Social Work Commons^™

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 …

Sleep Deprivation And The Health Of Firefighters, Bridget Bender

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

As public safety workers, the wellbeing of firefighters is of concern to the entire community. One of the primary work-related health issues facing firefighters is sleep deprivation, which can contribute to an array of health problems, including: mental illness, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this exploratory, quantitative research study was to gather preliminary data regarding the health of professional firefighters, with a focus on sleep. Data was collected from several Midwestern, metropolitan fire departments via an online survey. Sleep-deprived participants were identified using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), as well as self-reports of average sleep onset latency, …

Examining Services Effective At Preventing Domestic Homicide: Interviewing Relevant Stakeholders About Their Perceptions Regarding Their Role In Reducing The Recurrence Of Domestic Violence, Katlin Morse

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to recognize possible barriers in the prevention of domestic homicide and further incidents of domestic violence. Respondents were chosen based on their professional role in responding to domestic violence incidents and expertise in domestic violence intervention. Respondents were asked about specific methods of intervention that would be helpful in preventing domestic homicide, how barriers to effective prevention could be removed or improved, and to what extent domestic violence court would assist in preventing domestic homicide if it was implemented in their respective county. Respondents offered various suggestions as to what might constitute effective domestic …

Challenges And Opportunities In Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services In Rural Minnesota, Kassara Kneeland

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

America’s aging population is increasing and mental illness among older adults continues to go under-diagnosed and under-treated. The purpose of this research was to collect data and information on the resources available to older adults living with mental illness in rural Minnesota. This research was informed primarily by the text Rural Mental Health: Issues, Policies, and Best Practices (2012). A survey was conducted utilizing both quantitative and qualitative questions developed by the researcher. The survey was distributed to 153 recipients in 14 counties surrounding Central Minnesota, with an 11% total response rate. Respondents were primarily county-affiliated, identified as social workers …

Rural Service Providers’ Perceptions Of Cultural Responsiveness To Lgbt Older Adults, Lisa Twomey

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative study was conducted to assess how senior care facilities are responding to LGBT older adults in rural communities. While reviewing previous literature, the following themes were found: discrimination and health disparities, families of choice and social support, challenges in rural communities, and cultural responsive services. This study interviewed seven social workers and one social work designee. Seven of the participants worked at rural nursing homes and one participant worked at a rural assisted living in Minnesota. Many of the results were also found within previous research. The major themes include: limited diversity in rural settings has slowed progress …

“Make ’Em Laugh” The Interaction Of Humor In The Therapeutic Treatment Of Trauma: A Narrative Review, Katherine Goodman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Like oil and water, humor and trauma would seem to be as opposite as can be. This systematic narrative review set out to discover if and how humor interacts with the therapeutic treatment of trauma. Peer reviewed data was collected, analyzed, and organized in four levels; humor in trauma therapy, humor in therapy promoting behavior for the client, humor in therapy sustaining behavior for the clinician, and humor in trauma work outside of a therapeutic setting. Using conceptual models of Trauma-Informed Care and Resiliency Theory, each level of articles were analyzed for similarities and differences through identifying; the use of …

Enhancing The Effectiveness Of Assertive Community Treatment For People Of Color: Practice & Theory, Laura E. Escobar-Ratliff

Doctor of Social Work Banded Dissertations

Disparities in mental health treatment have been well documented over the last 30 years. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is poised to be able to address these disparities for people experiencing severe mental illness if we ground practice (i.e., ACT) in theory (i.e., ecological perspective of social work). The ecological perspective pushes social workers and other practitioners to be critically aware of the complexities of humanity and be expansive in our outlook and approach to practice.

Product One was a systematic review focused on primary research that assessed the outcomes of the effectiveness of ACT with people of color who are …

Underserved And Unaccompanied: Lgbtq Youth, Meeting The Intersecting Needs Of Youth Homelessness And Lgbtq Identities In Worcester, Ma, Molly Kellman

International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE)

LGBTQ youth are at a much higher risk for experiencing homelessness, victimization, abuse, and disconnection from social and medical services than their non-LGBTQ peers. This research paper uses a mixed-methods approach to identify the specific needs of unaccompanied LGBTQ youth in Worcester, Massachusetts, and how the youth service sector can better meet the needs of this population. Analysis of data from unaccompanied LGBTQ youth and the providers who serve them revealed a disconnect between service providers, and a lack of resources that accommodate the intersections of homelessness and LGBTQ identities. LGBTQ youth in Worcester are more at risk of experiencing …

Mothers' Perceptions Of Educational Access And Engagement In A Context Of Urban Austerity, Amy Krings, Hillary Thomas, Shawna J. Lee, Aayat Ali, Ladonna Miller

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

This study sheds light upon mothers' perceptions of educational justice in a context of austerity-based educational reforms. Focus group participants (n = 64) described local schools as lacking resources, a shortcoming that contributed to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate transportation, and safety concerns. They were skeptical of elected and appointed state and district officials, who were viewed as misrepresenting the degree of financial strain in the district in order to prioritize financial profit above education services for children. Additionally, respondents struggled to identify opportunities for parent involvement in educational policy making at a state, district, or school level. The shortage of …

Restorative Justice And Social Justice, John M. Winslade

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

This paper explains the connections between restorative justice and social justice. Specifically it argues that restorative practices in schools fit with a social justice agenda. It defines both terms and then outlines how restorative practices work to address the pipeline to prison and against retributive justice and zero tolerance policies. It also outlines the use of narrative questions designed to enhance restorative practices.

A Systematic Review Of Rural Veteran Homelessness, Jonathan Fasse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is a systematic review to examine homeless veterans identified to be most at risk of unsuccessfully completing the VA’s housing program (HUD-VASH), which promotes the use of Housing First (HF) as it’s model for treating homelessness. The literature review identified those who were rural and experiencing comorbid substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health issues to likely be those who were most at risk. There were multiple reasons why this subgroup was most vulnerable including limited access to resources, higher levels of substance use and more serious mental health diagnoses, and chronic health needs. Both the literature review …

At A Crossroads: Social Work, Conscientious Objection, And Religious Liberty Laws, Philip Mongan

Journal of Health Ethics

Recently several states have passed legislation allowing conscientious objection for social workers. Due to the potential impact on the profession that these policies carry, it is critical that this issue be explored and discussed within the social work profession. This article examines the arguments for and against conscientious objection, discusses the use of conscientious objection in other professions, and the explores the potential options and consequences for social work. The argument is made that the profession of social work should seek to define itself and its values related to conscientious objection before outside forces make the decision for us.

Educational, Financial, And Social Needs Of Families Of Children With Multiple Disabilities In Saudi Arabia., Mohammed Abdulrahman Alkohaiz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies on the needs of families of children with multiple disabilities are few and limited, and none of these studies have been conducted in the Arab world, in general, nor in Saudi Arabia, in particular. Even though many families suffer from problems that affect their needs and the needs of their children with disabilities, social work research in the Arab world have not focused on the families and their needs. The information collected from such research can help in developing new and superior services to help children with multiple disabilities and their families. Thus, the present study will contribute to …

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy And Resilience Within Child Welfare, Katelyn Blair

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Children in foster care and their substitute caregivers (i.e., foster parents) lack access to evidence-based interventions designed to 1) mitigate the effects of maltreatment on child behavior and 2) strengthen parenting skills needed to effectively care for children with a history of maltreatment. Previous research has established that Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention for children with a history of maltreatment. Yet, PCIT’s broader impact on child welfare outcomes (i.e., placement and permanence) and the implications of adapting PCIT for foster families remains largely unknown. Furthermore, intervention effects on children’s resilience remain largely unstudied, although interventions that …