Social Work Commons^™

Queerview: Protocol For A Technology-Mediated Qualitative Photo Elicitation Study With Sexual And Gender Minority Youth In Ontario, Canada, Shelley L. Craig, Andrew D. Eaton, Rachael Pascoe, Egag Egag, Lauren B. Mcinroy, Lin Fang, Ashley Austin, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background:The experiences of resilience and intersectionality in the lives of contemporary sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are important to explore. SGMY face unique experiences of discrimination in both online and offline environments, yet simultaneously build community and seek support in innovative ways. SGMY who identify as transgender, trans, or gender nonconforming and have experiences with child welfare, homelessness, or immigration have been particularly understudied. A qualitative exploration that leverages technology may derive new understanding of the negotiations of risk, resilience, and identity intersections that impact the well-being of vulnerable SGMY.

Objective:The objectives of the QueerVIEW study were to (1) …

Impacts Of Marriage Legalization On The Experiences Of Sexual Minority Women In Work And Community Contexts, Angie Wootton, Laurie Drabble, Ellen Riggle, Cindy Veldhuis, Caitlin Bitcon, Karen Trocki, Tonda Hughes

Faculty Publications

The extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples in the United States provides an opportunity to examine how legalization of same-sex marriage has impacted the experiences of sexual minority women (SMW) in interactions within their extended social networks and local communities. Interviews were conducted with 20 SMW ranging in age from 23 to 75, with varying relationship statuses, and in different regions of the United States. Inductive thematic analysis of responses revealed both positive and negative/neutral impacts in 3 broad thematic areas: workplace dynamics and interpersonal interactions in the workplace, social interactions in extended social networks and local communities, and …

Motivations For Advance Care And End-Of-Life Planning Among Lgb Older Adults, Kristie L. Seelman, Terri Lewinson, Lily Engleman, Allex Allen

SW Publications

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience health disparities, discrimination from healthcare providers based on sexual orientation, and rejection from their family of origin, all of which can complicate medical care and decision making, as well as end-of-life arrangements. Yet, relatively few studies of LGB seniors have looked at motivations for advance care and end-of-life planning, which are strategies that can help ensure that healthcare treatment and end-of-life wishes are enacted as desired. The present qualitative study investigated this topic with a purposive sample of nine LGB and same-gender-loving adults in …

Understanding The Practitioner’S Role In The Therapeutic Setting: Working With Youth That Identify As Black Or African American And Lgbt, Katie L. Ubl

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review aimed to find responses for practitioners to better engage in the therapeutic setting with multiple minority youth that identify as LGBT Black or African American. These multiple minority populations are at high risk for mental health. A systematic review analyzed data using grounded theory. Twelve articles categorized data within the ecological framework: micro, mezzo, and macro levels. For practitioners to better engage with LGBT Black or African American youth in the therapeutic setting, responses were found in all three levels of the ecological framework. Dominant responses for social work practitioners to better engage in the therapeutic setting …

Social Work Students Attitudes Towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender Foster Youth, Katarina Kolde, Daniel Benitez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine and assess social work students’ attitudes towards working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) clients and identifying factors that would affect such attitudes. LGBT individuals face increased risk factors as opposed to their non-LGBT peers and are disproportionately over-represented in the foster care system. This study assessed California State University, San Bernardino Social Work student's attitudes towards working with LGBT clients through the use of self-administered questionnaires. The data acquired from such quantitative surveys was analyzed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Results yielded that sexual orientation, …

Supports And Barriers Experienced By Female Same-Sex Couples When Planning For Life As They Age, Johanna Guerkink

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research study seeks to understand and examine the supports and barriers experienced or anticipated by female same-sex couples as they plan for life as they age. Literature reviewed discussed: ways LGBT older adults plan for life as they age, how heterosexism impacts the lives of LGBT older adults, and varying levels of discrimination that the LGBT older adult community faces. This qualitative research study interviewed 3 couples (at least one person in the couple was over 50 years of age) in order to understand their experiences regarding planning for life as they age. Data was gathered and analyzed by …

The First-Year University Experience For Sexual Minority Students: A Grounded Theory Exploration, Edward Alessi, Beth Sapiro, Sarilee Kahn, Shelley L. Craig

Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This exploratory study used grounded theory to understand the role of minority stress on the first-year experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning emerging adults attending a university in the Northeastern part of the United States. Twenty-one lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning sophomores participated in focus groups asking them to reflect on their first year of university. Themes suggest that participants tackle multiple challenges simultaneously: the developmental task of increased independence and stressors specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning adults such as encountering stigma. Furthermore, participants manifested resilience in response to minority stress. Participants joined campus …

Coping Strategies Used By Lgb Older Adults In Facing And Anticipating Health Challenges: A Narrative Analysis, Kristie L. Seelman, Terri Lewinson, Lily Engleman, Olivia Maley, Alex Allen

SW Publications

Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults face notable health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a need for understanding how LGB adults cope with health challenges in late life. The current study analyzes narratives from nine LGB adults age 65 and older living in an urban area in the Southeast U.S. Participants spoke of coping strategies related to health promotion behaviors, shifting perspectives of health and body, trusting in spirituality for comfort, and accepting the end of life. We discuss implications for social services professionals who work with older LGB adults and for future research.

Current And Prospective Foster Parents’ Perceptions Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Foster Youth, Shay B. Alvarez, Stephanie K. Funston

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into foster parents’ perceptions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) foster youth through a self-administered survey in an attempt to provide better care for these children. The pool of participants were varied in most areas including age, gender, ethnicity, education levels, and religiosity. However, the majority was heterosexual and had less than 2 years of experience fostering. The results showed no particular demographics, trainings, or level of experience that contribute to more or less acceptance or preparedness. This may be due to response bias, however, it is more likely due …

The Political Birth Of Gay Affirmative Social Services, José A. HernáNdez.

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This thesis reports on the preliminary oral history findings collected for a larger national study directed by David S. Byers and Stephen Vider. The findings reported here focus on the experiences of clinicians and social service providers in Los Angeles, California. Another student, Dexter Rose, conducted similar field research in Seattle, Washington. Both projects were under the supervision of the principal investigators. This investigative oral history study examines the perspective of clinicians and social services workers who provided affirmative services to gay and lesbian communities in the years 1960-1987. These years are of great importance because they mark the beginning …

Standing On The Edge Of The "Rubyfruit Jungle" : Lesbians Recall The Experience Of Questioning In Therapy, Emily Willstatter

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was twofold: to pursue an existing gap in the literature on therapy with people questioning their sexuality; and to represent a lesbian perspective on the experience of questioning one’s sexual orientation. A previous study (Jones et al., 2003) found that gay and bisexual people who were uncertain of their sexual orientation at the start of therapy rated the treatment as overall less beneficial than gay and bisexual people who had begun therapy while certain of their identities. This study explored the possible reasons behind this finding by investigating a small (N=13) but diverse group of …

I Googled. "How Do You Know You're Gay?" : A Qualitative Study On Lgbtq Identity Formation And The Internet /, Rebekah M. Meresman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory study examined the impact of the internet on the identity formation process of LGBTQ individuals. This study aimed to answer the question: How and why do some LGBTQ-identified adults use the internet as a tool to formulate their sexual/gender identity? Through an anonymous online survey, LGBTQ identified participants were asked several open-ended questions about their identity formation experiences, and the role of the internet on this process.

Fifty individuals participated in the study, from a wide range of sexual and gender identities, half of which identified as transgender or gender non-conforming. Of these participants, most indicated that …

The Lived Experiences Of Lesbian Clergy In Four Protestant Mainline Denominations : The Formation Of Their Religious, Spiritual, And Sexual Identities, Pamela Jeanne Pater-Ennis

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study explores the multiplicity of challenging issues that lesbian clergy face today from a social work perspective, utilizing the intersecting concepts found in social work and theology as an interpretive framework. From the social work perspective, the theoretical constructs of social identity theory, ecological theory, and anti-oppressive theory inform the qualitative questions of this study. Answers flow from the data extracted from interviews with the sample, utilizing modified grounded theory and listening guide methodologies to give “voice” to the lesbian clergy and the challenges that they faced due to their religious, spiritual, and sexual identities. Specifically, this is a …

Universities Need To Do More To Prevent Heterosexism To Support Lgb Students’ Academic Success, M.R. Woodford

Clear Language Summaries

Heterosexism can affect lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) students’ academic success. Peer-group support and general faculty support do not protect students from the impacts of heterosexism, but is still important. To prevent poor academic outcomes, campuses must have spaces in which students feel safe to come out and heterosexism needs to be eliminated on campus.

Educational Determinants Of Readiness To Practise With Lgbtq Clients: Social Work Students Speak Out, Shelley L. Craig Phd, Michael P. Dentato Phd, Msw, Lori Messinger, Lauren B. Mcinroy

Michael P. Dentato

What Does The 'Q' Stand For Anyway? : Queerness And Agency Competence, Eleanor C. Taylor

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study’s purpose was to explore queer identity in mental health practice through the question, "Does queerness emerge as a distinct cultural category through the language of conversation, clinical practice, and administrative policy in mental health agencies that serve queer people, and in what practices is this reflected?” This project was undertaken in order to begin to fill gaps in existing cultural competence literature, particularly regarding queer identity.

This project entailed semi-structured interviews with ten participants, who worked in direct service at mental health agencies that serve LGBTQIA+ populations. This study examines the meanings and effects of queerness in …

Relational Ecology: A Theoretical Framework For Understanding The Human-Animal Bond, Jennifer M. Putney

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This qualitative study investigated the perceived impact of companion animals on the psychological well-being of lesbian women over age 65. Twelve women, ranging in age from 65-80, were interviewed with a semi-structured interview guide. Four thematic findings are highlighted: love and attachment, animals in transitional spaces, challenges and rewards of caregiving, and preparation for death. The author offers the term "relational ecology" to explain how animals contribute to well-being. This integrates the growth task model of human development, object relations theory, liminality, and deep ecology.

Lgb Cultural Phenomena And The Social Work Research Enterprise: Towards A Strengths-Based, Culturally Anchored Methodology, Trevor G. Gates Phd, Brian L. Kelly Phd

Brian L.Kelly

The Use Of Re-Authoring To Reconcile Fundamentalist Religious Beliefs With Sexual Orientation: A Narrative Study, Karen Parker

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A narrative qualitative research design was used to understand the journeys of three lesbians with Oneness Pentecostal backgrounds who have reconciled their religious beliefs with their sexual orientation. Three participants were selected who met the following criteria: (a) the participant is a lesbian female who (b) grew up in a Oneness Pentecostal church and (c) has reconciled being a lesbian with her religious beliefs, and who is (d) willing to discuss her outing process. These participants were interviewed. The interview questions were submitted to participants prior to the scheduled interviews. The interviews began with an open-ended inquiry. In answer to …

Student School Engagement Among Sexual Minority Students: Understanding The Contributors To Predicting Academic Outcomes, Kristie Seelman, N. Walls, Cynthia Hazel, Hope Wisneski

Kristie L Seelman

Hierarchical multiple regression is used to examine whether student school engagement predicts grade point average (GPA) and fear-based truancy among 315 sexual minority youth aged 13 to 24 years. Results indicate that student school engagement is a significant predictor of GPA, and this relationship is strongest in the presence of a gay–straight alliance. Having an adult ally at school is associated with a decrease in fear-based truancy, while student school engagement predicts a decrease in fear-based truancy only for youth who have higher levels of subjective fear at school. Implications for future research and for practice among school-based helping professionals …

State Recognition Of Same-Sex Relationships And Preparations For End Of Life Among Lesbian And Gay Boomers, Brian Devries, Anne Mason, Jean Quam, Kimberly D. Acquaviva

Kimberly D. Acquaviva, PhD, MSW

The authors compared 793 nonheterosexual baby boomers on their relationship status (single or in a civil union) and the state in which they lived (did or did not recognize same-sex civil unions). Analyses revealed patterns attributable to participants’ relationship status, state recognition, and the combination of these variables. Findings showed that state recognition of same-sex unions has an impact not only on nonheterosexual individuals’ current quality of life but also on their future plans and emotional responses to those plans. A lack of legal recognition requires nonheterosexuals to take greater action to ensure that their end-of-life wishes will be carried …

Reproductive Decision Making Among Lesbian Women, Misty Wall

Misty Wall

A non-experimental, survey design was used to determine which factors influence a lesbian woman’s decision to have, or not have, a child. Data was collected via the internet from 373 adult women, who self identify as lesbian. This study was guided by feminist theory and attempts to connect existing empirical literature regarding decision making with the experiences of lesbian women.

Review of existing theoretical and empirical literature regarding decision making and lesbian headed families showed that six factors; family of origin support, extrinsic religiosity, perceived ability to parent, internalized homophobia, perceived impact of motherhood, and fear of prejudice and discrimination …

Perceptions Of Predisposing And Protective Factors For Perinatal Depression In Same-Sex Parents, Lori E. Ross, Leah Steele, Beth Sapiro

Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Increasing numbers of women are choosing to have children in the context of same-sex relationships or as “out” lesbian or bisexual individuals. This study used qualitative methods to assess perceived predisposing and protective factors for perinatal depression in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) women. Two focus groups with LGBQ women were conducted: 1) biological parents of young children and 2) nonbiological parents of young children or whose partners were currently pregnant. Three major themes emerged. Issues related to social support were primary, particularly related to disappointment with the lack of support provided by members of the family of origin. …

Legislating The Family: Heterosexist Bias In Social Welfare Policy Frameworks, Amy Lind

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article addresses the effects of heterosexist bias in social welfare policy frameworks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in the United States. It discusses the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), federal definitions of family and household, and stereotypes about LGBT individuals. It argues that poor LGBT individuals and families lack full citizen rights and access to needed social services as a result of these explicit and implicit biases.

Family Members Of Gays And Lesbians Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Diane M. Jorgensen

Theses and Graduate Projects

Homophobic attitudes are detrimental to the safety and well-being of gays and lesbians. To determine how attitudes in family members of gays and lesbians are formed, how they change, and what effect having a gay or lesbian family member has on attitudes toward homosexuality, 10 Central Minnesota parents of gays and lesbians were interviewed. Results were related to theories of social deviance, social construction, and cognitive dissonance. Findings indicate parents' initial attitudes were influenced by societal institutions, parents changed their attitudes out of love for their children, and attitudes were changed through research and membership in parent support groups. As …