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Pathways To Educational Equality : Insights From China’S Higher Education Stratification And Social Stratification, Qingbin Xu

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

It is essential to examine the equity of the newly established higher education system and elucidate the reasons and consequences of stratification within the context of China’ higher education and social hierarchy, because in the wake of massification and expansion, China’s higher education system has been seeing alterations in stratification patterns. Through the Status Attainment Model and the Wisconsin Model, this study employs a mixed-method approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative techniques to assess higher education and social inequality in mainland China. The findings indicate that the conventional status attainment model, when subjected to structural equation modelling analysis, reveals that …

Examining Multi-Level Support-Related Factors Influencing School-Based Mental Health Services Across Various Types Of U.S. Public High Schools, Wendy L. Wilson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Youth mental health is a global and national public health issue, with notable disparities in access to school-based mental health services (SBMHS; Kieling et al., 2024). This highlights the urgent need to identify supportive factors that can enhance service availability within educational settings. This cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive study aimed to identify multi-level support-related factors (SRFs) at the student, school, and community levels that best predict SBMHS availability across different types of U.S. public high schools. The researcher conducted a secondary data analysis of a sample of 855 respondents who completed the 2017-18 School Survey on Crime and Safety. Various univariate, bivariate, …

Canada’S Indigenous Social Workers’ Medicinal Plant Knowledge: A Land-Based Way Of Knowing For Indigenous Practice, Iris Kim Plain Eagle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Canada’s Indigenous people of Treaty 7 region have experienced intergenerational trauma resulting from colonization perpetrated by the Canadian government. While the use of medicinal plants, are employed by Indigenous social workers, their integration into mainstream human services organizations remains limited. The gaps in Indigenous social work practice hinders client culturally competent care and the acknowledgement of Indigneous knowledge systems in colonial systems. This generic qualitative study explored the experiences of participants who integrate medicinal plant healing and ancestral knowledge into practice. Informed by indigenous wholistic theory, the study aimed to understand how Indigenous social workers navigate the challenges and opportunities …

A Content Analysis Of Podcasts Exploring The Experiences Of Nba Players And Mental Health, Joanna D. Hedin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black male athletes are at a greater risk of not seeking treatment for their mental health issues due to cultural stigmas and expectations. The purpose of this qualitative secondary data research study was to understand the experiences of Black NBA players regarding their mental health and the sociocultural factors that influence their decision making regarding participation in mental health services, as revealed through podcast appearances. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was applied in this study to suggest that learning is an integral part of the social process and that culture contributes to how and what one learns. This study asked about what …

Reconciling Harm Reduction Philosophy And Approaches Among Abstinence-Only Substance Abuse Treatment Professionals, Amy Rose Ashton-Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in the United States has been firmly grounded in abstinence-only treatment approaches. Harm reduction as a treatment model has gained additional traction. With increased rates of opioid use, overdoses, and advancements in medications for SUDs, harm reduction treatment approaches are becoming more important to improve lives of people who use drugs. Little is known about how counselors who have been educated, trained, and deliver abstinence-based SUD treatment reconcile use of harm reduction into their practice. To address this gap in literature, a generic qualitative study was conducted using the social constructivism theory. A purposive …

Relationships Between Household Economic Distress And Child Mental Health: Determinants, Mechanisms, And Interventions, Yuanyuan Yang

Brown School Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Economic inequality has grown dramatically worldwide, creating serious problems for children and families. At the same time, child and adolescent mental health problems have reached crisis levels, yet many of them cannot access treatment. Researchers have studied how economic inequality affects mental and behavioral health, but most of this work focuses on adults rather than children. This dissertation used recent data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (2019 and 2021 waves) to unpack the complex relationships between household economic distress and child mental health across multiple levels, including individual, family, school, and community factors in the United States. This …

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Kyla Wright

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Identifying all learned ten competencies of social work incorporated into educational settings. Utilizing theoretical practices and an integrated, justified intervention for mental health success.

Master Of Social Work Professional Portfolio, Allison H. Deaver

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This MSW Portfolio encapsulates my learning journey throughout my MSW program, and includes selected projects which demonstrate critical steps in this journey.

Msw Portfolio. Finding Purpose: A Journey Toward Meaningful Social Work Practice, Stephanie Altenhof

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My MSW portfolio demonstrates my professional development through the University of Montana's MSW program using a multi-theoretical orientation. Through practicum experiences at the Alzheimer Society of BC and Coast Care Consulting, the portfolio showcases my mastery of the 10 social work competencies and five elements of advanced integrated practice, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care, rural and Indigenous contexts, and community-centered approaches to social work practice.

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Eryn Eva Robinson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio narrative chronicles my professional and personal development throughout my Master of Social Work (MSW) program, reflecting a journey grounded in Indigenous values, trauma-informed practice, and a commitment to social justice. Rooted in my identity as a Native American woman and informed by my grandmother’s survival of the Indian boarding school system, my practice philosophy emphasizes healing-centered engagement, cultural humility, and systemic advocacy. Through diverse practicum experiences, ranging from managing after-school youth programs to clinical work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) supporting children on the autism spectrum, I integrated theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. I applied frameworks such …

Turning On The Light: Learned Experiences From Practicum As A Youth Mentor And Private Practice Counselor, Jackson Tate Nichols Mr.

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The following is a reflection on the two years I spent completing practicum work for my MSW program at the University of Montana. In this assignment, I will cover areas of multiple competencies and tie them to my experiences. I have included an Appendix to make referencing easier for the reader. My experiences included a year working for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies (VOANR) in an emergency youth home and a year in a private practice counseling environment. I will demonstrate how I have woven program competencies into my fieldwork.

A Reflection Of An Msw Student, Dylan Vogel

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Professional Portfolio-Glue Players, Chelsea Lucille Solberg

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Julia Marie Sweeney

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reflects my personal and professional growth throughout the University of Montana’s MSW program. Grounded in lived experience, child advocacy work, and academic learning, it highlights my development across core competencies and advanced integrated practice.

Becoming A Social Justice Worker, Laura Curry

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Jennifer Lynn Barnhill

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Portfolio is a sample of the essays, presentations, projects, and experiences completed as part of my online MSW curriculum at the University of Montana (UM) School of Social Work (SSW) from 2022-2025. Throughout this narrative, I’ll describe the skills, values, theories, and frameworks I’ve learned during my three years working toward my master's degree in social work. Each of the appendices will demonstrate an understanding of the nine Council on Social Work Education, or CSWE, competencies (Texas College, n.d.) that all social workers are expected to meet, along with a tenth competency added by …

Msw Portfolio 2025, Lacie R. Ranieri

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

MSW Portfolio - 2025

Master Of Social Work, Tanner J. Bailey

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio documents my academic and professional development throughout the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Montana. Using my practicum experiences in juvenile probation and anonymous crisis intervention work, this paper integrates critical reflection, theory-informed application, and evidence-based practice to demonstrate my readiness as an advanced integrated social work practitioner.

Guided by the five elements of advanced integrated practice, the portfolio is structured around the ten core competencies outlined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Key theoretical frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care are discussed in relation …

Advocacy, Equity, And Impact: My Journey Through Social Work Practice, Stephanie L. Shaw

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio presents a comprehensive overview of my graduate-level social work education and field experiences, demonstrating mastery of the core competencies outlined by the Council on Social Work Education and the University of Montana School of Social Work. Through rigorous coursework, evidence-based interventions, and direct practice in both clinical and community-based settings, I developed and applied critical skills in ethical practice, cultural humility, policy advocacy, and research-informed service delivery. This work reflects a strong integration of theory and practice, commitment to advancing social justice, and a readiness to enter the field as a competent, reflective, and ethical social worker.

Charting Suicide Risk In Latina Adolescents: A Qualitative System Dynamics Approach, Lauren E. Gulbas, Peter S. Hovmand, Esther J. Calzada, Carolina Hausmann-Stabile, Su Yeong Kim, Luis H. Zayas

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Objectives: Suicide risk among Latina adolescents is shaped by dynamic interactions among emotional, behavioral, and sociocultural factors. This study develops a causal feedback theory to illustrate how these factors reinforce or mitigate suicide risk over time.

Method: Using grounded theory analysis, we analyzed qualitative interviews with 60 Latina adolescents (ages 11-19) recruited from New York City: 30 with a history of suicide attempts and 30 with no reported history of suicidal behaviors. Participants varied by Hispanic cultural group, place of birth, and documentation status.

Results: Our feedback theory is organized around seven categories: cognitive vulnerabilities, avoidant coping, high-risk behaviors, family …

Helping Bipoc, Women, And First-Generation Students Maximize The Value Of Unpaid Internships, Ted Thornhill, Nicole Torres, Christina Van Wingerden

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Internships and practicums are a required component of nearly all degree programs in human services and its subfields—and most are unpaid. These unpaid positions often have a disproportionate impact for BIPOC and first-generation students, especially women—many of whom are economically disadvantaged and must work to support themselves and sometimes their families. Increased student activism, non-profit campaigns, and journalistic accounts show student frustration over their unpaid labor. Despite the righteousness of these students’ cause, the reality is that the implementation of an equitable, robust, and sustainable nationwide system of paid internships, in the near-term, is politically impracticable. Given that most human …

The Crucial Role Of Grassroots Social Organizations In Advancing Immigrant Legal Protections And Reshaping Immigration Policy, Isabella Reynolds

McNair Summer Research Program

This research project examines how grassroots social organizations contribute to the advancement of immigrant legal protections and shape immigration policy, with a particular focus on formerly incarcerated migrants in California. I focus on case studies and the personal experiences of organizers from Homies Unidos, Border Angels, and other organizations that operate near the San Diego–Tijuana border region. The study illustrates how these groups provide essential services, mental health support, and community-based initiatives for vulnerable and formerly incarcerated immigrants. By conducting oral histories and ethnography as methods for preserving emotional labor and shared memory, this research challenges prevailing narratives that criminalize …

"Check-The-Box" Enrollment Will Limit Participation In Trump Accounts: Lessons From Asset-Building Research, Jin Huang, Margaret M. Clancy, Stephen Roll, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

As the U.S. Treasury Department considers the implementation of Trump Accounts, one proposed enrollment method is a “check-the-box” option on the federal tax return, requiring parents to actively grant permission to open an account. This policy brief draws on evidence from prior research to explain why such a check-the-box opt-in model is very unlikely to achieve full participation in Trump Accounts

Prisoner Re-Entry Into Society And Criminal Justice Social Work Practice, Aleeyah S. Norvell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explores the challenges faced by social workers in supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Social workers play a critical role in the U.S. criminal justice system, yet they often encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to meet clients’ basic needs, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Using a generic qualitative research design, the study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of eight licensed social workers, using open-ended questions to gather rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. Guided by social learning theory and using thematic analysis, the findings reveal significant obstacles in adapting to …

Recognising The Unseen: Emotional Labour In Teenage And Adolescent Care, John Bowe

Journal of Social Care

This study delves into the often-overlooked aspect of Emotional Labour (EL) within social care work, specifically focusing on its impact on social care workers who support teenagers and adolescents. EL, defined as managing emotions to meet organisational objectives, is crucial in shaping best practices within care professions. While EL can yield positive outcomes, this study primarily examines its negative repercussions, particularly in relation to professional burnout among social care workers. The study explores the organisational barriers that may compel social care workers to emotionally detach from their roles as a protective measure through quantitative analysis. Drawing on Hochschild's EL concept …

Coming Out And Social Acceptance: Understanding Lgbtq Veterans' Minority Stressors, Conrado Augustine Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study explored the experiences of LGBTQ veterans residing in Ohio, examining the relationship between the coming out process, social acceptance, and minority stress. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) military veterans face higher rates of minority stressors, resulting in higher rates of suicidal ideation and mental health issues, which impact healthcare practices that affirm their identity. Discrimination, microaggressions, coming out, identity disclosure, and social belonging were identified as key contributing factors. Guided by Meyer’s minority stress theory, the study aimed to assess whether levels of outness, and identification with the LGBTQ community correlated with experiences of minority …

Leadership Self-Efficacy: Exploring Social Workers’ Perceived Ability To Serve On School Boards, Jessica Zavalza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The low representation of social workers serving on school boards is a social work practice problem because it limits their leadership ability to advocate for student mental health and influence policy change at the local and state levels of education. Therefore, addressing this practice problem within the context of clinical social work is crucial for improving student mental health outcomes and overall student well-being. Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this qualitative study was conducted to explore the connection between social workers’ leadership self-efficacy and their willingness to pursue policymaking roles at the local and state school board levels. With the …

Understanding Hispanic Cultural Strengths Through Parents’ Voices: Insights For Interdisciplinary School Personnel, David Moran, Johana Rocha, Kristy Carlisle

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Examining the strengths of Hispanic cultural values among K-12 school students is a generally understudied concept, and from their parents’ perspective specifically. This study sought to take a qualitative approach toward the exploration of Hispanic parents’ perspectives on how their cultural values promote strengths within their school-aged children. Hispanic parents (N = 8) participated in bilingual (i.e., Spanish and English) focus groups, with the results providing content that can inform culturally responsive prevention and intervention strategies to support the roles of interdisciplinary school personnel who regularly interact with the children. Findings pointed to (a) interaction with peers and school …

The Challenges Faced By Postrelease Offenders In Rural Mississippi, Whitney Starks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reintegration after incarceration has long been a subject of scholarly inquiry, particularly regarding barriers to employment, housing, and mental health services. However, limited research addresses the reintegration experiences of postrelease offenders in rural regions, where access to essential resources is often restricted. This qualitative single case study is an exploration of the challenges and service needs of formerly incarcerated individuals living in rural Mississippi. Using purposive and snowball sampling, six participants were selected based on residency in rural counties, a nonviolent criminal history, and at least one year of successful community reentry. The conceptual framework was guided by the assess, …

Examining Nonprofit Social Service Sector Burnout And Turnover: Trait Mindfulness As A Moderator Of Work-Life Balance And Compassion Fatigue, Melissa L. Brown

Dissertations

Nonprofit burnout and turnover surpass all national industries, specifically in the social services subsector. In contrast to their for-profit counterparts, nonprofit turnover rates remain on the rise. While literature indicates that one of the primary drivers of nonprofit turnover is burnout, more granular research proposes that nonprofit social service employees encounter a distinct form of burnout generated by the exposure to secondary traumatic distress known as compassion fatigue. This study investigated the antecedents of this phenomenon by examining trait mindfulness as a moderator of work-life balance and compassion fatigue among nonprofit social service providers. To sustain a workforce that provides …