Social Work Commons^™

Why Do We Serve?: Motivators And Barriers To Volunteering Among Undergraduate Students., Adam Bellis, Geneva Ferro, Kyla Slaughter

Campus Research Day

Volunteerism during an individual’s college years can potentially influence a lifetime of service. This research focuses on the motivators and barriers undergraduate students at a private Christian university face, focusing on differences between helping and non-helping majors. Data is gathered through convenience sampling via surveys administered to current undergraduate students at Southern Adventist University. With the importance universities place on service learning, this research will show ways in which students can be motivated to engage in service opportunities. It will additionally showcase potential barriers that can be addressed to further service engagement among students leading to a lifetime of service.

Navigating Multiracial Identity Development In The Digital Ages: An Intersectional Exploration, Diana Mccullough

National Cross-Cultural Counseling and Education Conference for Research, Action, and Change

In the 2020 U.S. Census, 33.8 million individuals reported multiracial identities, which increased since 2010 from nine million (US Census, 2020). Despite the substantial growth in multiracial individuals, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the unique challenges and determining factors shaping their identity. This session aims to equip counselors and counselor educators with evidence-based strategies to navigate and support the intricate identity development of multiracial clients and students.

Fostering Cultural Humility In Addressing Sexual Violence And Sex Trafficking Among Youth, Stephanie Olson

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Discover the power of cultural humility in promoting safe spaces for youth to disclose experiences of sexual violence and sex trafficking. Explore the impact of educators' perspectives on disclosure rates and understand how diverse cultural backgrounds influence coping mechanisms. Gain practical insights and strategies to foster cultural humility, create a supportive environment, and enhance safety measures, thus ensuring the well-being of at-risk youth.

The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation aims to spark intentional conversation and change geared towards shattering stigmas around the autistic and ADHD experience. Attendees will enhance their understanding of neuro-divergent populations in order to modify environments and provide interventions aligning with trauma informed care and inclusion. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to embrace the power of self disclosure and mentorship.

Rethinking The Mentor/Mentee Relationship: The Critical Mentoring Approach In A North Carolina Middle School, Kendra P. Alexander, Brianna Mccullough, Nikaizha Davis, Patrick Clifford

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

In this session, undergraduate and graduate students from North Carolina A&T State University describe the genesis and evolution of an internship-based, community-academic partnership grounded in the concept of critical mentoring. As mentors with the Nia Project, interns support middle school students in critical exploration of post-high school pathways. Along with the supervising instructor, students identify key concepts and prerequisites for successful implementation.

Helping All Herons - A School Based Mental Health Team Initiative, Kiersten H. Morgan, Erin Thrift, Teri Hendrix, Shannon Murray

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Our school system has experienced an increase in the number of students with significant mental health related issues. Interactions with these students were occuring on a crisis by crisis basis. Through a series of trial and error we developed Helping All Herons - A School Based Mental Health Team initiative. The team has regular contact with students, parents, outside counseling agencies and staffings to ensure that the needs of the students are being met. This team encourages a more proactive approach to student mental health compared to a reactive one.

Mapuche Women's Cooperative And Sustainable Development, Peter Kent

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

This study looks at a Mapuche cooperative (Chol-Chol) in southern Chile. The review focuses on how this woman owned and run enterprise overcomes primarily culturally ingrained indigenous biases, and how these women deal with a dominant Euro-centric culture that refuses to acknowledge them both as a distinct group within Chile and as capable and contributing members of the Chilean economy.

The study follows two specific members of the cooperative. One is the Executive Director of the organization, charged with oversight of the cooperative members, from financial accountability to negotiations, within the group and outside of the group with local municipal …

The Experience Of Burmese Refugee Students In Higher Education: Blooming Out Of Concrete, Minyoung Lim

Day of Scholarship

This study explored the lived experiences of Burmese refugee college students’ resettlement and the role that social support plays in that approach. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted by analyzing 32 in-depth individual interviews with Burmese refugee students in higher education. Through an in-depth examination of the lived experiences of Burmese refugee college students’ resettlement, four main themes were identified: challenges of resettlement, resettlement needs, the resources of social support, and resettlement experiences. Refugee students actively cultivated their life and showed aspirations of being successful members of this new environment. Even though they faced many challenges and needs …

The Impact Of School-Based Support Services On Mental Health And Academic Performance, Joshua A. Kent

2023 Symposium

Background: There has been a continued presence of mental health issues among high-school aged youth. As a result, many have a diminished ability to be successful in school. It is a societal problem as discussed in the literature. Legislation within the last 23 years has created more access for students but there is still a gap in services. This gap is mostly seen by not having enough personnel to address the amount of students that need assistance. There is also an inconsistent use of school-based health centers and other school-based interventions. Too many schools are using different interventions and …

“Feed My Sheep”: A Literal Mandate?, Laura Racovita, Amy Mejias, Safiyya Phillip

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This presentation will outline the results of a quantitative, non-experimental study conducted with students at a faith-based university in the US to explore the levels of food insecurity on its campus. The presentation will include implications for policy and practice applicable to other faith-based institutions of higher education.

Evaluation Of The Dsm-5 Internet Gaming Disorder Measures: A Cosmin Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vivien Wen Li Anthony, Devin Mills Ph.D, Lia Nower

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Due to the rising concern of problem video gaming, the DSM-5 has suggested including Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a possible new behavioral addiction and proposed nine criteria to assess IGD. In response, a number of measurement instruments have been developed based on the DSM-5 IGD criteria. This presentation will discuss results from a systematic review that evaluated psychometric properties of these measures. Systematic search identified 22 measures. Meta-analysis revealed that 3.1% of the general population and 6.4% of video gamers had IGD. The estimated prevalence rates largely varied across different measures. Although many measures demonstrated satisfactory structural and construct …

High Illusion Of Control Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Analyses Of The Effects Of Forms Of Counterfactual Thinking And Gender In Problem Gambling And Gaming, Larry Okechukwu Awo Dr., George Nzeadi Duru Mr.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract

Three studies (Study 1, N = 322 male adolescents, Study 2, N = 401 male and female adolescents, and Study 3, longitudinal, N = 56 male and female adolescents) analyzed the effects cognitive and psychographic variables in the relationships among illusion of control (IC), problem gambling and problem gaming. Moderated mediation analyses results using PROCESS macro in the three studies confirmed: (1) the positive mediating effect of upward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; (2) the negative mediating effect of downward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; …

The Nuance Of Mindfulness Among Gamblers And Video Game Players: Empirical Findings From Latent Profile Analysis And Links To Intervention For Problem Gambling And Problem Video Gaming, Vivien Wen Li Anthony, Jackie Stanmyre, Devin Mills Ph.D, Lia Nower

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: This presentation reviews two studies that investigate different profiles of gamblers and video gamers across five facets of mindfulness and nonattachment using latent profile analyses. Study 1 identified four profiles among 843 adults who gamble (59.9% male, Mage=39 years): High, Moderate and Low Mindfulness, as well as a Judgmentally Unaware profile, characterized by low levels of nonjudging and acting with awareness. Gamblers with the Judgmentally Unware profile demonstrated more frequent gambling, stronger gambling motivations and gambling-related cognitions, more severe problem gambling, and poorer mental health compared to other profiles. Study 2 identified a different four-profile model among 629 …

How Does The Responsible Gambling Discourse Shape The Mind Of Young Adult Gamblers?, Annie-Claude Savard, Jean-Philippe Laforge, Mélina Bouffard, Sylvia Kairouz

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The responsible gambling approach is the subject of significant debate in the scientific community due to its tendency to individualize responsibility, focusing most heavily on gambler’s responsibility for gambling-related harm. In the meantime, studies have showed that young adult gamble at a higher rate than the general adult population. They are now more than ever susceptible to being drawn in to gambling due to the availability of online gambling. In this context, this study aims to explore the social representations of the concept of responsibility held by young adult gamblers. How do they perceive the concept of responsibility? Do they …

The Use Of Research For Evidence Informed Practice, Harper Williams, Kennedy Boyes, Mark Phillips, Shelby Rowley

2023 Symposium

Providing effective treatment is an ethical imperative for behavioral health practitioners and the Evidence Informed Practice (EIP) process is a vehicle for this purpose. The EIP decision-making process incorporates the best available research evidence with practitioner wisdom and client values, preferences, and needs. Steps in the EIP process include: (1) formulating an answerable EIP question; (2) Locating research evidence to answer the EIP question; (3) Critically evaluating the evidence based on it’s quality and rigor; (4) Identifying treatment options that have the strongest research support; (5) Deciding with our clients which treatment best fits their values, preferences, and needs and …

The Impact Of The Deinstitutionalization Policies On Homelessness, Henrique Krigner

Helm's School of Government Conference - American Revival: Citizenship & Virtue

Homelessness is a growing issue in America. In 2019 there were 567,715 homeless individuals in the United States, distributed in emergency shelters (63%) or residing unsheltered on streets (27%). In 2021, even though specialists argue that the Covid-19 restrictions greatly harmed an accurate counting, the total number of unsheltered homeless in America increased in 20%. Such increase became a central discussion not only to regular citizens and neighborhood associations, but it also became a great concern within the federal government which has been appropriating billions of dollars each year to “end homeless”.

Specialists point out that the growth of the …

The Role Of Religiosity On Mental Health Help-Seeking, Emily Raimundo, Alyssa Wolf, Kaitlyn Deaux

Campus Research Day

The presentation covers the rationale, methodology, and results of a mixed-methods study designed to answer the following research question: "What if any, is the role of religiosity and the impact on mental health among college students and their willingness to seek emotional/mental health support from a religious university?" Data will be collected via a survey and individual in-depth interviews from a convenience sample of students at Southern Adventist University. Finally, it discusses implications for practice or policy change.

An Assessment Of Access To Services: Early Childhood Brain Development In Angelina County, Maria Caldera, Loran Ashley Rhodes, Kristel Maguy Sio, Lenola Wyatt

Graduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Faith On Women In Leadership Positions, Ashley Adams, Ashley Michel, Stephanie Howard, Macie Stringer

Graduate Research Conference

Women are still underrepresented in leadership roles and still suffer from gender stereotypes and injustice. Women of faith are frequently stigmatized by both their faith and place of employment. This study is about women of faith who held leadership roles in rural communities. The objective of this study is to examine the experiences of women of faith in leadership, their qualities, and knowledge as effective leaders. The data used in this study is secondary and it was obtained from a parent study entitled, “Women Ascending to Leadership Positions in Rural Nonprofit Organizations.” This parent study used a snowball approach to …

The Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse On Children With Autism, Octavia Daniels-White, Joanna Odom, Mariela Wilthew

Graduate Research Conference

The purpose of conducting this research was to understand the effects of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) on children with autism, and how behaviors attributed with CSA easily get mistaken as behaviors attributed with autism, leaving them more vulnerable to CSA. The research question used in this study is: How does Child Sexual abuse affect children with autism? This paper is a systematic review, which entailed using a sampling of professional and scholarly articles published in recent years to answer a question or understand a subject matter, in this context being the effects of CSA, with the focus demographic being children …

Substance Misuse Intervention Proposal For Harrison County, Tristen Alvarez, Lanetta Williams, Kate Mares, Val Modisette, Keren Fuentes, Matilyn Liles

Undergraduate Research Conference

Background: A report produced in 2021 analyzing substance misuse in Panola, Harrison, and Gregg counties emphasized the need for intervention on substance misuse in the area. We decided to create a therapeutic community program to be implemented in the Harrison County Jail to target the specific need of the inmates with substance charges and Harrison County as a whole. Our approach was guided by the Community Partnership Model.

Impact Of Industrial Disasters On The Mental Health Of Vietnamese Americans On The Gulf Coast, Vivian L. Duong

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

An explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig caused 200 million gallons of crude oil to spill on the Gulf Coast over a five-month span. About 16,000 miles of coastline, ecosystem and marine life along Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were contaminated. This disaster and the recovery process caused social, financial, and ecological shocks, resulting in adverse psychosocial and physical health outcomes, health disparities, and socioeconomic inequality. Among the oil spill's most affected and vulnerable populations are the Vietnamese American communities that settled on the Gulf Coast after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. The plight of …

Radical Youth Work: A Community Based Approach To Working With Youth, Young Adults And Families, Weston J. Robins

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Eternal Strength Center for Radical Youth Work is a blended community center with customizable mental health therapeutic support for youth, young adults and families. Providing humanistic and person centered psychotherapy and counseling, alongside experiential therapies and community engagement we support families and youth struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self harm, suicidality and other challenges on their developmental growth journey.

Green Devils Closet: How A 9x6' Corner Can Change Lives, Tracey Keim

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Using a "real" grocery list, cash money, and an unexpected situation, attendees put themselves in the shoes (or socks) of the children-at-risk and families who need support in a hands on, solution centered workshop. Workshop participants walk away with culturally relevant materials that will allow them to find funding for a 6'x9' corner of hope--at little or no cash cost. But that makes all the difference in the world.

What Do I Do After A Student's Mental Health Crisis, Francie Livingston

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Most educators have been trained in prevention of mental health emergencies, but what do we following a crisis. Participants will learn strategies for assisting students to return to school, meeting their emotional needs, providing support for classmates, and involving the families in this process.

Why So Touchy? Navigating Physical Touch In The Performing Arts, Joseph Skillen, Gretchen Alterowitz, Michelle Reinken

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Physical touch is endemic to instruction in the Performing Arts. Two Performing Arts Chairs and the University’s Title IX Coordinator share approaches and solutions to navigating challenges resulting from the use of touch in student-instructor interactions.

Are Basic Care Homeless Shelters Beneficial To The Homeless, Lucy Karanja

Symposium of Student Scholars

This research aims to analyze homeless shelters that only provide basic care, i.e., food and shelter, to individuals experiencing episodic or chronic homelessness. Evaluating the effectiveness of these shelters and their ability to help individuals overcome homelessness. Research in this area suggests that there are commonly seen factors that result in homelessness, and although there are noted gender differences, these factors include aspects such as mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, illness, disability, violence, and a lack of access to resources, i.e., education, income, affordable housing, social support. All of these are complex on their own to address and only grow …

The Transgender Population: Expanding Access To Services, Ruby Amanda Oboro Offerie

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

According to the CDC, 2% (1.3 million) individuals, 0-17 identify as transgender. Individuals that identify as transgender have a higher incidence of mental and physical challenges, face health inequities, share a common need for specific types of support, and lack representation. Yet, there still remains a significant gap in strategies for the provision of services for this cohort. It is based on this note that this presentation is pursued.

Gbsv Resource Guide And Review For The University Of Western Ontario And Surrounding Area, Alyssa J. Madhani

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

During the 2021-2022 academic year, gender-based violence and sexual assault became a major topic of discussion due to a number of troubling incidents throughout the year. One of the largest calls to action by the student body was for more resources and trainings. This paper compiles the resources and trainings that can be found on campus of the University of Western Ontario and in the surrounding areas into a cohesive list of major relevant sources. The goal of this paper is to amplify the many different programs already in place that can be added to the training cohorts or made …

Learning From Lived Experience: Substance Use Policies, Emergency Shelters, And Harm Reduction In London, On, Jesse Cram, Dena Salehipour

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Since 2018, the number of overdoses reported by London housing and emergency shelter agencies to the city of London has increased by 790%.These agencies currently have inconsistent overdose response policies that lack research-based support, and want to establish comprehensive best practices that support those involved at all levels.

Through a community based course, we initially collected and analyzed survey data from managers and staff from various London housing and emergency shelter agencies with the aim of understanding the limitations of the current approaches to the opioid crisis. Wanting to expand on this, our current project focuses on those who are …