Social Work Commons^™

The Role Of Adverse Childhood Experiences In Relation To Opioids, Kay Hanson, Kimberlee Lamoth, Amelia Smith

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The aim of this study is to address the current gap in research regarding the relationship between childhood trauma and the misuse of opioids among women ages eighteen to thirty-five. Research participants were recruited at community service agencies throughout the Portland area and completed questionnaires measuring Adverse Childhood Experiences, substance use, and use of community supports. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess whether a correlation exists between childhood trauma and opioid use and whether community supports moderate this relationship. Findings of this study have the potential to confirm the existence of a correlation between childhood trauma and opioid misuse that …

Opioid Use Treatment Via Telemedicine: Treatment Options For Rural Maine, Benjamin Knapp

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The ongoing opioid crisis has overwhelmed the traditional opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment resources across America. The treatment resources in rural communities have been especially hard hit as geographic and financial barriers limit service capacity. Telemedicine, or medicine delivered via remote means, has been proposed as a potential solution to the lack of conventional opioid treatment resources in rural Maine. Current legalities in the US prohibit telemedicine being used to prescribe opioid agonist drugs, and insurance reimbursement for telemedicine remains a major barrier. This qualitative content analysis looks at the existing research on telemedicine's treatment efficacy for use with OUD …

The Experience Of Social Workers Who Utilize Therapy Dogs In Practice, Kathryn Jochems

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Animal assisted therapy, which incorporates animals into structured therapeutic interventions, and its use within social work has been shown to increase social interactions, communication, and the overall health and safety of clients (Nimer & Lundahl, 2007). However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the professional and personal experiences of individual social workers with incorporating certified therapy dogs into their practice. This study examined the approval process, perceived effects on practice, perceived effects outside of practice, and future implications of using therapy dogs in social work through the analysis of qualitative data from seven in-depth interviews with licensed social …

Professional Impressions And Experiences Of The Complex Needs Of Human Trafficking Survivors, Jackie Klock, Kelsey Haynes

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Abstract Human trafficking is a monumental and pervasive human rights issue, and one that carries immense physical, psychological, and psychosocial repercussions to its survivors. This project explores the complex needs and service gaps that exist for survivors of human trafficking. Through a qualitative study, with six in-person interviews of professional providers in Maine, we gain access to important information regarding complex needs of human trafficking survivors. Using thematic analysis we analyze common themes throughout the interviews in relation to previous literature. Recommendations for practice are also presented.

Experiences Of Veterans With Ptsd And Sud In An Outpatient Setting, Andrew Breault, Hannah Shifflett-Kohler

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

In 2014, there were approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States with co-occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) (SAMHSA, 2014). Of the veterans who served in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan alone, 30% of those in SUD treatment also meet the criteria for PTSD (Seal et al, 2008, pp. 476). Furthermore, statistics show that about 20 Veterans in the United States complete suicide daily (Spiva, 2019, p. 8). The Department of Veterans Affairs is urgently seeking successful approaches to addressing the high incidence of suicides among all veterans along with the low retention …

Cyberbullying And Suicide Among Lgbtq Youth: Is There A Connection?, Holly Wright, Victoria Wilson Townley

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The suicide rate among children and teens has been rising over the last decade, and members of the LGBTQ youth population are at considerably greater risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ youth are also at heightened risk of being bullied due to sexual orientation. Recent technological advancements have created a new platform for bullying, that of cyberbullying, which can contribute to feelings of depression and low self-esteem. The detrimental impact that cyberbullying can have on mental health suggests the possibility of a potential connection between cyberbullying and LGBTQ youth suicide. This qualitative study examines the possible link between …

Lgbt+ Teens, Social Media Use & Depressive Symptoms, Megan Curtis, Danielle Ryder

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Sexual and gender minority youth are statistically more likely to face severe mental health challenges than their cisgender, heterosexual peers; they consistently comprise a disproportionate percentage of youth who report experiencing depression, suicide ideation and attempted suicide in the United States every year (e.g. Abreu & Kinney, 2018). The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the current literature base by investigating the effects of social media use on sexual and gender minority youth mental health. The researchers conducted an online anonymous questionnaire targeted toward American LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, etc.) youth ages 14 to 18, …

A Thematic Analysis Of Adults’ Reflection On Childhood Experiences Being Parented By An Adult With Mental Health Issues, Jennifer Luja, Meg O'Malley

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Children are impacted by their relationships with caregivers. The objective of this research was to develop awareness of the impact on children being cared for by caregivers with mental health issues by examining the experiences of individuals who had a caregiver with severe and persistent mental health issues during childhood. Researchers also gained insight on how social workers can be more supportive to children in these circumstances. The researchers conducted interviews with five participants, the recordings of which were then transcribed and coded to identify themes. Prevalent themes include critiques of available services, resiliency and challenges of family members as …

Perceptions Of Mental Health: Eight Conversations With Mainers From Africa, Teresa Sosa, Emelda Ogweta

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

As of 2016, 42 million refugees from around the world had been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disaster (George & Jettner, 2016). Due to these factors, as well as relocation and resettlement, refugees are at a significant risk for trauma and other mental health issues (George & Jettner, 2016). While the literature consistently validates this heightened risk for mental illness in refugees, more research is needed into refugee's perspectives on mental health. Through analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight refugees from Africa, this phenomenological study investigated refugee's perceptions of mental health and mental illness. …

Self-Care In Graduate And Undergraduate Social Work Students At The University Of Southern Maine, Rachel Andreasen

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Prior literature clearly demonstrates that social workers are at a high risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary stress, and vicarious trauma (Kapilistas & Corcoran, 2015) (Kinman & Grant, 2011). Social work programs that have incorporated training on self-care education have found students less stressed and with less burnout. Using Self Care Deficit Theory as a theoretical basis, the purpose of this descriptive quantitative study is explore the ways in which social work students at the University of Southern Maine are incorporating self-care into their education and lives. Students participated in a survey, which measures self-care in multiple domains. Descriptive and …

Parentified Then Removed: A Teenager’S Conceptualization Of Family Identity, Katherine Bernard Melcher

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Family identity construction and the socially accepted definition of family have evolved over time. From the idyllic nuclear family of the 1950s to the contemporary examples that include step parents, grandparents, same sex parents and legal guardians have transformed the way family is conceptualized. The current research is typically concerned with creating an operational definition of family, particularly for divorced families; however, there is a gap in the research focused on how children experience and identify with family identity construction. This is especially consequential for children who have been removed from their family home by child protective services. This narrative …

Patients Attitudes On Alternative Approaches To Chronic Pain Management, Morgan Beede

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The topic of chronic pain and pain management continues to be heavily discussed by healthcare providers today. In the state of Maine, the recent limit on Opioid prescriptions raised questions regarding sustainable and alternative, long-term treatment options for patients. Many patients suffering from chronic pain are now tapering off their prescriptions and seeking alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, herbal remedies/supplements, massage, mind-body techniques, and yoga. This qualitative study was designed to explore patients attitudes on alternative treatment approaches. Seven individuals who suffer from chronic pain participated in interviews exploring their journey toward pain relief. The findings from this study …

Military Sexual Trauma: A Thematic Analysis Of Impact And Interventions, Rebecca Cornell Du Houx

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Media driven awareness of military sexual trauma (MST), meaning sexual harassment or assault that occurred while serving in the US Military, may have increased since the term was first coined in 2004, yet the services available for survivors of MST could still be lacking. Percentages of MST prevalence range, with one research study finding 80% of women serving in the military have experienced some type of sexual harassment or assault (Meade, Glenn, & Wirth, 2013). Previous research has also shown that MST is connected to depression, suicidal ideation, and PTSD, along with other mental health conditions.* During the present study, …

One School, One Family: Portland High School Climate In The Age Of Trump, Naomi Abrams Hawkes

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The 2016 U.S. presidential election led to one of the most contentious seasons in American politics. Citing the inflammatory rhetoric of public figures, a growing body of literature documents a dramatic increase in bias-­‐related bullying and feelings of anxiety in K-12 schools across the country since the 2016 election. Using student and faculty interviews/focus groups, secondary data analysis, and direct observations, this case study offers a comprehensive examination of the effects of the substance and tone of the current sociopolitical climate on students at Portland High School. Data was analyzed and suggestions made for administration to help create a more …

The Media Portrayal Of Homelessness In Portland, Maine, Molly Hardman

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

On January 24, 2017, 1,188 people were identified as homeless in Maine. The Maine State Housing Authority estimates that 527 of those people were unsheltered or resided in emergency homeless shelters in the City of Portland. People who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse, survivors of domestic violence, as well as unaccompanied youths and veterans represent many of the homeless individuals in the City of Portland (MSHA, 2017). There is an abundance of research on homelessness as it relates to mental health disorders and substance abuse (Sarvis, 2017); however, less attention has been paid to the portrayal of homelessness …

Living Kinky, Carrie Kahl

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Current research around BDSM bondage-discipline, domination-submission (BDSM) and kink often serves to pathologize behaviors we now recognize as part of a healthy sexual expression for individuals, couples, and poly groups alike. Kink can be defined as sensual, erotic, or otherwise sexual behaviors that are considered unconventional within the context of a society, and while these behaviors have been depathologized with the release of the DSM-V, much of the existing research has been slow to reflect these changes.

Through a phenomenological approach this study offers a glimpse into the lived experience of five self-identified kinky individuals (n=5) with consideration of their …

“Older Adults And Their Experiences With Home Care And Assisted Living”, Faith Robinson

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

As the state of Maine and the U.S. population at large continues to age, discussion about future care and living arrangements for older adults has become an increasingly relevant issue. Older adults are often faced with a range of options for housing, including staying in their home in their community while receiving home care services, or moving to an assisted living facility.

Currently a gap in the research exists as to the attitudes, perceptions, and lived experiences of the older adults themselves around these decisions, experiences, and the meaning of “home” in our older years. This study aims to provide …

A Qualitative Study Of Asylum Seekers Experience As Mentees With The Welcoming The Stranger Program, Deborah H. W. Hamilton

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Asylum seekers are foreign nationals who enter the United States legally fleeing danger in their home country. Over 26,000 individuals were granted asylum in 2015, with 3.4% of the State of Maine’s population identifying as immigrants. Portland Maine’s General Assistance (GA) office reports nearly 40% of GA recipients were visa holders seeking asylum during fiscal year 2016. Asylum seekers arrive with psychological and physical burdens and then face hurdles trying to gain legal status while attempting to get their basic needs met in the social service systems. Organizations have been created on a grassroots level to provide support and bypass …

Experience Of Adults With Special Needs In Sexual Education Programs, Kate C. Hallissey

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Adults with special needs are discouraged from exploring their sexuality, expressing it, accessing sexual health care, and learning about their sexual rights. As a result, this population experiences higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse than the general population (Saxe & Flanagan, 2014). Adults with special needs deserve to receive sexual education programming that provides them with the information they need to make informed choices about sexuality and relationships. Understanding their experiences in sexual education programs can better inform future programming for this population.

Therapist Experience Treating Female Sexual Assault Survivors, Melinda Irving

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Sexual assault often results in survivors experiencing Post traumatic stress disorder or depression. The phenomena of treating survivors in therapy after a sexual assault, has been researched thoroughly from the view of clients. Qualitative research done from therapists experiences is not as abundant in the literature. Therapists experiences treating female survivors of sexual abuse was explored, using a phenomenological research method. Examining therapist's perspective on providing therapy with survivors, can support other therapists working with women who have survived a sexual assault

Lcsw-Perceived Therapeutic Alliance And Job Satisfaction A Correlational Pilot Study, Daniel J. Kelly

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

One-hundred-and-fifty Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) were sent surveys measuring demographics, therapeutic alliance, and job satisfaction. Past literature suggests that clinician-perceived therapeutic alliance is related to job satisfaction. Results of this study failed to confirm this. Implications and limitations are discussed

Veterans Experience Using Acupuncture As An Alternative Treatment, Stacy Leet

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

There is growing dissatisfaction within the veteran community with their conventional health care options. This dissatisfaction has led to an increase in seeking complementary and alternative treatments, like acupuncture. There is increased need to understand the experience of veterans who use acupuncture as an alternative treatment for their physical or mental health care needs. This phenomenological study interviewed veterans (n=6) to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences using acupuncture as alternative treatment. The outcomes of this study will add to the knowledge base and provide social workers and health providers a wider range of care options that will continue …

The Student Experience Of Sexual Education In Maine Public Schools, Grace Nevins, Michael Johnston

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The modern sexual climate of the Unites States often contradicts the moral values taught to young people in sexual education classes in the public school system. Studies have shown that the traditional “abstinence only” method, which was made popular during the 1990’s, was ineffective in the prevention of young pregnancy and the reduction in sexually transmitted diseases (Schwarz, 2007). Teenagers are increasingly exposed to more sexualized content through a variety of media; however, this often contradicts the messages they receive in schools, particularly the “abstinence only” educational model.

Parenting A Black Child In America: Fears And Experiences, Tonya Bailey-Curry

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of parents with black children by asking the following questions: How do you think your experiences of parenting a black child differs from parents of non-black children? What would you estimate are the differences between parenting a black male child and a black female child? How do you educate your children about engaging with law enforcement? What are your fears in parenting at this time? Ø How is your experience of parenting different than they way which you were raised?

Behavioral Health Unit: Case Study At The Portland Police Department, Anne Sedlack

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

There are 8,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States. 1,000 have some form of specialized policing and response presence - which means that they have at least a few officers who are crisis intervention trained (CIT). 200 of these law enforcement agencies have some form of program that is beyond a few police officers trained in CIT. In 2016, there were 6 departments that were awarded a grant from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Justice Assistance. These six are currently learning sites dedicated to studying the affects of having a behavioral health specialized co-response team. The Portland …

Racialization Of Heroin Use And The Emergence Of A Public Health Issue, Ellen Pogson

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

How is race used as a tool in newspaper publications to shape public opinion of the heroin epidemic in Portland, Maine, between the years 2014-­‐2016?

How does the portrayal of the heroin user inform public policy and health care interventions?

Effects Of Political Environment On Individuals And Relationship, Ariana Blethen

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The intended purpose of this study is to provide participants with a platform to share their experience in both the current political environment and through other political times in their lifetime as an individual and as a person in a same sex relationship. The research question addressed was focused on individual experiences over time, experiences as a couple, views on current politics and perception of the impact of the political environment on individuals and couples’ experience of life. In summation, a primary research question could be brought to “How do you feel the current political environment affects you as an …

“Real Possibilities” In The Age Of Successful Aging: An Exploratory Content Analysis Of Aarp Magazine’S Feature Article, Noah Krell

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The specific goal of this exploratory research project is to determine:

• What successful aging themes arise in AARP Magazine’s feature articles?

• Is successful aging represented at the exclusion of other aging paradigms, or do a multiplicity of aging perspectives exist within the sample of articles?

The Experiences Of Asylum Seekers Who Are Temporarily Housed By Faith Communities While Experiencing Homelessness, Nicholas Meintel

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this study is to gain deeper understanding of the experiences of homeless asylum seeking individuals who were temporarily housed by families in the greater Portland area. In response to the need for housing for asylum seeking families, three local churches founded a housing initiative in 2016 to provide temporary housing and other assistance when the beds were full at the local family shelter. While literature pertaining to the role of faith-based organizations in helping displaced persons is abundant, few studies focus on the experiences of those hosted by faith-based organizations while seeking asylum. The current study seeks …

The Impact Of Incarceration For Women Who Have Children: A Phenomenological Study, Chelsea White

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

To address this gap in the literature, this phenomenological study will investigate the lived experience of incarcerated mothers to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be separated from their child due to incarceration.