Social Work Commons^™

What Factors Contribute To The Identity Development Of International Adoptees?, Natalie Sinkler

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

International adoptees face a unique challenge in their ethnic identity development because they are raised in a different culture than they were born, usually by parents of a different race. Understanding what helps develop an adoptees ethnic identity helps adoption professionals and adoptive parents facilitate a positive identity development among adoptees. The study consisted of four qualitative interviews with adult international adoptees regarding the factors that contributed to their ethnic identity development. Using a developmental framework and grounded theory the interview were analyzed and coded for themes. Participants shared a common development over time starting at a pride of their …

Recovery Mentorship Programs And Recovery From Addiction, Carmen Berzinski

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

New roles in service grow from an unmet need. In the current world of addiction treatment and addiction recovery, a new role is emerging to bridge the gap between professional treatment and sustainable recovery within a client’s natural environment. This role has been identified as many different titles: recovery coach, recovery mentor, peer recovery, and specialist. Peer-to-peer recovery support services are designed and delivered by peers in recovery. A review of the literature has found that recent growth in peer-based recovery support services as an addition and alternative to addiction treatment has created some uncertainty about the separation of responsibilities …

Support Groups With Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, And Transgender Youth In Schools, Marisa Biolo

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth are in need of school support groups given their higher risk for mental health issues, sexual risk taking behaviors, eating disorders, substance use, victimization, and more. The current study examined the use of school support groups with GLBT youth. The researcher gathered qualitative data about GLBT school support groups from the Twin Cities metro in the state of Minnesota.

Data were collected from four school social workers and one teacher, who all have experience facilitating GLBT support groups. The major themes that emerged from this study were risk factors, group effectiveness, sense of …

Youth Workers' Perceptions Of Their Career Choice And Helping Ability In Relationship With Their Own Lived Experiences, Kristina Bonello

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research endeavor examined youth workers’ perspectives of their own helping ability in relationship to their lived experience. The intent of the project was to determine what extent youth workers’ lived experiences, especially experiences in their families of origin, impacted their career choice, helping ability, and ability to maintain boundaries with the youth they served. Limited research exists regarding the field of youth work. Youth workers of interest in this study work primarily with vulnerable populations of youth in crisis between the ages of ten to twenty-three. Qualitative semistandardized interviews were conducted in an exploratory study of 10 voluntary participants …

Practitioners' Perpectives On The Impact Of Migratory Separation On Attachment Among Southeast Asian Clients: An Exploratory Study, Diem T. Cao

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Evidenced by the multitude of literature across disciplines, attachment theory has ignited one of today’s most prolific lines of research. Attachment Theory’s core themes of security, separation, and loss apply well into the common experience of immigrants and refugees who have dealt with these issues in their immigration experience. Consistently, studies have shown that separation and traumas before, during, and after the migration journey have been identified as potential predictors for serious psychological distress and mental health problems among immigrants and refugees. Given the profound implications from recent studies, there exists limited research on how migratory separation affects attachment. Thus, …

Best Practices Of Hospice Social Workers Who Work With Families Experiencing Grief And Loss, Bethany Butzow

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative study examined the best practices of hospice social workers who work with patients and families during their hospice journey. Data was collected through semi-structured standardized interviews with hospice social workers currently working in the area. Open coding methods were used to inductively analyze codes in the data and to find common themes from the interviews. Themes that emerged from this study were separated into three categories: family roles and functioning, collaboration among the interdisciplinary team, and the hospice social worker role. Additionally, sub themes that correlated with these three major findings were discussed. The majority of the findings …

Nursing Home Social Worker Preparedness For Serving Bgl&T Residents, Rachel Bialostosky

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Current census data indicates that there are over 38 million Americans over the age of 65 at this time. (U.S. Census, 2010). It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million older adults in the United States identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or transgender. Though there is a growing body of literature on the needs and concerns of BGL&T older adults with regards to accessing health care services as they age, there is very little literature on how prepared providers feel to provide culturally competent care to BGL&T people. In an attempt to address this gap, this researcher conducted a …

The Effect Of Interpersonal Dynamics On Quality Of Supervision From A Correctional Client's Perspective, Anne Cartman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study assessed the perception of interpersonal relationships between staff member and clients at a halfway house facility from the client’s perspective. The relationship quality was divided into three major constructs: Trust, Caring-Fairness and Toughness. Eighty surveys were sent out to five halfway houses in northwestern Wisconsin with 47 of them being returned. The literature reviewed examined the evolution and philosophy of halfway houses, the principles of effective correctional treatment and therapeutic alliances and dual role relationships. The findings indicated that respondents valued the relationship quality with halfway house staff although did not report this as a main factor in …

What Is The Correlation Between A Positive Ethnic Identity And Self-Worth In African American Adolescents?, Natalie Casemore

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

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Racial and ethnic differences that exist within our society are discovered by children at a very young age (Derman-Sparks, Higa, Sparks, 1980). The development of ethnic identity is an important part of overall identity development and is an indispensable human need that fosters a sense of belonging and a sense of historical continuity (Smith, 1991). Therefore, this paper examined if there was a correlation between a positive ethnic identity and self-worth in African American adolescents. In order to examine this correlation, the researcher surveyed 30 African American adolescents between the ages of 18 to 25-years-old and asked them about …

Professional Clinicians' Views And Use Of Dc: 0-3r, Jennifer Chasco

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In 1996, the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood was published to address the paucity of options for addressing infant and toddler mental health. Currently in its revised version and referred to as DC: 0-3R, it is designed to help professionals formulate a comprehensive assessment of infant and toddler mental health and relational issues. This paper addresses current research on infant and toddler mental health, the importance of prevention and early intervention, and the role of DC: 0-3R in these areas. Since professional perspective can ultimately influence the diagnostic process, this study focuses …

Rural Professionals' Perceptions Of Minority Disparity Within The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Jessica Christenson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Overrepresentation is defined as a specific racial or ethnic group being overrepresented in comparison to their representation in the general population. In the case of racial minorities, this overrepresentation has been documented specifically with African American populations and focusing on urban environments throughout a system known as the "school-to-prison pipeline". This pipeline includes social welfare, special education, school disciplinary referrals, the juvenile justice system, and the adult justice system. This study looked at rural professionals’ perceptions of the overrepresentation phenomenon specifically within their rural community with a focus on that areas primary racial minority, Hispanics. Using a quantitative design in …

Supervision And Training Needs Of Practitioners Working In Batterer Intervention Programs, Heather D. Conley

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) seek to address violence in families by working with perpetrators in developing skills to remain nonviolent. The purpose of this study was to explore the supervision and training needs of practitioners who work in batterer intervention programs (BIPs). This study utilized qualitative data collected from hourlong, audio-recorded interviews with three BIP practitioners (one male and two female). Interviews were conducted in a large, Midwestern metro area over a period of three weeks, were transcribed verbatim, and coded for themes by the researcher. Major findings included: Participants were overall satisfied with quality of supervision, which was in …

Perspectives On The Role Of The Social Worker On Assertive Community Treatment Teams, Barb Cooley

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This exploratory qualitative study focused on the perceptions of the social worker role on Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. Four professional ACT team members participated in a Qualtrics survey. The four themes that emerged from the surveys follow: 1) interpretation of the social worker role; 2) role clarification of the different ACT team members; 3) overlapping roles of the ACT team members; and 4) actions to help role clarification. Research is needed to further clarify the different roles that the social worker plays on the ACT teams. Implications for social work practice include the importance of understanding the role that …

Adoptive Parents' Experieince With International Adoption: Children With Attachment Or Behavioral Challenges, Heather Deveny-Leggitt

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The research project is a qualitative study that explored parents’ experience of international adoption of children who had emotional, behavioral, and/or attachment challenges, as well as parents’ corresponding emotions with such experiences. The data was analyzed using content analysis, or grounded theory, approach as described by Berg (2009). The conceptual framework used to construct and interpret meaning of participants interviews included both ecosystems and psychodynamic theories. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from different mid-west cities who had adopted children internationally and identified their children as having emotional, behavioral, and/or attachment challenges. The following themes were found: a) primary …

The Effect Of School Community Setting On Children Living In Poverty: A Survey Of School Social Workers, Nichelle Dillon

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Drawing on previous research establishing the effects poverty on children’s mental health and behavioral problems, exposure to violence and aggression, and lower school achievement, this research sought to examine whether any differences exist in the challenges faced by students living in poverty in urban settings versus students in rural settings from the perspective of school social workers. A survey with a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative questions was sent via e-mail to school social workers in Minnesota through the Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA). A total of 20 responses from both urban and rural settings were collected. Findings …

Developmental Disabilities And Independent Living: A Systematic Literature Review, Benjamin Dieffenbach

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This paper examines the available literature on the correlation between quality of life and type of living arrangement for adults with a developmental or learning disability. The purpose was to examine whether or not adults living semi-independently experienced better outcomes than peers in traditional group homes. In general, outcomes in semi-independent living were equal to or better than the outcomes achieved in traditional group homes, and typically cost the same or less. Impacts on the provision of services and areas for future research are discussed.

Comparison Of Caregiver Burden Among Types And Stages Of Dementia, Jeanette Foizie

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to better understand the effects of caregiver burden as they relate to different dementia diagnoses and the stage of the disease in order to discover appropriate supports and interventions. Potential participants were identified through their use of a specialty memory loss clinic. Using a mixed methodology, respondents completed a survey which included a quantitative measure and qualitative open ended response questions designed to allow the caregiver to expand on their experience. The quantitative portion of this research used the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), a caregiver self-report measure. Diagnosis information and the patient’s Allen Cognitive …

Preventing Recidivism: Perspectivs On The Effectiveness Of The Juvenile Justice System In Meeting The Needs Of African American Youth With Ebd, Carmeann Foster

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Nearly two million young people, under the age of 18, are arrested each year nationwide (Gottesman & Schwarz, 2011). Of these youth, 70% are male, and 46 % are African American (McPherson & Sedlak, 2010). Approximately two thirds suffer from symptoms of aggression, depression or anxiety. Those who suffer from behavioral symptoms, 27% suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. (McPherson & Sedlak, 2010). Similar statistics exist within the Hennepin County justice system. These statistics paint a frightening picture of a system in which emotionally and behaviorally disturbed African American males are grossly overrepresented in both the local and national …

Prevention Of Vicarious Trauma: Are Coping Strategies Enough?, Angie Gerding

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social workers are increasingly being called on to assist a greater proportion of clients who have experienced trauma. As a result clinicians are exposed to greater chances of developing vicarious trauma. The clinician may experience higher levels of stress, unwanted/distressing images of trauma material, sleep disturbance, and anxiety (Cunningham, 2004). Researchers have found that the signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma can decrease if the clinician uses commonly recommended coping strategies to help control the unwanted disturbances of working with traumatized clients (Bober, Regehr, 2005). These coping strategies include leisure, self-care, supervision, and spirituality activities. A quantitative survey was sent …

Assessment For Domestic Violence In Couples Requesting Conjoint Therapy: Current Practice Of Assessment Among Licensed Therapists, Ilene Grosam

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Marital therapy with couples is routinely provided by licensed professionals including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. Studying assessment practices provides information about how individuals, differing licensing categories, and the overall group assess for domestic violence in couples presenting for conjoint therapy. The present study utilized a survey consisting of both quantitative and qualitative items requesting responses to find out the frequency and methods of assessment for domestic violence when couples present for conjoint marital therapy. Respondents to the survey included 30 Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers, 19 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, five respondents indicating …

The Role Of Emergency Room Social Worker: An Exploratory Study, Elizabeth Fusenig

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Research suggests the defined role of emergency room social worker is unclear among other professionals working in the emergency room (Cowles & Lefcowitz, 1992). Changes to the healthcare system including a decrease in resources, combined roles of emergency department personnel, and delivery of mental health treatment in emergency rooms has necessitated further investigation of the role of emergency room social worker.

Using a qualitative design, seven participants from two Midwestern hospitals were surveyed in regards to how they defined their role as a social worker, barriers to their role, and demographic information was collected including licensure and years worked as …

Social Networking And Interpersonal Communication And Conflict Resolution Skills Among College Freshmen, John Drussell

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social networking is a current phenomenon that consists of both web-based communication with Internet users through websites and interaction with others via cellular phones. A survey conducted on 2,277 American adults found that 18-24 year olds sent or received an average of 109.5 text messages per day, which works out to be more than 3,200 text messages per month. Further, it was estimated that 713 million people ages 15 or older, which was 14% of the global population, used the Internet in June 2006, with 153 million being in the United States. The purpose of this study at social networking, …

A Perspective Of Aging From The Prose Of Age Specific Birthday Cards, Lori Halbur

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

With a growing number of older people in the United States, it is important for social workers to acknowledge that ageism exists in our society and continue to research, study and understand the influences that contribute to it. Media outlets are one source that has been found to have an influence on people’s perceptions about older adults. A qualitative study was carried out to determine if the messages in age specific greeting cards that are produced specifically for individuals age 60 and older portray more positive or negative perceptions about aging or older individuals. The non-probability, convenience sample for this …

Mental Health Professionals' Perspectives Of Best Practices With Children Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma, Holly Hagen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Complex trauma in early childhood has the ability to impact a child’s development in multiple domains, thus influencing development throughout the rest of their life. The purpose of this study was to explore best practices with children who have experienced complex trauma from the perspective of mental health professionals, with a focus on children between the ages of three and five. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six mental health professionals who were asked to discuss the presentation, interventions, and outcomes of a case where the child experienced complex trauma. Consistent with previous literature, all participants in this study reported self-regulation …

Food Deserts: Low Income Communities And Their Lack Of Adequate Nutrition, Lauren Harding

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Food deserts are urban as well as rural areas where a quality amount of adequate nutritional food is hard to come by. In many instances, people may live within a few blocks of fast food restaurants, but in order to get to a grocery store they may have to travel many miles. The people who live within these food deserts are often considered low income and are ethnically minorities. This research project is a qualitative exploratory study that analyses the relationship between people living in low income food desert communities with their lack of nutritionally affordable food options. One of …

Autism And Its Impact On Families, Ashley Hartmann

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed in childhood and has a wide range of symptoms, some being more severe than others. The purpose of this research is to examine ASD and how it is impacting families. The empowerment theory, strengths perspective and family systems theory promote resiliency among families who are impacted by an ASD diagnosis. These theories strengthen the individual and family unit by allowing them to live a more fulfilling life. In this study, qualitative research was used. Qualitative research includes data collection, data analysis and drawing conclusions. This study is based off of eight interviews, four …

Clinical Social Workers' Beliefs Towards Harm Reduction When Working With Substance Using Clients, Rachel Hofschulte

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored social workers’ beliefs towards harm reduction. Specifically, it explored clinical social workers’ beliefs towards harm reduction principles, characteristics of substance users, and beliefs regarding substance abuse treatment options. It also investigated if professional or demographic variables were related to clinical social workers’ beliefs towards harm reduction. Using a quantitative design, 24 clinical social workers were surveyed using the Substance Abuse Treatment Survey (SATS) (Housenbold Seiger, 2005). Data was analyzed using descriptive and basic inferential statistics. The findings indicated that chemical dependency or substance abuse training, perceptions of chemical dependency training sufficiency, and previous employment in the chemical …

The Effects Of Multiple Combat-Related Military Deployments On Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Joseph R. Hoops

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to learn the effects of multiple, combat-related military deployments upon post traumatic stress symptoms. This subject has particular importance given that the protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have been fought by a military that is much smaller than in previous wars. A review of the literature showed that the effects of combat related deployments on post traumatic stress symptoms are significant. The impact is felt by both the veterans and their families. This has implications for clinical social workers working in systems that provide treatment and services for veterans and families affected.

This …

The Experiences Of Individuals With A Sibling Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hannah Huinker

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study investigated the experiences of individuals with a sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Six siblings between the ages of eighteen and thirty-nine participated in the study. This qualitative study investigated the quality of the sibling relationship between the neuro-typical sibling and the sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. In addition, participants were asked how having a sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum impacted their pro-social behavior, parental treatment, career choice, self-esteem, and academic performance. The advantages and disadvantages of have a sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum were also explored. Results indicated that participants have very …

Agency Level Interventions For Preventing And Treating Vicarious Trauma: A Qualitative Study, Jessica Johnson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore what types of strategies agencies are using to prevent and/or reduce vicarious trauma. To do this, five qualitative interviews were conducted with participants who work directly with individuals who have survived trauma. The findings showed mixed results, as some agencies employed multiple strategies, while others employed few. Agencies seemed to provide adequate benefits and training to employees, and to also encourage them to engage in self-care. While most agencies required supervision/consultation, only one agency encouraged staff members to discuss how they are being impacted by their clients’ trauma. Agencies also did little …