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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Addressing Needs Among Students Affected By Domestic Violence: Social Workers’ Perspectives, Kiah Dahlquist
Addressing Needs Among Students Affected By Domestic Violence: Social Workers’ Perspectives, Kiah Dahlquist
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The issue of domestic violence is of great concerns and the impact on children is becoming more widely acknowledged. This social issue contains many consequences and ramifications and a wider understanding of children’s needs are emerging. With this growing recognition the importance to meet this children’s needs have been identified. This qualitative study explored how school social workers support children impacted by domestic violence through six (n = 6) semi-structured interviews. The findings, developed through an open-coding process, included the following themes: interventions used by school social workers to support children experiencing domestic violence; barriers to supporting children affected; resources …
Mindfulness Practice With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Margaret Fischer
Mindfulness Practice With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Margaret Fischer
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This study examined how mindfulness practice is used with children who have experienced trauma or currently living in traumatic situations through a systematic review of the literature. Protocols and inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to ensure that only the most fitting articles were selected. Through the research two main categories emerged: 1) childhood and adolescent intervention, and 2) adulthood intervention. Within those two main categories three themes emerged: 1) MBSR Intervention, 2) Mind Body Skills Group Intervention, and 3) Other Mindfulness Practice Interventions. Mindfulness practice interventions in their various forms were found to have positive outcomes when addressing trauma …
Emotional Dysregulation In Children, Alison Kath
Emotional Dysregulation In Children, Alison Kath
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The number of children diagnosed and struggling with a mental health disorder within the United States is increasing quickly (Lin and Bratton, 2015). With this population of children becoming bigger each day the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies to help children learn how to emotionally regulate continues to grow in importance. The following study asks the question: what do clinicians find to be the most effective interventions in helping children ages three to twelve learn how to regulate their emotions? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health professionals within the Twin Cities metropolitan area to answer this question. …
The Impacts Of Sex Trafficking On Children Of Survivors: Stakeholders’ Perspectives, Christine Wills
The Impacts Of Sex Trafficking On Children Of Survivors: Stakeholders’ Perspectives, Christine Wills
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The aim of this study was to conduct a needs assessment for children whose parents are survivors of sex trafficking from a stakeholders’ perspective. Six stakeholders that work directly with survivors of sex trafficking were interviewed. There were seven themes that arose in the findings: Trauma; Loss of Custody; Generational Component of Sex Trafficking; Barriers; Systems Implications; Trauma-Informed Care; and Holistic Resources. These themes assist in understanding the trajectories of the children’s lives, barriers children and their parents face, and services that need to be created or improved for these children.
Significant Emotional And Behavioral Problems In Early Childhood, Samantha Johnson
Significant Emotional And Behavioral Problems In Early Childhood, Samantha Johnson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Significant emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood are a growing concern for social workers, mental health professionals, teachers, day care providers and others involved in the care of children ranging in age from 18 months to six years old. The purpose of this research study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experience and perspective of mental health professionals in meeting the mental health needs of children with significant emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood. A semi-structured interview was used with the six mental health professionals that participated in the study. Three major themes from the …
Interventions For Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Hallie Bergeson
Interventions For Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Hallie Bergeson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe lifelong effects that can occur when an unborn baby is exposed to alcohol (Wilson, 2013). FASD is a worldwide issue and affects individuals of all races and socioeconomic statues. It is irreversible, however, if diagnosed early, individuals can receive interventions to help improve their quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted to address the research question, what research-based interventions are available for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, thirteen articles were analyzed. The articles included in the study address interventions in areas …
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Melissa M. Conway
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Melissa M. Conway
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This systematic review examines the efficacy of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) as an intervention in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. Upon thorough review of the present literature, 7 articles met criteria. Common themes identified throughout the reviewed studies include TF-CBT versus other interventions, use of an engagement intervention, outcome influences, reduction in PTSD symptoms, and integrating TF-CBT into practice. Results of this review conclude TF-CBT is an effective treatment intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents, yet further research needs to be done to be able to properly integrate the program …
Systematic Review: Social Work School Interventions For Food Accessibility Among Impoverished Children, Rebecca Christensen
Systematic Review: Social Work School Interventions For Food Accessibility Among Impoverished Children, Rebecca Christensen
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Mothers and children from impoverished families discuss the continuous sacrifices related to food insecurity. Sacrifices like trade-offs can lead to attention of a family’s immediate needs like food but these often come with the cost or sacrifice of other long term needs such as a means of income. Working with children and their families in attending to the underlying causes for their food insecurity may not only help to alleviate their immediate but also their long term needs in maintaining a standard of living. This systematic literature review was designed to investigate the research question: What interventions are being taken …
Grieving Students: School Social Workers’ Perspectives, Kaitlin Salscheider
Grieving Students: School Social Workers’ Perspectives, Kaitlin Salscheider
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Children and adolescents often experience a wide variety of loss and disruptive change throughout their lives. School is where children and adolescents are expected to perform at their best intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioral capacity; however, the reaction after a loss can impact a student’s academic performance and include regressive behavior. Schools are a fundamental place for the development of children, and school social workers in particular work with students who have experienced a wide variety of stressful incidents and are critical in improving the social-emotional well-being in students. The purpose of this study was to explore school social workers’ …
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Children Witnessing Domestic Violence: A Systematic Review, Xia Thao
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based treatment. The primary use was with children and youth who has been or continues to be exposed to trauma. The objective of this systematic review was to focus on the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce post-traumatic symptoms of children. The study is inclusive of children ages three to 18 years old, who witnessed domestic violence. Ten empirical intervention studies were selected for inclusion in findings. The articles were obtained and analyzed from six databases. Evidence based practice was used as the conceptual framework. The purpose of the framework is …
Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Day Treatment Programs, Julie Lochen
Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Day Treatment Programs, Julie Lochen
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This paper addresses the mental health concerns of millions of children across the United States; especially those with diagnosis of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. This researcher used a qualitative research design to obtain the perceptions of caregivers who have children placed in day treatment programs. This researcher used an exploratory design with action research theory. Action research theory was used in the hopes that clinicians would empower clients, caregivers, and families. The researcher used an open-ended interview technique to collect data through a qualitative questionnaire with participants, lasting about 15 minutes. The questions that were asked pertained to the perceptions …
Perceived Effectiveness Of Group Therapy In Elementary School Settings With Children Experiencing Parental Divorce, Jennifer L. Kronenberg
Perceived Effectiveness Of Group Therapy In Elementary School Settings With Children Experiencing Parental Divorce, Jennifer L. Kronenberg
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This research explored the perceived effectiveness of group work for children experiencing parental divorce in elementary school settings. This research collected qualitative data from eight school social workers in the state of Minnesota. The workers ranged in years of practice, licensure level and size of district. This research found that immediacy of intervention, length and time in group, closed membership and varied activities all greatly contributed to overall effectiveness. In addition, this research found noteworthy effectiveness including positive emotional and behavioral outcomes, emotional expression, increased self-esteem and identified positive supports. The findings of this research did not support the involvement …
Parents Perceptions Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Katelyn Retaskie
Parents Perceptions Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Katelyn Retaskie
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This study examines the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder perspectives on the initial diagnosis. This research is of qualitative design in which four mothers of children with autism were asked a series of interview questions. The results indicate an emotional impact on not only the mothers, but the family as a whole. In addition the results indicate a need for more education around the topic of autism itself. Implications for social work indicate a need for change at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
The Commonalities And Shared Experiences Of Female Prostitutes Who Were Sexually Exploited As Children: The Perspectives Of Clinical Social Workers, Heather Wilmes
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LICSW) provide services to vulnerable populations. As the number of sexually exploited women in Minnesota and the United States grows, so does the number of women needing services from social workers. It is important that LICSWs understand the population of women who have engaged in prostitution that were victims of sexual exploitation as children. If LICSWs are knowledgeable about the commonalities and shared experiences of the women they serve, they may be able to identify common risk factors and provide appropriate services. This research study sought to identify the commonalities and shared experiences of female prostitutes …
The Use Of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma To Improve Social Functioning, Danielle Hernandez
The Use Of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma To Improve Social Functioning, Danielle Hernandez
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Children who have experienced trauma are often affected socially, relationally and personally. Some children will require therapeutic interventions to improve these symptoms and functioning, while others will recover with no therapeutic intervention at all. One evidence based intervention to treat trauma in children is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), however current research on TFCBT primarily focuses on how it improves PTSD symptoms, not necessarily its effect on improving a child’s social or relational functioning. Therefore, the present study focuses on the clinician’s perspective of how the use of TFCBT improves social functioning. The findings indicate that the use of …
Deployment Issues For Women Veterans And Their Children, Alea J. Johnson
Deployment Issues For Women Veterans And Their Children, Alea J. Johnson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Deployment creates unique experiences and issues for women veterans and their children. Although each family has their own understanding of deployment, examining common issues throughout families may inform future practice with military families. For this research the deployment issues that are present for women veterans and their children were examined. A secondary data analysis analyzed eight participants (n=8) and their children who had discussions regarding non-deployment and deployment issues in addition to completing problem solving tasks. This study found that deployment issues for these families were sadness about the deployed parent being gone, talking about deployment, communicating during deployment, missing …
Animal-Assisted Therapy And Its Effects On Children In Schools, Jordan N. Putz
Animal-Assisted Therapy And Its Effects On Children In Schools, Jordan N. Putz
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Animal-assisted therapy could be used in schools as a supportive intervention provided by school social workers. The purpose of this project was to explore how animal-assisted therapy in schools, specifically using dogs, could be a complimentary and supportive form of intervention provided by social workers in a school setting. Using a qualitative design, five school social workers and three therapy dog handlers were interviewed regarding their perceptions on using therapy dogs in schools and how the therapy dogs may impact students. The data was analyzed using the content analysis method in which themes were developed from participant responses, integrating the …
Families With Severe Medical Conditions In Children: Effects And Interventions, Morgan Wilson
Families With Severe Medical Conditions In Children: Effects And Interventions, Morgan Wilson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Parents and primary caregivers are the most important providers of support and care for their children. Families with children with chronic or life-threatening medical conditions face many challenges that the average family does not. The purpose of this research project was to discover what the effects of having a child with a chronic or severe illness are on the family system. This was done by finding out what has been the most helpful to the family and each of its members during the time since the child has been diagnosed and by finding out what has been challenging to the …
Social Workers' Use Of Bibliotherapy With Children & Issues Of Diversity, Andrea R. . Lichtsinn
Social Workers' Use Of Bibliotherapy With Children & Issues Of Diversity, Andrea R. . Lichtsinn
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this research project was to explore how social workers use bibliotherapy with children, and how they consider issues of diversity in their selection of books. A mixed mode survey was sent through email to 270 social workers who work primarily with children. Sixty-eight surveys were completed and the data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings lend support to the widespread use of books as a therapeutic tool, with 99% of respondents reporting that they use books in therapy with children. Participants reported using books for a variety of therapeutic purposes, however, the majority (62%) …
Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Therapists’ Perspectives, Nichole M. Budahn
Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Therapists’ Perspectives, Nichole M. Budahn
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Animal-assisted therapy has frequently been used with children who have autism spectrum disorder. This study examined animal-assisted therapists’ perceptions of effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy with children who have DSM-IV mental health diagnoses. The researcher recruited self-identified animal-assisted therapists using social media sites LinkedIn and Facebook. Two therapists completed the fourteen question qualitative survey in full. Three themes were found in this study; comfort, confidence, and benefits. While this study produced definite themes, more research needs to be conducted on animal-assisted therapy and children with DSM-IV mental health disorders. Very few studies have been conducted on the impacts of animal-assisted therapy …
Disorganized Attachment And Trauma In Children, Anya K. Esch
Disorganized Attachment And Trauma In Children, Anya K. Esch
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Children who experience trauma often experience a disruption in the formation of attachment with their primary caregiver. This research aims to address how this disruption may lead to attachment disorders in children, and what developmental challenges children exposed to trauma may face. Using a qualitative interview case study of a children’s’ mental health professional, this study examines the impact of trauma on attachment, based on the experiences of this clinician. This study set out to investigate what treatment methods are currently used to treat children with histories of trauma and attachment disorders. From the qualitative interview 4 main themes were …
How Do School Social Workers Provide Support To Children Of Divorce?, Kimberly Johnson
How Do School Social Workers Provide Support To Children Of Divorce?, Kimberly Johnson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The ongoing impact of divorce on elementary school-aged children has been associated with lower academic achievement, behavioral problems, relational issues, depression, and risk of developing short-and long-term mental health symptoms. School-based divorce support groups are one way children may receive support to cope with ongoing stressors associated with growing up in divorced or separated families. The purpose of this project was to explore elementary school social workers perspectives regarding what services they are able to provide to children who come from divorced, separated, or never married households and at what frequency. If divorce groups were offered in an elementary school …
Cultural Coping Strategies And Their Connection To Grief Therapy Modalities For Children: An Investigation Into Current Knowledge And Practice, Philip D. . Kuehn
Cultural Coping Strategies And Their Connection To Grief Therapy Modalities For Children: An Investigation Into Current Knowledge And Practice, Philip D. . Kuehn
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a difficult time in the life of an individual, especially a child. In certain cases, adults and children can develop extreme grief responses as a result of this significant loss. An individual’s culture can play a major role in the way they understand and respond to the death of a loved one. To find out more information regarding the interplay between culture and grief responses, it was useful to interview professional grief therapists on this topic. These interviews sought to discern whether or not there was a useful connection between …
The Effectiveness Of Preschool Mental Health Day Treatment On Attachment Pattern Skills, Stefanie Kuhnmuench
The Effectiveness Of Preschool Mental Health Day Treatment On Attachment Pattern Skills, Stefanie Kuhnmuench
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Young children ages three to six, who have insecure or disorganized attachment styles, are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Research implies that improving attachment can lead to improved functioning. One mode of treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders is day treatment, specifically day treatment that focuses on attachment. In this study, a secondary data analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of a day treatment program in a community mental health agency in the Midwest for children age’s three to six. Scores from the Attachment Pattern Scale (APS) at three points in time, …
What Do Therapists Think Is The Uniqueness Of Animal Assisted Therapy That Engages Children?, Megan Marie Mensink
What Do Therapists Think Is The Uniqueness Of Animal Assisted Therapy That Engages Children?, Megan Marie Mensink
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
What do therapists believe is the uniqueness of animal assisted therapy that engages children? This is the main question this research aims to answer. The purpose of this study was to get the opinions of therapists on how animal assisted therapies benefit children. In this qualitative study, the researcher interviewed six therapists who actively practice Animal Assisted Therapies with clients. These therapists were able to identify the benefits that children encounter when participating in animal assisted therapies. The therapists have been educated and certified to practice AAT using the EAGALA model. The findings of this research produced five main themes: …
Mental Health Practitioner’S Perspective Of Early Intervention Treatment Barriers For Young Children And Their Families, Melissa J. Mccanney
Mental Health Practitioner’S Perspective Of Early Intervention Treatment Barriers For Young Children And Their Families, Melissa J. Mccanney
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Young children are showing an increase in behavioral and emotional disturbances. Children are showing precocious knowledge of information about drugs, sex and violence. This research project reviews previous findings for causes and intervention for these behaviors. Early intervention, family barriers and access barriers concerning mental health treatment were themes that were continuously discussed in the existing research. This study focused on those themes and surveyed 29 professionals about the family and access barriers that families and children face in regards to preschool mental health treatment. The participants were surveyed anonymously and the findings were analyzed for common themes. The results …
Social Workers’ Role In The Delivery Of Play Therapy To Children, Sara Weil
Social Workers’ Role In The Delivery Of Play Therapy To Children, Sara Weil
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this project was to explore the role that social workers play in the delivery of play therapy services to children. This study used a quantitative design to survey 51 licensed social workers on their use of and perceptions of the effectiveness of play therapy. Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed to determine how frequently social workers use play therapy, what level of training they have in play therapy techniques, how effective social workers feel play therapy is with children and what factors are believed to contribute to its effectiveness. Findings revealed that the majority …
What Is The Effect Of Single Mothers With Depression On Child Development Among Children With Mental Health Diagnoses?, Alyssa Youngquist
What Is The Effect Of Single Mothers With Depression On Child Development Among Children With Mental Health Diagnoses?, Alyssa Youngquist
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this research study is to explore whether the participating mothers were able to identify if an increase in their child’s behavior has a connection with their depressive symptoms. Using a quantitative design, thirty two mothers were surveyed on their depressive symptoms in the previous two weeks as well as their child’s behavior problems exhibited in the previous two weeks. All of the mothers surveyed have children who attend a therapeutic day program for school-aged children with a mental health diagnosis. Data was analyzed using frequency, correlations, T-tests and one-way ANOVA. The findings indicated that mothers who felt …
Interventions For Multicultural Children With Autism, Stephanie Kitzhaber
Interventions For Multicultural Children With Autism, Stephanie Kitzhaber
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This qualitative study examined the interventions that are helpful when working with multicultural children who have autism and their families. Data was collected through five semi-structured interviews (n=5) with professionals who work with children who have autism, which included a variety of psychotherapists, social workers, mental health practitioners, and counselors. Grounded theory methods and open coding were used to analyze codes in the data to record common themes from the interviews. Themes found from this study were separated into five categories: language, importance of play, family education, gender roles, and stigma. Findings from this study were consistent with some of …
Mental Health Professionals' Perspectives Of Best Practices With Children Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma, Holly Hagen
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 …