Social Work Commons^™

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 …

How Can Western Providers Adapt Their Techniques When Working With The Hmong Population In A Mental Health Setting?, Joanna Johnson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Mental health is a common concern for Southeast Asian refugees who are struggling with acculturation. This study examined what therapeutic techniques Western clinicians use to assure cultural sensitivity during therapy. A qualitative study was conducted and nine clinicians were interviewed. The results of this study demonstrated it is imperative to include family, exhibit respect, and include traditional beliefs and values in an effort to be culturally sensitive. This maximizes optimal therapeutic interventions. The main diagnoses explored in this study were Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression. Both the study and the research displayed similar themes affecting clinicians when providing …

What Factors Of Working At A Private Mental Health Agency Affect A Mental Health Practitioner's Quality Of Life?, Liz Jones

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to take a closer look at what factors of working at a private mental health agency affect a mental health practitioner's quality of life. This overall research question was broke down into four research questions which are: How does work-life balance impact a mental health practitioner's quality of life, How does workplace culture impact a mental health practitioner's quality of life, How does job-related stresses impact a mental health practitioner's quality of life, and lastly, How does workplace supervision impact a mental health practitioner's quality of life. Using a quantitative design, a survey was …

Practitioner Perspectives On The Impact Of Collaborative Documentation On The Therapeutic Alliance, J. Mark Kaufman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Collaborative documentation (CD), also known as concurrent documentation, is the practice of creating the case record in the presence of the client. This is often done in collaboration with the client, where the client has input into what is written in the clinical record. This practice is relatively new, and there is disagreement among practitioners about how this can impact the therapeutic alliance between the practitioner and the client. Some say that it could harm their relationships with the clients they serve, others report improvements in the therapeutic alliance. This study explored the relationship between the practice of CD and …

African American Men's Perception Of Psychotherapy At A Mental Illness & Chemical Dependency (Micd) Program: What Factors Do They Consider Therapeutic/Helpful, Tou Jean Killen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There are limited empirical data that study the factors that enhance or prevent African American men from using psychotherapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception that African American men have of psychotherapy and factors that they consider helpful. Using a qualitative design, eight African American men volunteer to participate in the study to explore their perception of psychotherapy. These eight African American men came from a day treatment facility in the Twin Cities area and had a positive perception of psychotherapy as a tool to help them manage their drug and alcohol and mental health problems. …

School Staff Perceptions Of Post-Transitional Outcomes For Students Educationally Diagnosed With Ebd, David Krygiel

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored staff perceptions of post-transition school outcomes for students educationally diagnosed with EBD. This study conducted interviews with school staff professionals to learn about their perceptions of post-school outcomes. This research specifically looked at the areas of further education, employment, relationships, and housing. Consistent with previous research, the present study found that post-schooloutcomes for students with EBD are inadequate according to staff perceptions. Recommendations for areas of future research are stated.

Medication Therapy Management: The Perspective Of The Case Manager, Amanda Kubista

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

The Somali Community's Experiences With Autism: An Exploratory Study, Jessica Kuenzli

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Recent studies indicate that children of immigrants are up to four times more likely to have an autism diagnosis than the general population (Barnevik-Olsson, Gillbert, & Fernell, 2008). Emerging research demonstrates that Somali immigrants are one of the immigrant groups disproportionally affected by the condition (Minnesota Department of Health, 2009). The purpose of this study was to explore how the Somali community experiences and perceives the condition of autism. The study consisted of interviews with community professionals who work with Somali families affected by autism. The findings of this research indicate that autism is a new concept for many Somali …

Effective Practice Based Therapeutic Techniques With Children Diagnosed With Reactive Attachment Disorder: From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals, Jennifer Lawrence

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Children diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) have experienced pathological care and disruption of early attachment experiences, resulting in disorganized attachment with caregivers, as well as a myriad of complex symptoms and behaviors. Little research exists regarding effective treatment for children diagnosed with RAD, leaving both mental health professionals and caregivers wanting. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore effective treatment for children diagnosed with RAD through the lens of mental health professionals. Seven experienced mental health professionals were interviewed regarding their perceptions on effective therapeutic treatment that contributes to increased attachment bonds with caregivers and decreased RAD …

Community Based Efforts That Promote Healthier Diets For Low-Income Minnesotans, Stephanie Larson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges and successes community-based Minnesotan Programs have had in promoting low-income adults to eat healthier to avoid obesity and complications from obesity. This research highlighted factors associated with community based programs from the perspective of the professionals working with these programs. This study outlined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of healthy diet and weight along with the current measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI). The conceptual framework utilizing the concepts developed by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner through his book The Blue Zones showing it is possible …

Effects Of Client Trauma On Interpreters: An Exploratory Study Of Vicarious Trauma, Mailee Lor

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative study explores the experiences of interpreters in mental health settings and examines how working with clients that have experienced torture, trauma, and war can impact their personal and professional lives. The findings from this study are not meant to be viewed as any form of incompetency that needs attention, but rather to shed light on the needs of this population within mental health settings. In working with interpreters, it is the intention of the researcher that mental health practitioners will use these findings to inform and guide their professional work with interpreters in a manner that is ethical …

Nursing Home Caregivers' Attitudes Regarding Sexual Behavior Of Nursing Home Residents: A Cross Sectional Survey, Teresa Madsen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Sexual needs do not disappear as a person ages. It is possible for older adults to maintain their desired level of sexual activity if the environment is accepting and accommodating for the adults’ needs. Those who are institutionalized in nursing homes often have fewer opportunities to meet their needs than those who are not. The purpose of this project was to explore nursing home caregivers’ attitudes toward sexual behavior in their residents and thus assist in identifying areas for further education and educational programming that will allow residents to lead full and happy lives and meet the needs of the …

Factores Involved In College Students' Use Of Counseling Services, Terri Flansburg

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify key factors associated with students’ use of college counseling services. Six common factors were seen throughout the available related research: stigma, gender, culture, experience & knowledge, fear and accessibility. In order to ascertain if and to what extent these factors influence college students’ decision to seek counseling, students at an urban Catholic university were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey through their school-sponsored daily e-news. The survey included questions related to the six factors drawn from the literature, and was completed using Qualtrics, an online survey tool. There were …

Why Social Workers Remain In The Field: An Exploratory Study On The Protective Factors Associated With Social Worker Perseverance, John D. Mack

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Social workers face many challenges and hardships throughout their careers. This study examines the numerous stressors that social work professionals come in contact with on a daily basis, and explores the protective factors that provide these professionals with their drive to persevere in the face of these stressors. Data was obtained through semi-structured qualitative interviews with four professional social workers with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the social work field. Methods such as committee analysis, thematic clustering, and peer reviews were all utilized to analyze data for this study. The interviews highlighted key themes such as: career …

Social Workers’ Ideas On Health Promotion Among Older Adults, Kaylee Olson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the role and experience of social workers who provide services to older adults in the community. With the unprecedented demographic shift and multitude of challenges, problems and barriers traditionally associated with aging, a paradigm shift from a problem-based focus to one that emphasizes health promotion is gaining visibility. This shift in focus is relevant for social workers who work with older adults in a variety of social service settings. Eight licensed social workers working in community-based agencies were interviewed to include social workers' voices with a focus on how they utilize the …

How Deployed Service Members Make Meaning Of Their Experiences: Chaplains’ Perspectives, Jessica Roemer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Every service member experiences and is affected by deployment differently; there are, however, trends in the ways that service members are affected and ways in which they cope. The researcher explored the effect of deployment on religious and spiritual beliefs and the ways that service members use their religious and spiritual beliefs to make meaning of their experiences. Interviews were conducted with seven participants (n=7), primarily chaplains, who had discussed religious and spiritual matters with post-9/11 service members during deployment. This study found that deployment has an effect on the religious and spiritual beliefs of service members, and they use …

Parental Divorce: Social Workers Reflect On Long-Term Effects For Young Adults, Amanda Vonbergen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effects of parental divorce on young adults from the perspective of social workers who have worked with this population. In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau documented that one out of every two marriages ended in divorce. As children with divorced parents reach young adulthood, major concerns include thoughts of betrayal, abandonment and the fear of not being loved (Conway, Christensen & Herlihy, 2009). Eight licensed clinical social workers were interviewed to identify the common problems, needs and interventions relevant to their work with young adults who may be dealing with …

School Social Workers' Perspectives On Working With Children With Autism Spetrum Disorders, Marnie Eveslage

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders that include deficits in social interaction, communication, and the presence of repetitive and restricted behaviors. The number of children with autism spectrum disorder has increased significantly over time, resulting in more children with autism in public schools. School social workers are members of the educational team who help support children and families and are often the first professional to whom families turn to in crisis. There is a paucity of literature and research studies on the perspectives’ of social workers who work with this population. School social workers, who are members of …

Stress, Coping Strategies, And Marital Satisfaction In Spouses Of Military Service Members, Charlene Haapala

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The literature emphasizes that civilian spouses of military service members experience significant stress, utilize coping strategies, and experience marital issues. A survey of civilian spouses (N = 10) of military service members identified levels of perceived stress, common coping strategies, and marital satisfaction. The focus of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress, coping strategies, and marital satisfaction. There were not enough participants in this study to determine these relationships. Descriptive statistics show averages of low perceived stress, and high marital satisfaction. Coping strategies most often used by civilian spouses were active coping, positive reframing, planning, …

The Relationship Between Undergraduates' Rape Empathy And Their Self-Reported Likelihood Of Raping, Sexual Experiences, And Demographics, Kerstin Marie Grune

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The present study explored the need for empathy-based rape prevention programs on college campuses by investigating the following research question: What is the relationship between undergraduates’ empathy for rape victims and their self-reported likelihood of raping, the gender of the rape victim, their past sexual experiences, and their demographics? The design of the present study was a cross-sectional, quantitative study in which participants completed an online questionnaire. The present study found that participants at low risk of forcing sex empathized more with rape victims than those at high risk for forcing sex; however, there was not a significant difference between …

The Achievement Gap From The Student's Perspective, Jennifer L. Hipp

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

African American students disproportionately perform poorly compared to their peers academically. This research project reviews previous findings for causes of the achievement gap. Race, Socioeconomic Status, Family and High Quality Teaching/Schools were the recurrent themes in the existing research. A qualitative research method was used to discern the barriers to graduating high school on time from the student’s perspective. Semi structured qualitative interviews were used to conduct research about why students did not graduate high school. The sample for this study included seven adult male participants who did not graduate high school. Overall, the research showed that participants agreed with …