Social Work Commons^™

The Intentions Of Engaged To Be Married And Recently Married Individuals To Seek Professional Help, Michael Robert Borowiak

Theses and Graduate Projects

Many individuals in early marriage do not experience a traditional honeymoon period. These distressed couples may resort to ineffective coping mechanisms that can cause greater marital dissatisfaction and instability. One effective coping method engaged or recently married individuals can use is professional help. This study assessed the intentions of engaged to be married and recently married individuals to seek professional help when faced with different types of marital problem areas. The study used a quasi-experimental design with volunteer participants from a suburban Catholic community who answered anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The results found that engaged and recently married individuals were not …

The Impact Of In-Home Parenting Skills Training On Parenting Effectiveness For Parents With Developmental Disabilities, Suzanne Flolid

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study examines the success of Children's Service Society of Wisconsin's (CSSW's) in-home parenting skills training program for parents with developmental disabilities or considered low-functioning the referring county social service agency. The purpose of this program is to improve parenting effectiveness in an effort to maintain a safe and nurturing home environment for children in their parental home. Data were collected by administering a parenting effectiveness questionnaire to Children's Service Society of Wisconsin parenting skills trainers on a pre-test-post-test basis. The parenting skills trainers’ evaluated a parent's progress in the parent education program and reported the findings. The results suggested …

An Assessment Of Relationships Between Actual And Perceived Caregiving Demand And Negative Impact Measures, Michele L. Mandrich

Theses and Graduate Projects

Previous research has focused on the time spent and the tasks involved in caregiving and on care recipient characteristics in measuring caregiving demand and predicting negative impacts (Aneshensel, Pearlin, & Schuler, 1993; McKinlay, Crawford, & Tennstedt, 1995; Stull, Bowman, & Smerglia, 1994). However, the nature of the relationship between objectively measured caregiving demand and negative impacts for caregivers remains unclear. Researchers now note that assessing caregivers' perceptions of demand may be key in understanding negative impacts (Coverman, 1989; Litvin, Albert, Brody, & Hoffman, 1995; Loomis & Booth, 1995). This study assessed relationships between objective and subjective reports of caregiving demand …

A Summary Of The Important Components Of Female Gender Specific Programming As Determined By Adolescent Females In The Juvenile Corrections System, Gail J. Grogan

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the order of importance of components of juvenile correctional programming as ranked by adolescent females currently assigned to a probation officer in the juvenile correctional system. Twenty- two adjudicated adolescent females ranked in order of their perceived importance thirty-one components of correctional programming using a scale developed from components determined by the current literature to be important for gender specific programming for adolescent females . The results of the study were that subjects rated components addressing issues of physical safety, education, and vocation as being of primary importance. The subjects also stated …

Licensing Public Social Workers In Selected States, Kyle G. Cloutier

Theses and Graduate Projects

In Minnesota a coalition of seven professional associations (i.e., National Association of Social Workers, Minnesota Conference on Social Work Education, Minnesota School Social Workers' Association, Minnesota Nursing Home Social Workers Association, Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work, Minnesota Society for Social Work Administrators in Health Care, and the Minnesota Home Care Social Workers Association) are attempting to persuade state legislators to amend a current statute that exempts public social workers from social work licensure. Unlike Minnesota, a number of other states have licensing requirements for social workers employed by public human service agencies. A review of the literature shows that …

A Survey Of Programs Addressing The Psychosocial Developmental Needs Of African American Men Ages 18 To 26, Rodney J. Dewberry

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this exploratory study is to present information on Afrocentric programs providing continuous preparation for the PSYCHO-SOCIAL developmental needs of African American young men ages 18 to 26 in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, area. Programs designed to meet the social, psychological, and educational challenges confronting African American men are identified and described here. This study also presents a literature review of research regarding PSYCHO-SOCIAL needs and intervention strategies used by service providers for African American men. Included is program information gathered through publications, conversations and interviews with program providers and information from educational programs, churches, and social service agencies. …

An Exploratory Study Of Clergy's Perceived Stress Related To Their Counseling Duties, Susan R. Monson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the possible relationship between clergy's level of counseling training and their perceived stress related to counseling duties. Interest in the topic stemmed from this researcher's social work field placement within a church counseling center. Ordained clergy belonging to United Methodist, Roman Catholic, and American Baptist churches were surveyed regarding amount of time spent counseling, counselling training, and perceived stress related to counseling. Findings differed from those previous studies on clergy stress that reported high stress levels. Less than half of clergy reported moderate to high stress levels. However, limited qualitative data provided in this study did …

Therapeutic Foster Care: Some Characteristics Of Youth And Children In Out Of Home Placements In The State Of North Dakota, Paul B. White Jr.

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study provides a description of the children and youth who are in out of home placements. The study population consists of an analysis of some characteristics of 146 children and youth to be used as a baseline analysis which can be utilized for agency program planning, policy development, and administration. The characteristics of the children and youth were obtained from individuals residing in therapeutic foster care in the state of North Dakota, supervised by the Professional Association of Treatment Home (PATH). An independent organization tabulated the raw data utilized in this study. The information was collection for a period …

Exploration Of Social Power Differences Between The Sexes: A View From The Transsexual Experience, Terry Dickelman

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study examined the social power and status differential between men and women from the perspective of transsexual individuals. Eight transsexuals, took part in two separated focus group sessions held on different evenings. Five open ended questions designed to examine power differences were asked. Findings indicate men and women experience life differently and are treated differently, both positively and negatively, across a wide variety of situations. Although participants were asked to view their gender experiences in discrete categories, it was extremely difficult for them not to discuss their transition process and those experiences unique to the transsexual as inherent components …

Community Support Program Staff Attitudes Toward Family Involvement With The Adult Who Has A Serious And Persistent Mental Illness, Timothy W. Himango

Theses and Graduate Projects

Research has shown that staff of mental health programs will blame family members for problems incurred by an adult member with a serious and persistent mental illness and therefore be excluded from invotvement in the adult's community support plan. Fifteen personal interviews of staff from four community support programs (CSP's) in Minnesota's Hennepin County were conducted, using a combination of a standardized open-ended question interview format and a S-point Likerttype scale. The CSP staff viewed family members as both positive and negative in their influence on the adult with a mental illness. Their decision was influenced by client self-determination, confidentiality, …

A Comparison Of Factors Associated With Referrals, Service Placements And Length Of Service For African-American And Caucasian Youth With Serious Emotional And Behavioral Disturbances Served Through The Comprehensive Services Act In Virginia, Vanessa B. Sheppard

Health Services Research Dissertations

Despite the efficacy of community-based treatment, many emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youth still receive restrictive service placements. This is quite problematic for minority youth since studies have reported they are more at risk of out-of-home placements. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in referrals, out-of-home placements, residential placements and length of service for African-American and Caucasian youth. This historical cohort study was a secondary analysis of data from the Comprehensive Services Act in Virginia. The sample consisted of 2,883 youth ages 10-19. Multiple logistic regression was employed for data with dichotomous outcomes in order to adjust for …

Grandmothers Laughing: Intergenerational Transmission Of Cultural Beliefs About Pregnancy And Childbirth Among Native American Women, Claudia Robin Long

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation reports findings from a qualitative study of intergenerational transmission of pregnancy and childbirth information among Native American women. Proposed is a theory of intergenerational transmission that explains four pathways used by Indian women to gain information about pregnancy and childbirth. Antecedent, consequent, and core elements are associated with the transmission process.

Discriminant sampling was used to identify the middle generation of Indian mothers and grandmothers, between 36 and 65 years of age, residing on or near the reservation, with experience of assimilation policies that had moved off-reservation temporarily. The researcher used the grounded theory method to analyze responses …

The Cost And Benefit Of Supported Employment In Minnesota: A Social Policy Analysis, Robert Schwartz

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study analyzed the economic feasibility of supported employment for people with mental illness using a cost/benefit framework and outcome data from the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota. A purposive sample was chosen of three programs offering community-based individual supported employment for people with mental illness. Using the ICI framework and a Goeller Scorecard, programs were evaluated for cost/benefit. Findings indicate that when viewed from the ICI model, two of the three programs demonstrated positive cost/benefit ratios.

Practitioners' Perceptions Of Older Male Batterers And Related Factors: An Exploratory Study, Connie F. Pribyl

Theses and Graduate Projects

This was an exploratory study to determine: if mental health practitioners were serving older men who batter; if the practitioners perceived that there were characteristics that differentiated older men who batter from younger men who batter; if these characteristics impacted treatment outcomes and if so, what treatment approaches should be used. Four family violence practitioners participated in a semi-structured interview. The initial findings indicated that: (l) older men who batter comprised a very small proportion of the practitioner's clientele, may be due to fewer older partners utilizing law enforcement assistance; (2) practitioners perceived little difference in characteristics between older men …

Adoption Permanency Of Older Children: Evaluation Of Adoptive Family Functioning Variables In Families Who Adopt Older Children, Rhonda M. Jager-Pippy

Theses and Graduate Projects

Current adoption literature indicated a steady increase in adoptive placements of older children over the past twenty years. The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 was based on the belief that every child has a right to a permanent, stable home. The result of permanency legislation increased the number of school age children who were legally freed for adoption. Previous studies indicated the probability of adoption disruption increased as the age of the child increased. This research study examined adoptive family characteristics and functioning that were related to adoption permanency for older children. This research study was adapted …

Economic Self-Sufficiency Programs Within Privately-Owned, Subsidized, Family Housing Communities: A Program Development Process, Wendy A. Geving

Theses and Graduate Projects

The decreasing size of the United States' affordable housing stock coupled with increasing rates of family poverty and demand for housing assistance make it essential to find ways to make subsidized, family housing communities more transitional in nature and able to serve more low-income families. One way of doing so is by creating economic self-sufficiency (ESS) program within those communities. This study surveyed managers of six existing housing-based ESS programs on their experiences with regard to program development and their thoughts on program components most effective in moving residents toward increased ESS. Program components rated most effective included GED classes, …

Incidence Of Substance Abusing Parents In The Child Welfare System, Kathryn Laura Vaudreuil

Theses and Graduate Projects

There is a significant increase of substance abusing families involved in the child welfare system nationwide and locally, in Minnesota. Many studies suggest that substance abuse is the contributing factor for children placed in foster care by child welfare workers due to child neglect and/or maltreatment reports. This descriptive study examined twenty-two court cases in a large mid western metropolitan county in efforts to determine the incidence of substance abuse on termination of parental rights cases in 1996. Findings from this research project reveal that substance abusing families are frequently cited in termination of parental rights cases. Implications of this …

An Exploratory Study: Out-Of-Home Placement Practices In Two Mid-Western Counties, Michael I. Frafjord

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore the criteria used by social workers in two mid-western counties to place children out of the home. This exploration has been done using a questionnaire that asks questions intended to identify a consensus among workers about the criteria considered to place children. Out-of-home placement for the purpose of this study will include any placement done by a county agency either on an emergency basis or by a plan, started at the beginning of a worker/client relationship. These placements are those in which a child has been removed from the home or from …

Implementation Of A Conflict Mediation Program In An Elementary School, Ruth Ann Moreno Belland

Theses and Graduate Projects

Schools are looking at how violence in the school contributes to students' stress levels and how it interferes with the academic abilities and performance of students. If schools are to be orderly and peaceful places in which high quality education can take place, students must learn to manage conflicts constructively. Studies show that conflict mediation plays a role in creating an environment where students regulate their own behavior in regards to conflict in school. This research study surveyed students about their attitudes and opinions towards conflict mediation at Beaver Lake Elementary School. This study also evaluated whether staff to student …

Examining The Complex Relationship Between Social Support And Self-Reported Physical And Emotional Status Of Older Adults, Janet L. Cahill

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory quantitative study was undertaken to examine the complex relationship between social support and the self-reported physical and emotional health status of older adults. The participants (N=30), clients and volunteers of DARTS (Dakota Area Resources and Transportation For Seniors), completed a structured interview consisting of twenty-one questions from two validated questionnaires. The survey measured physical health status, emotional well-being and perceived social support of the participants. The implications of the findings of this study, although complex in nature, are consistent with past studies and will assist DARTS in planning and evaluating services for seniors and their caregivers in Dakota …

Caregiver Support Groups: Benefits Of Participation, Charlotte Jean Mcintosh

Theses and Graduate Projects

As the population ages, many adults will find themselves dependent on others for care due to chronic illness or disability. Often a family member will assist an individual by becoming the caregiver. A caregiver experiences a unique set of stressors and challenges that come with this responsibility. In the community, there are caregiver support groups that are designed to assist a caregiver. This study explored three aspects of participation in a caregiver support group. The findings of this study reveal that participation in a caregiver support group has benefits for the caregivers. The caregivers reported that they learned about resources …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of A Conflict Resolution Program On The Behavior Of Middle School Students, Julie A. Collins

Theses and Graduate Projects

Interpersonal violence has become a leading cause of death and injury among adolescents in the United States. The Unites States Department of Justice reports three million crimes-or about 11% of all crimes, occur each year in public schools. With this increasing trend, interventions are needed, to assist adolescents decrease levels of individual anger and frustration and to learn skills to resolve conflict. A ten-week Conflict Resolution group was implemented in an inner city school in Minneapolis, MN. Each child was asked to complete a pretest/posttest, before the group began and following the last group meeting. This questionnaire evaluated their knowledge …

Comparing Two Support Groups' Impact On The Development Of Middle School Students' Self-Esteem And Internal Locus Of Control, Gary S. Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study compared the effectiveness of two support group models in a middle school setting. ls the introduction of Health Realization (HR) concepts in a support group more effective than a standard support group without HFI concepts in increasing self-esteem (SE) and internal locus of control (lLC) of participating middle school students? Eighteen 7th grade students were randomly assigned to a support group with HFI concepts or a support group without HR concepts. Pre- and post test scores from the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children (N-S) and the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (P-H) were used to assess …

Transracial Adoption And Post-Placement Services, Alisha Kaul-Nelson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Transracial adoption, the adoption of a child that is of a different race than that of the adoptive family, is a controversial issue. With the disproportionately high number of children of color in foster care, transracial adoption is a viable option to provide these children with permanent families. Transracially adoptive families need support and available services to adjust satisfactorily to the adoption. Nine transracially adoptive families completed a self-administered questionnaire about participation in and availability of post-placement services. Data did conclude that services are being offered to families and that these families are utilizing services to assist in adjustment to …

Hiv Prevention Strategies Available In Substance Abuse Treatment Programs For Women In The Twin Cities Area, Cathleen A. Holmberg

Theses and Graduate Projects

Overall, the fastest growing populations of HIV infected individuals are women, African Americans, and heterosexuals. Women who are infected with HIV via drug use now constitute the largest subgroup of women with AIDS in Minnesota. Drug treatment programs for women have been largely impacted within the past few years with the HIV epidemic. Previous research indicates that skills-building and cognitive-behavioral techniques used within drug treatment programs for women are effective in decreasing their risk for HIV infection. This exploratory study aimed to find out how substance abuse treatment programs for women in the Twin Cities area are addressing the problem …

Exploring Parents Satisfaction With Collaborative Services Offered By A County Human Service Agency And School District, Tracy R. Sopiwnik

Theses and Graduate Projects

Collaborative services provide a model of prevention and early intervention. These services are comprehensive, accessible and consumer driven. The purpose of this study was to obtain parents' perceptions of the experience with a collaborative program composed of a rural central Minnesota school district and a neighboring human service agency. This exploratory study uses both qualitative and quantitative information. A survey of a sample of parents asked them to rate how accessible were the services provided through the collaborative and how satisfied they were with these services. The questionnaire focused on the type of in-home counseling services received, the helpfulness of …

The Utilization Of Hospice Care In Assisting To Meet The Needs Of Family Members Of Terminally Ill Patients, Karen S. Cartwright

Theses and Graduate Projects

The diagnosis of a teri'ninal illness greatly impacts the patient as well as the entire family system. The relevant literature mentions the concept that hospice can be beneficial to families by assisting them in meeting needs and providing support and guidance. Little research, however, as been done to support these beliefs. The purpose of this research study was to explore what benefits hospice provides to family members of terminally i]l patients. A questionnaire was mailed to 128 primary care persons of patients who were enrolled in the hospice program and died between February 1, 1996 and July 31, 1996. A …

Their Silent Voices Are Calling Us: The Efficacy Of Art & Play As Methods Of Intervention In Social Work Practice With Young Children Who Have Been Abused Or Neglected And Who Hove Limited Verbal Language Skills, Brenda F. Watson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research is a qualitative case study. It evaluates the effectiveness of art and play as nonverbal forms of communication techniques that con be used in social work practice. These techniques con assist social work practitioners working with children ages 3-5 years who hove been traumatized by abuse or neglect. This age group does not hove the verbal language skills necessary to effectively communicate their experiences, feelings and needs. Because young children have not developed the verbal language skills needed to communicate their feelings and needs effectively, alternative nonverbal forms of communication must be used to provide age and developmentally …

Youth Homelessness, Nanci Jo Zenner

Theses and Graduate Projects

This descriptive study identified the characteristics of youth applying for services at Minneapolis Youth Diversion in Minneapolis, Minnesota, between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1996. Minneapolis Youth Diversion is a non-profit, youth serving agency, located in Minneapolis. An analysis of 507 intake sheets were reviewed to determine the factors related to youth homelessness. These factors included characteristics related to gang involvement, ethnicity, and abuse history. The average age of youth applying for services was age seventeen. More females than males applied for services, and a majority of the youth were African American, contradicting the literature which indicates that most …

Training For Transracial Adoptive Parents And Professionals Who Care For Transracially Adopted Children: The Roles Of Identity Formation And Self-Esteem In Successful Placements, Robert L. O'Connor

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis examines the roles of identity formation and self-esteem development as interwoven determining factors of successful transracial adoptive placements. Transracially adopted children have the arduous and conflicting tasks of 1) conforming to the family culture, and 2) developing identities that are racially different from those who parent them. The goal of such a placement is for the transracially adopted child(ren) and the adopting family to join together to form a new biracial and bicultural family unit. Using a conceptual framework encompassing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Erikson's Stages of Development, the Dual Perspective, and the Ecosystem Perspective, the author develops …