Social Work Commons^™

Utilization Of Social Media In Strengthening Communication In Long Distance Relationships, Lexie Gutzmann

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of individuals, who have experienced long distance relationships, and utilize the instant access of communication through technology to strengthen and maintain their connection despite their geographical distances. Using a qualitative design, individuals between the ages of 20-30 were asked questions about their experience of utilizing social media and technology as a mode of communication to sustain their long distance relationship. The researcher analyzed the data by looking for codes and themes within the participant’s answers. The findings indicated that the participants found that social media and technology were beneficial in …

The Impact Of Minnesota Warriors Hockey On Post-Military Service Reintegration: A Pilot Study, Andrew Qualy

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Introduction: The Minnesota Warriors Hockey Program is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that assists wounded, injured, or otherwise disabled veterans of the U.S. Military in their reintegration process by administering a recreational ice hockey program for its participants in the wake of significant issues facing transitioning veterans, such as high rates of PTSD, suicide, divorce, substance use, unemployment, and homelessness.

Methods: Data was collected from a survey that was sent out to all registered participants in the Minnesota Warriors Hockey Program (N = 65). Instruments used in the study include the M2C-Q, an empirically validated psychometric measuring tool which assesses post-deployment …

Chemical Dependence Harm Reduction: A Needed Application For Social Workers, Josie C. Schmitz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for substance use education for social workers and their response when implicating harm reduction approaches within their chemical dependence practice. This study fulfilled the requirements outlined for a systematic review by having a series of requirements, such as articles pertaining to do with harm reduction methods and social work, to be included within the research. This method revealed 11 articles that met the needed requests and were later examined. Within the 11, articles three prominent themes emerged. The themes included, but were not limited to relationships, exposure, and ambiguity. The …

Secure Attachment Without Bars: Alternatives To Incarceration And Clinical Interventions To Treat The Mother-Infant Relationship, Krista Murphy

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Between 1980 and 2011, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 700% (The Sentencing Project, 2017; 2015). Since The Second Chance Act was passed in 2008, the women’s prison population has grown outpacing men’s, grown while men’s declined, or declined proportionally less than men’s in seventy-percent of states, according to the Prison Policy Initiative (Sawyer, 2018). This paper explores the reasons for this disproportionate growth by outlining public policy developments and pathways women take to incarceration that are intertwined with trauma, mental health, and substance use in ways that men’s pathways are not. Furthermore, since the majority of …

Emotionally Focused Therapy For Couples: A Treatment For Depression And Anxiety, Courtney Reinitz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review aimed to examine emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and its effectiveness as a treatment for couples suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were created and databases were searched for relevant literature. Five articles were used as data for this study. Based on the findings, five areas of focus were uncovered that support the claim that EFT may be an effective treatment for couples suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety. More research must be done in order to assert this claim of effectiveness. Practitioners, clients, and researchers would benefit from further research in …

Trauma-Informed Care For Youth In Foster Care, Jordyn Hubin

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Annually, in Minnesota, thousands of children enter the foster care system. The objective of this study was to use a trauma-informed lens to explore supports that are available to children, biological family members, and foster providers. Questions regarding the strengths and limitations of particular supports were also explored. This study used a qualitative design with five semi-structured interviews of mental health professionals. The main themes that were identified were: trauma-informed care, positives and challenges of formal and informal supports, involvement of biological and foster parents, differences in service to a child in foster care, and building a better system. The …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions In Residents With Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia, Kelli Ray

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Changes in behavior are common in dementia and can be challenging to address. The purpose of this pilot study was to look at how effective non-pharmacological interventions are in decreasing associated behaviors among residents in a skilled nursing facility. Pharmacological interventions have been the primary method to decreasing these behaviors; however, these interventions may lead to faster disease progression. There is an increased awareness of the potential uses of non-pharmacological treatment for residents with dementia; however, there are challenges that go along with this approach. A set of interview questions was asked to four staff members of a nursing home …

Healing The Mind And Body: Practitioner Perspectives On Integrating Cognitive And Somatic Approaches In Psychotherapy With Refugees, Asylees, And Asylum Seekers, Amanda Ament-Lemke

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There is an abundance of studies in the literature highlighting psychotherapy methods for people who have experienced trauma. This is not true for the specialized treatment of refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. Despite the growing worldwide displacement of people and the trauma they endure, there are only a limited number of studies conducted involving interventions with these populations who have survived prolonged and complex psychological trauma. This research project focuses on refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers who have experienced complex psychological trauma as a result of persecution, war, violence, and migration; specifically, it focuses on the mind-body based psychotherapeutic interventions …

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 …

Treatment Barriers In Mental Health: Perspectives Of Using Mobile Technology, Ryan Goman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Mental health problems are common with adolescents and given that adolescents are the biggest consumer of mobile technologies, these technologies hold a tremendous promise as a unique intervention. The research method used is a qualitative study with four clinicians to address themes in their experiences of utilziing mobiel technology with adolescents. Much of the research finds that using technology with adolescents improves patient satisfaction through areas around convenience, eas of use, and availabiltiy. The research findings show common themes related to adaptability, reduced stigma, clinical relationship and lack of access. This research is important because it highlights the social work …

The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy In Older Adults With Dementia, Alison Waid Higgins

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Integrating Trauma Informed Care Into The Treatment Of Adult Male Sex Offenders: A Systematic Review, Erica Janssen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Physical, sexual, or emotional childhood trauma increases the risk for violence, aggression, and criminality in adulthood (Wolff & Shi, 2012). While not all children who experience childhood trauma go on to commit sexual offenses, the research highlights the fact that a large majority of the individuals who commit sexual offenses have experienced some form of childhood trauma (Dutton & Hart, 1992; Levenson, 2014; Wolff & Shi, 2012). The purpose of this study was to explore the relevance of integrating trauma-informed care in the treatment of adult men participating in evidence-based sex offender treatment programs. This systematic review collected data pertaining …

The Role Of Somatic Psychotherapy In Treating First Responders: Providers’ Perspectives, Maggie Graham

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

As part of their occupational responsibilities, first responders such as firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, military medics and disaster relief workers are exposed to critical incidents and traumatic events on a routine basis. The dearth of literature on somatic-based interventions shows promise as a tool for addressing trauma, yet few, if any, studies address trauma among first responders specifically. This qualitative study explores somatic psychotherapy as a treatment of trauma within the first responder community. Participants for the study (n=6) were recruited through snowball sampling and online recruitment. Semi-structured, in-person interviews were completed with six mental health providers who practice somatic, …

Trauma-Informed Care: Training And Implementation In The Foster Care System, Danielle Norgren

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In 2015, there were 14,680 children in out of home care, which was a 9% increase from 2014 (Minnesota Department of Human Services, 2016). All of the youth in the foster care system have experienced an Adverse Childhood Experience (Garcia et al., 2017), which makes them vulnerable to mental health illnesses and many different medical conditions. If a youth presents with behavioral issues and/or mental health illnesses, the common forms of interventions that they receive are medications and psychotherapy. Trauma-informed care (TIC) has been proven to be a beneficial approach when working with the youth in the foster care system. …

Professional Perceptions Of Youth Homelessness And Strengths Developed, Joelle Bellows

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Professional Opinions Of Effective Interventions For Adults With Psychotic Disorders Who Experienced Childhood Trauma, Jennifer Metzger

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This is a qualitative research study that examined professionals’ perceptions of effective interventions for adults with psychotic disorders who have experienced childhood trauma. The participants of the study were obtained through a snowball technique. The first participant’s information was given to the researcher through the research committee. The researcher then asked every participant to provide the contact information of another professional who fit the research criteria. In total, there were six professionals who were either clinical social workers, clinical psychologists or licensed marriage and family therapists. The data was obtained through structured, in person interviews with each of these professionals. …

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Co-Housing Options For Older Adults To Age In Place, Kasey Meyer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored a housing model called co-housing, giving attention to its potential to help older adults successfully age in place. The focus of this research primarily focused on housing and the obstacles that prevent older adults from remaining in their own home as they age. The population of older adults in the United States will continue to increase and older adults are often faced with a shortage of available options. The co-housing model consists of individual homes or apartments located around a shared outdoor space. Members within the community share responsibility for everyday activities and upkeep to property, reducing …

Medical Social Workers’ Best Practices In Supporting Autonomy At End Of Life, Morgan Hanley

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative research study was designed to explore the topic of medical social workers’ best practices in supporting autonomy at end of life, specifically within a hospital setting. A total of eight licensed social workers with a minimum of five years’ experience practicing in a hospital setting located in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region were interviewed. The results indicated that patient and family dynamics, education on end of life, advance directives and medical social workers’ role in supporting autonomy effect and influence best practices when supporting autonomy at end of life. Supplementary research should be considered to …

Effective Social Work Practice With Military, Veterans, And Their Families, Katherine Boyer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explores if licensed practicing social workers in the state of Minnesota perceive themselves as competent to work effectively with military, veterans, and their families. A qualitative survey was emailed by Minnesota Social Services Association to their members. A total of eight participants responded to the survey. Each of these participants indicated that he or she worked directly with a military-connected client the military. Content analysis was conducted and two themes were found. The majority of participants described not feeling prepared to work with this population and indicated a desire for more education. One of the limitations of this …

Therapist, Know Thyself: Self-Reflective Practice Through Autoethnography, Nikki Divirgilio

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Typically, in a social work graduate program, students are taught human behavioral theories, methods and interventions, ethical practices, policy and cultural competence among other areas. The primary tool used by social workers are themselves. Therefore, it is important the social worker is competent. The academic curriculum ensures that professionally, they are. However, how much does a social work graduate program ensure the social worker is competent personally? Theorists and current literature express the importance of a therapist possessing selfawareness— that essentially to know oneself is to know others. In this autoethnography, I aimed to enlighten the importance of self-awareness by …

Impacts Of And Alternatives To Solitary Confinement In Adult Correctional Facilities, Sarah Zyvoloski

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The use of solitary confinement in adult correctional facilities has recently been scrutinized due to concerns surrounding offenders’ mental health and what impacts come from its use. The purpose of this research was to examine the impacts of and alternatives to solitary confinement in adult correctional facilities through the lens of professionals with direct experience working with offenders. A qualitative research design was executed, contacting a total of twenty-two professionals, completing four semi-structured interviews. All participants had professional experience working with offenders in an adult correctional facility in Minnesota. Three major themes emerged within the data: working definitions of solitary …

Is Marketing Messing With Your Clients’ Heads? Brands, Identity, And Clinical Practice, Paul Schuster

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This narrative review of the literature explores current understanding of whether and how consumer brands affect clients’ constructs of self and therefore clinical mental health practice. The relevance of this question stems from the growing body of academic business and marketing literature dedicated to engineering brands into consumers’ constructs of self, and from the marketing infrastructure dedicated to engineering brands suitable for self-construction. From a social constructionist perspective, the question is additionally relevant considering how environmental factors related to constructing the self ultimately affect mental health. Systematic searches of four databases fail to find any articles addressing potential practice implications …

The Impacts Of Supervision On Social Workers Who Experience Client Suicidal Behavior, Chelse Paulzine

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The impacts of supervision on social workers who experience client suicidal behavior is outlined in this research, as well as recommendations for social workers, social work supervisors and agencies now to create a more effective supervisory experience in the event of a client suicide attempt or completion. This qualitative research study surveyed 64 social workers who either identified as a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Graduate Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker to explore social workers experiences in supervision after they experienced a client suicide attempt or completion. The themes that arose in the research included: positive feelings experienced …

Women’S Prisons And Substance Abuse Treatment: A Systematic Review Of Shame Interventions, Jamie Herman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This research is a systematic review of the available literature regarding genderspecific programming in women’s prisons. The purpose of this research is to explore if gender-specific chemical dependency programming in women’s prisons addresses the issue of shame. A review of the literature provides the historical context of gender-specific programming, identifies the specific needs of women in prison, reviews the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders, explores shame research, and identifies the interconnection between shame and chemical dependency. This study is grounded in feminist, relational, and shame resilience theories. After reviewing the available literature and applying specific inclusion and …

A Systematic Review: Examination Of Yoga-Based Interventions To Determine Their Benefits And Effectiveness In Treating Ptsd In Women, Jessica Skaare

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review was designed to examine yoga-based interventions to determine their benefits and effectiveness in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in women. The review was set up using peer reviewed articles published after 2007. The databases Scopus, CINHAL, AMED, Health Source, PsychINFO and Pilots were systematically searched using the terms: “post-traumatic stress disorder” or “PTSD” and “yoga-based interventions” or “yoga interventions” or “yoga” or “mind-body therapy”. Out of these searches nine articles satisfied criteria for inclusion and were used in the final review. Three themes emerged from the research synthesis regarding how yoga-based interventions can be beneficial and effective for …

Foster Care And Education: Exploring The Success Of Interventions Aimed To Improve Academic Achievement Of Foster Children, Olivia Erickson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Foster care youth are faced with many academic difficulties throughout their childhood and adolescence such as an increased risk of academic failure, higher drop-out rates, special education placement, and grade repetition. The researcher identified six articles that explored various educational interventions aimed to improve the academic outcomes for foster care youth. This exploratory study evaluated the selected interventions research methods, measurement tools, and findings. The findings identified three common themes: tutoring interventions, school stability interventions, and exploratory interventions. These themes mirror the results of past literature regarding academic interventions for foster care students, demonstrating differing efficacy and results among all …

Early Interventions: Preventing At-Risk Youth From The Path Of Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review, Rahma Farah

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a hidden, complicated, and oppressive issue affecting children and adolescents on a transnational level. This systematic review examines factors that place at-risk youth for CSEC and early intervention strategies preventing at-risk youth from sexual exploitation and trafficking. The finding of this study determined that prevention would fall into the following categories: Psychoeducation, community awareness and education, developing comprehensive legislation, and reducing demand and supply. With the amount of at-risk youth for sexual exploitation and trafficking, it is imperative that practitioners, researchers or anyone working directly with youth understand this implication and relevancy of …

Promoting Resilience And Preventing Sexual Offenses In Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review, Cassie Degraw

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Maltreatment is often experienced in adverse environments during childhood. Children who survive maltreatment demonstrate protective and risk factors that impact the developmental pathway to lifelong outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the factors that impact the pathway between surviving childhood sexual abuse and committing a sexual offense. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse may possess protective factors that are important towards their ability to function and have positive lifelong outcomes. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it is important to identify the protective factors essential to positive lifelong outcomes and resilience. Educating professionals on important protective …

Exploring Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Behavioral Symptoms Of Dementia: A Social Work Perspective, Ashley Schoonover

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Dementia is a progressive neurological brain disease that affects the quality of life of those diagnosed (Goldberg, 2017; Tjia et al., 2017). The diagnosis of dementia affects the patient and the caregiver in different ways: those diagnosed with dementia may have difficulty in thinking, memory and physical or psychological skills. Those diagnosed with dementia may experience behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Behavioral symptoms can be heterogeneous and unpredictable, which can be difficult for caregivers to manage (Cerejeira et al., 2012). Social workers are able to connect families with in-home services and institutional care services if requested by the …

Using An Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approach To Help Adults Cope With Chronic Pain, Bethany Miletich

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Chronic pain is a complex and costly condition that impacts many American’s lives. While there are medical interventions available, individuals may continue to experience some level of chronic pain. Therefore, the efficacy of psychotherapeutic techniques should be explored. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine how to use an integrative psychotherapeutic approach to help adults cope with chronic pain. Seven interviews with psychotherapists serving the chronic pain community in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary medical settings were analyzed. Results showed the important roles that psychoeducation and a strong therapeutic relationship had when it came to implementing a variety of psychotherapeutic …