Evaluating Child Maltreatment Prevention Programs & Services: A Qualitative Study, Laura Abrass

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This is a qualitative study looking at the model of child maltreatment prevention programs within a large Midwest metropolitan area. The rate of child maltreatment is alarmingly high in the United States as over 40,000 children die of homicide every year due to child maltreatment (World Health Organization, 2014). Research suggests that there are many factors that can increase the likelihood of a parent maltreating their child including having a stressful home environment, family history of abusive tendencies, substance abuse, or other stressors. With aims of addressing these risk factors associated with child maltreatment, parenting support and skills programs are …

Involuntary Civil Commitment And Sobriety, Ana Anderson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Previous studies have identified various controversy surrounding coerced treatment of individuals with a severe substance use disorders. Individuals suffering from significant clinical and functional impairments, including major medical issues, disability, and failure to meet societal responsibilities are at risk for judicial intervention via involuntary civil commitment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of involuntary civil commitment with those experiencing a severe substance use disorder. The principal researcher interviewed seven participants who actively provide service to individuals diagnosed with a severe substance use disorder under an involuntary civil commitment. The interviews were analyzed and coded. Initial themes …

A Case Study Of Veteran Identity As A Female, Kimberly Anderson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The terms veteran, or soldier, typically evoke a male image, creating barriers to female veteran identity and recognition. Using a case study methodology, one female veteran’s perspective was explored using qualitative interviews and supporting documents. Findings show that the female veteran had the same training and deployment experiences as her male counterparts, and therefore, demonstrates her full status as a veteran. Also noted are the ways in which her female identity as a veteran was expressed and experienced by others. This case study involves perspectives related to female veteran identity across three generation and suggests changes related to females in …

Strategies And Outcomes In Working With Adolescents Diagnosed With Conduct Disorder, Elisabeth A. Boegeman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Conduct disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association (2013) as: A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of at least three of fifteen criteria, in the past twelve months, with at least one criterion present in the past six months. Conduct disorder is generally considered to be a serious, chronic childhood disorder that is often the primary precursor to an adult presenting with chronic antisocial behavior. According to Lahey, Loeber, Hart, Frick, & al, et (1995), it …

Factors That Increase Successful Parenting Skills In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Trauma, Neglect, And Abuse: A Systematic Review, Victoria A. Christian

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic review, I explored the topic of the parenting skills of adults who had experienced childhood abuse, trauma, and neglect and how that experience impacts their ability to become effective parents to their own children. The literature review provided information showing that adults who experienced childhood abuse may have a difficult time parenting their own children if they don’t have the ability to form attachment, develop resilience and protective measures, and learn parenting skills. A focused literature search found twenty-three articles, three books, and various government websites that provided the information used in this research paper. A theme …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Veterans Experiencing Insomnia: A Systematic Review, Dustin Cobb

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic literature review, research regarding veterans experiencing insomnia and the utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia as an effective treatment modality were synthesized. Using the sociology research database SocINDEX; nine studies examining the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment option for insomnia and insomnia related symptoms met criteria for the review. The Behavioral Model of Insomnia was used as the conceptual framework for this review. This framework was utilized to explore Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an effective means of treating veterans experiencing insomnia. Studies included in this systematic review produced these findings: improvements in sleep …