Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Religious Rigidities: Religious Firmness And Religious Flexibility As Complementary Loyalties In Faith Transmission, David C. Dollahite, Loren D. Marks, Kate P. Babcock, Betsy H. Barrow, Andrew H. Rose

Faculty Publications

Research has found that intergenerational transmission of religiosity results in higher family functioning and improved family relationships. Yet the Pew Research Center found that 44% of Americans reported that they had left the religious affiliation of their childhood. And 78% of the expanding group of those who identify as religiously unaffiliated (“Nones”) reported that they were raised in “highly religious families.” We suggest that this may be, in part, associated with religious parents exercising excessive firmness with inadequate flexibility (rigidity). We used a multiphase, systematic, team-based process to code 8000+ pages of in-depth interviews from 198 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim …

Social Mobility: The Necessary Focus Of St. Louis Investment In Black Males, Sean Joe, Robert Motley

Center for Social Development Research

The tragic killing of Michael Brown at the hand of Darren Wilson, a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer, further highlighted the long-standing disparities in health, education, employment, and overall well-being disproportionately burdening Black boys and young men in the St. Louis region. Since that event and the associated developments, actions have centered on attending to structural determinants, racism, and equity. However, less attention has been devoted to the overall well-being of Black boys and young men ages 18 to 29 in the St. Louis region and to the paucity of available economic opportunities. This brief report seeks to shift the focus …

Organizational Culture And Climate Profiles: Relationships With Fidelity To Three Evidence-Based Practices For Autism In Elementary Schools, Nathaniel J. Williams

Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Implementation researchers have typically studied organizational culture and climate by testing whether individual dimensions are linked to the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) rather than examining how the overarching social context influences implementation. This approach may limit implementation theory and strategy development to the extent that individual dimensions of culture and climate interact, mutually reinforce or counteract one another, or exhibit non-linear relationships. This study tests whether empirically identifiable culture and climate profiles emerge in a sample of organizations and examines how these profiles relate to EBP fidelity and work attitudes that support EBP sustainment, focusing on three EBPs …

An Exploration Of The Experience Of Adults With Learning Disabilities Through Art, Adi Greenboim-Zimchoni

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This study employed arts-based research with phenomenological, qualitative inquiry to understand and explore the perspectives of adults with learning disabilities and their sense of self and support in inclusive and special education classrooms in Israel during their school years. In this study, the researcher attempted to take Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) one step further by examining the participants’ feelings and relationships with the people in their daily lives during childhood. The researcher met with 12 participants ages 18-31 diagnosed with learning disabilities between third and eleventh grade. Participants created drawings illustrating how they felt about teachers, parents, friends and …

The Meadowlark Scholarship Act: Testimony On L.B. 544 Before The Education Committee 106th Nebraska Legislature, Margaret Clancy

Center for Social Development Research

In late January 2019, legislators in the state of Nebraska introduced a package of bills designed to broaden access to postsecondary education and to encourage saving in the state 529 college savings plan. The proposed legislation’s central piece, the Meadow Lark Scholarship Act, would create a universal, at-birth, $100 seed deposit for every child born in the state. Other bills would authorize an automatic savings match program for low- and moderate-income families who save in the state 529 plan, exclude 529 contributions in determining eligibility for need-based public benefits, and make other changes to the 529 plan. On February 5, …

Collaborations Between Speech-Language Pathology And Early Childhood Special Education Graduate Programs, Abbie Olszewski, Lindsay Diamond, Ann Bingham

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

There is limited documentation on interprofessional education (IPE) between graduate speech-language pathology and early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) programs. Because collaborative relationships can lead to IPE, this study examined the current state of collaborative relationships between speech-language pathology and EI/ECSE graduate programs and faculty. A mixed-method design was conducted. Closed- and open-ended survey questions were sent to representatives of 266 graduate speech-language pathology programs. There was a 29% (77/266) overall response rate. Out of 77 graduate speech-language pathology programs, 27% (21/77) indicated an emphasis in EI, 17% (13/77) in ECSE, and 14% (11/77) in EI/ECSE combined. Respondents reported collaborative …

Exploring The Cultural Perceptions Of Physical Activity Among Transnational Nigerian Immigrants, Kelechi D. Ibe-Lamberts, Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka, Abi Fapohunda

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: Transnational Nigerian Immigrants, as other Transnational African Immigrants, are a subset of African immigrants with the unique ability to sustain multi-national ties. These ties could potentially affect health behavior choices and participation in physical activity. Physical Activity has the potential to improve health and prevent chronic diseases; however, there is a lack of literature regarding physical activity and its determinants within the Transnational African Immigrant population in general. This study investigated the cultural factors that shape Transnational Nigerian Immigrants’ perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity.

Methods: Semi-structured, individual interviews supported by photo-elicitation were conducted on 24 Transnational …

“It’S The Story”: Online Animated Simulation Of Cultural Competence Of Poverty -- A Pilot Study, Kimberly E. Johnson, Melissa Fleck, Thomas Pantazes

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In this pilot study, researchers explore an online animated simulation as an educational tool for emerging health professionals to promote cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.Methods: Researchers recruited participants in the allied health sciences for focus groups to explore the effectiveness of an online animation in promoting cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and public assistance programs. Participants were asked about their experience with the educational tool and changes in cultural competence regarding poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Participants also responded to five survey questions about their experience …

Evaluation Of A Program Designed To Increase Retention In Counselor Education: Reaching Year Two, James D. Jensen, Aida Midgett, Diana M. Doumas

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Student retention is a key issue in maintaining academic programs’ viability. This study evaluated a program designed to increase retention for first year Masters in Counseling students (N = 44). The program consisted of a series of activities developed to increase social integration with both students and faculty. Results of this study indicated that students in the cohort who participated in the program reported higher retention rates than students in the control cohort. Findings suggest that implementing a program designed to increase social integration may be a promising approach to retaining first year students in Counselor Education (CE) programs.

Navigating The Storm: How Proficient Organizational Culture Promotes Clinician Retention In The Shift To Evidence-Based Practice, Nathaniel J. Williams, Rinad S. Beidas

Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective

Clinician turnover is a major concern as mental health systems and organizations invest substantial resources in the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). In this study, we identify malleable factors associated with reduced clinician turnover during a systemwide EBP implementation initiative. Specifically, we examine how proficient organizational culture (i.e., norms and behavioral expectations that clinicians prioritize improvement in client well-being and exhibit competence in up-to-date treatment practices), EBP implementation climate (i.e., perceptions that the organization’s policies, procedures, and practices support EBP use), and change in these organizational characteristics relate to clinician turnover during a system-wide EBP transformation.

Method

Data were …

Camp Geronimo: Evaluating The Influence Of An Animal Assisted Intervention Based Summer Camp On Social Participation In Children With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Joelle Ruggeri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research regarding animal assisted intervention (AAI) has found that it can be an effective intervention towards promoting positive social participation in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A quality improvement project was implemented at The Barn at Spring Brook Farm, where children ages 2-12 with IDD are able to participate in AAI activities. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Barn’s Camp Geronimo, a six-week long summer camp program, and its impact on the social participation of participants using the Home & Community Social Behavior Scales (HCSBS). The study findings showed positive results, with statistically significant change …

A Multicase Study Exploring Women’S Narratives Of Infertility: Implications For Counselors, Staci L. Born, Christin L. Carotta, Kristine Ramsay-Seaner

The Qualitative Report

Infertility affects 6.7 million women in the United States (Chandra, Copen, & Stephen, 2013). Women’s experiences with infertility are not only influenced by biological health factors, but also by social, cultural, and personal variables. Given the prevalence and complexity of infertility, additional research is needed to further examine the nuances of women’s experiences. The purpose of this multicase study, as informed by four individual cases, was to explore how women construct their infertility narratives. Review of reflective journals found five common elements: (1) Emotional Rollercoaster, (2) Mind-Body (Dis)Connection, (3) Secret Identity, (4) Supportive vs. Constrained Communication Patterns, and (5) Fatalistic- …

Asset Building As Social Investment, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

Asset-building policies have been widely adopted since the middle of the 20th century, but most lack features that would make them accessible to all populations—features such as universal at-birth enrollment and progressive incentive structures. Because these policies are not inclusive, they primarily serve the well-off and are highly regressive. In this contribution to Social Investments, Asset Building, and Social Development—the State of the Art: A Special Issue in Honor of James Midgley, Michael Sherraden continued the work of formulating a proposal for a national policy to foster broad economic security by extending the benefits of asset accumulation to all members …

Financial Capability As Social Investment, Mary Caplan, Margaret S. Sherraden, Junghee Bae

Center for Social Development Research

In this contribution to Social Investments, Asset Building, and Social Development—the State of the Art: A Special Issue in Honor of James Midgley, the authors discuss trends in financial vulnerability, identify global indicators, and present a series of case studies that collectively illustrate the state of efforts to broaden financial capability. They suggest ways in which those efforts fit within a social investment framework.

The Global Research Agenda On Volunteering For Peace And Development, Benjamin J. Lough Phd, Cliff Allum, Peter Devereux, Rebecca Tiessen

Center for Social Development Research

This brief discusses the global research agenda on volunteering in activities designed to advance peace and foster development, reviewing the agenda’s history, objectives, and priorities. It also revisits key areas of research progress made from 2015 through 2018 and discusses the resources needed to further advance this agenda through 2025.

Commons: Can This Be The Name Of ‘Thirdness’? (Revised), Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

In 1995, a journal article asked if 'commons' might be the name of 'thirdness'. In this revision of that article the question is renewed and reintroduced. The concept of the commons and common goods still offer satisfactory ways to label and characterize voluntary action outside markets, states and households. Theory is said to be a problem of language. Language creativity, including the coining of various new terms is a characteristic part of the commons theory of voluntary action. The remaining challenge is how the concept of the commons can relate to the other side of the third sector - the …

Lifestyles, Income, Health Factors, And Life Satisfaction Of Older Hispanic Adults, Gina Fe G. Causin Ph.D., Hyunsook Kang Ph.D., Mary S. Olle Ph.D.

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

The aim of this study was to explore to what extent life styles, income, and health factors contribute to the life satisfaction of Hispanic older adults. A secondary data analysis from a national survey of Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) (Markides, Ray, Angel, & Espino, 2012) was used. Subjects were Hispanic older adults (over 75 years, n = 1542). For this study, Hispanics and Latinos were considered as one and the same. A two-step hierarchical regression was conducted to address the research question. The results showed health status and income were unique predictors in …

Involuntary Termination From Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Unknown Phantoms, Red Flags, And Unexplained Medical Data, Izaak L. Williams

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

In the United States, all treatment programs receiving public funds are required by law to regularly submit admission and discharge data, inclusive of the forced/involuntary termination or administrative discharge of clients, to their local state authorities. In some states, this requirement even extends to programs not receiving public funds. The aim of collecting discharge data—collected under the auspices of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association [SAMHSA]—is to assist state and county authorities, funders, and accreditors to monitor recovery-focused program performance. However, investigation here undertaken shows that published discharge data from many state treatment settings are perennially and grossly …

Incomplete Democracy: The Relationship Of Race, Income, And Education To Voter Participation, Gena Gunn Mcclendon Phd, Kyle A. Pitzer, Austin T. Tolani

Center for Social Development Research

Does the growing number of registered voters represent the diverse population of the United States, particularly the population’s racial, economic, and educational diversity? This research brief examines the characteristics of voters and whether their demographics are associated with voter participation rates in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, and in St. Louis County. It presents findings from zip code–level analyses of voting and registration data. The authors propose a two-pronged strategy for strengthening electoral participation and offer specific policy recommendations.

Statedata: The National Report On Employment Services And Outcomes Through 2016, Jean Winsor, Jaimie Ciulla Timmons, John Butterworth, Alberto Migliore, Daria Domin, Agnes Zalewska, John Shepard, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

Recent legislation and regulation governing Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), and settlement agreements between states and the U.S. Department of Justice are clarifying federal intent and paving the way to supporting opportunities for people with disabilities to have meaningful jobs in their communities. With an increasing emphasis on integrated employment and an Employment First philosophy, the nation is poised for transformation that could put Americans with disabilities on a path out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency. However, there remains a significant gap in employment rates between people with and without …

(S)Expectations Abroad: Male Traveler Interactions With Southeast Asian Economies, Elliot J. Glotfelty, Glenn M. Miles

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Interacting with locals is a highlight of the tourism experience; however, these interactions may be accompanied by unsolicited propositions for the traveler to participate in the sex industry. Through the lens of Thailand’s largely visible sex industry, this work addresses issues of tourism and travel intertwined with the sex industry in greater Southeast Asia. Governments, a variety of businesses and individuals benefiting financially from a burgeoning sex tourism industry encourage persistence of a viable local sex trade. Although subtleties exist between human trafficking, the sex industry, and sex tourism, each can be intertwined. This article provides an overview of the …

Building An Evidence-Based, Holistic Approach To Advancing Integrated Employment, Allison C. Hall, John Butterworth, Jean Winsor, John Kramer, Kelly Nye-Lengerman, Jaimie Ciulla Timmons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

Since the introduction of supported employment in the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986, there has been continued development and refinement of best practices in employment services and supports. Progress includes creative outcomes for individuals with significant support needs including customized jobs and self-employment, community rehabilitation providers that have shifted emphasis to integrated employment, and states that have made a substantial investment in Employment First policy and strategy. Despite these achievements, the promise of integrated employment remains elusive for the majority of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The number of individuals supported in …

Service Providers Perspective On The Unique Needs Of Sexually Exploited Women And Children In The Inland Empire, Ruth Harrison

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore and expose the needs of sexually exploited women and children. The participants were recruited from a few non-profit agencies in the Inland Empire area. This study found one of the most underlying challenge facing the participants when working with sexually exploited victims was the unavailability of resources, particularly, shortage of transitional housing for them. Another finding that featured prominently in the study was related to a need for continuous training and education for the service providers in order to stay current with trends. The study also identified the rapport building …

Promoting Savings At Tax Time: Insights From Online And In-Person Tax Preparation Services, Genevieve Davison, Ellen Frank-Miller, Stephen P. Roll, Michal Grinstein-Weiss

Center for Social Development Research

This report presents findings and insights from Refund to Savings: Applications for myRA, a collaborative project involving the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington University in St. Louis, and Intuit, Inc. The project explored methods of promoting the myRA (My Retirement Account) savings program at tax time—that is, when households file their taxes. It focused specifically on opportunities in an online tax-filing setting and in person at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. The first component of the project examined the retirement needs of low- and moderate-income (LMI) tax filers through a large, national, online survey. It also …

Investigation Of Graduate Student Stress In Speech Language Pathology, Rochel Lieberman, Lesley Raisor-Becker, Carney Sotto, Erin Redle

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this research was to investigate the average stress levels and types of stressors experienced by graduate students (GS) in speech-language pathology (SLP) programs and the academic supports GS perceived to be helpful. An online survey examining stress was administered to 238 GS in SLP. The average stress level, types of stressors, demographic characteristics of participants related to their stress response, and reported academic program supports were analyzed. Correlation coefficients were computed to determine the relationship between reported stress, demographic variables, and program characteristics. Moderate and high levels of stress were reported by 96% of SLP GS as …

Linking Molar Organizational Climate And Strategic Implementation Climate To Clinicians’ Use Of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Techniques: Cross-Sectional And Lagged Analyses From A 2-Year Observational Study, Nathaniel J. Williams, Mark G. Ehrhart, Gregory A. Aarons, Steven C. Marcus, Rinad S. Beidas

Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Behavioral health organizations are characterized by multiple organizational climates, including molar climate, which encompasses clinicians’ shared perceptions of how the work environment impacts their personal well-being, and strategic implementation climate, which includes clinicians’ shared perceptions of the extent to which evidence-based practice implementation is expected, supported, and rewarded by the organization. Theory suggests these climates have joint, cross-level effects on clinicians’ implementation of evidence-based practice and that these effects may be long term (i.e., up to 2 years); however, no empirical studies have tested these relationships. We hypothesize that molar climate moderates implementation climate’s concurrent and long-term relationships with …

Perspectives On Aging Among Graduate Social Work Students: Using Photographs As An Online Pedagogical Activity, Jill M. Chonody

Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

The United States is experiencing an aging of the population, and by 2030, 20% of Americans will be 65 years or older (Federal Interagency Forum, 2010). However, for many helping professions, including social work, medicine, and nursing, student interest in gerontological practice is quite low. One international study found that only 5.4% of the more than 1,000 social work students who were surveyed indicated that working with older people was their primary area of interest (Chonody & Wang, 2014). Finding ways to improve student interest and break down biases against older adults is essential to improve student interest, and incorporating …

Commencement Program 2018, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2018 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

7 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | The Good Samaritan

10 | University History Highlights

12 | Loma Linda University Song - "Healing Love"

13 | Criteria for Institutional Awards—Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Health

15 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

32 | The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 33
• School of Pharmacy, 63
• School of Dentistry, 76
• School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, …

The Impact Of Low Retention Of Nonprofit Organizations, Yolanda Phillips, Jessica M. Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored the impact of low retention rates in nonprofit organizations and review factors that are associated with this low rate. Nonprofit organizations are a crucial and integral part of our community, there are many factors that are influential in the retention of employees which impact the service that is available to those in need. The need for this study emerged from the researcher’s desire to raise awareness of the factors that lead to low retention rates in social service non-profit organizations and its effects on service provision This study allowed for administration to implement strategies that address the …

Riverside County Homeless Individuals’ Perspective On Primary Factors Contributing To Homelessness, Megan Irene Chaney

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research was designed to identify primary contributing factors to homelessness as identified by homeless individuals in Riverside County. This research might assist future researchers as well as help to implement treatment services to decrease homelessness. Qualitative data was analyzed to determine contributing factors leading to homelessness as well as the impact of treatment on overcoming barriers essential to obtaining housing. Demographic data was also analyzed based on the sample of individuals interviewed. The results of this study showed that mental health and substance abuse are two main factors which deter stable placement and lead to prolonged homelessness. This study …