Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Social Work Intervention Effectiveness Among Veterans Seeking Ptsd Treatment, Ashlyn Gaines

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study will examine how social work interventions are associated with PTSD symptom severity and treatment engagement among veterans. Veterans frequently experience ongoing psychological distress, and inconsistent engagement in treatment remains a significant concern for social work practice. Understanding whether specific social work interventions are linked to reduced PTSD symptoms and improved treatment participation will contribute to strengthening evidence-informed services. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational proposed research design will be used to survey veterans regarding their treatment experiences and symptom levels. Data would be analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and multiple regression analyses to determine relationships between interventions …

The Relationship Between Telecommuting, Autonomy, And Burnout, Aniko Nagy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

With flexible work arrangements becoming more common, the need to expand our understanding of the relationships between flexible work arrangements and employee health and wellbeing outcomes, such as employee burnout, continues to grow. The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationships between flexible work arrangements, autonomy, and employee burnout. The Job Demands-Resource (Bakker and Demerouti, 2007) and Conservation of Resources (Hobfall & Freedy, 2017) theories propose that job resources such as flextime, flexplace, and job autonomy are vital, and that the loss of or failure to acquire job resources can lead to stress and burnout. The Self …

Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Reentry Programs For Formerly Incarcerated Adults, William Lopez Jr, Falina Rose Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Reentry into society following incarceration represents a critical transition that significantly influences long-term stability and recidivism outcomes. Formerly incarcerated adults frequently encounter structural barriers related to housing, employment, behavioral health access, and social reintegration, highlighting the need for effective reentry programming. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine factors that contribute to the effectiveness of community-based reentry programs for formerly incarcerated adults and to understand how participants and service providers perceive successful reintegration outcomes. Guided by ecological systems theory and empowerment theory, this study employs a qualitative phenomenological design using semi-structured interviews with approximately 15 formerly incarcerated adults …

Serotonin 7 Receptor Modulation On Measures Of Working Memory And Anxiety, Antonio Gutierrez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Serotonin (5-HT) function is critical in the regulation and homeostasis of several neural systems. Alterations in 5-HT levels can directly impact the presence of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. With a wide range of 5-HT receptors, the potential impact each of these modulators have on behavior is important to better understand. The 5-HT7 receptor is the most recently identified 5-HT receptor. 5-HT7 receptors can be found in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and several areas of the hippocampus. Modulation of these receptors impact circadian rhythms, hormonal regulation and memory function. Previous research has that 5-HT7 antagonist compounds lead to conflicting results, highlighting …

Interrupting Intergenerational Trauma, Teresa Iribe-Arroyo, Demiana Adel Shenouda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, the ages of 0 and 17. Many individuals may have experienced ACEs without fully recognizing how these early experiences continue to affect their daily lives. These inhibitors can include mental health struggles, physical health problems, academic and behavioral functioning. In contrast, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can serve as protective factors, helping to buffer against some of the negative outcomes associated with childhood trauma. This proposed study seeks to better understand how both ACEs and PCEs shape individuals into adulthood, particularly in their roles as parents.

This proposed research would …

Raising Resilient Children: Parent Video Guide To Support Children’S Emotional Development, Perla F. Nunez-Chavez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Social-emotional learning (SEL) in early childhood plays a critical role in

children’s ability to recognize emotions, regulate behavior, build relationships,

and succeed in academic settings. During the preschool years (ages 3–5),

children experience rapid emotional development and rely heavily on parents for

co-regulation, emotional modeling, and guidance. Research consistently shows

that when parents engage in emotion coaching practices, such as labeling

feelings, validating emotions, and modeling regulation strategies, children

demonstrate stronger emotional competence and improved developmental

outcomes. However, despite strong evidence supporting parent involvement in

SEL, many existing interventions are delivered through structured, in-person

programs that are often inaccessible to …

Effects Of Western Beauty Ideals In Social Media On Latina Women's Body Image, Angel S. Espinosa, Lizette Casillas-Rodriguez, Dalia Osorio

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The proposed study would utilize a quantitative design to examine the relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction among Latina college students from ages 18-25. The purpose is to investigate the correlation between social media engagement and body dissatisfaction with particular attention to the impact of Westernized beauty standards on Latina women.

Data will be collected through an online Qualtrics survey utilizing standardized measures of appearance-related social media behaviors. On a micro level, results may inform culturally responsive clinical interventions. At a mezzo level, findings may support the development of community-based support groups and prevention programs for Latina communities. …

Self-Care At The Organizational Level, Rosa Gallegos-Valades, Viviana Hummel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Self-care in the social work profession is commonly framed as an individual responsibility; however, organizational environments play a critical role in shaping workers’ ability to engage in sustainable self-care practices. This study will focus on understanding how workplace environments influence professional self-care among social workers. Much of the existing literature emphasizes personal coping strategies while overlooking structural and organizational supports that enable or constrain self-care. Previous research has largely failed to address the importance of professional self-care at the organizational level, which can unintentionally place responsibility solely on individuals and contribute to feelings of inadequacy when self-care is difficult to …

The Effects Of Lgbtq+ Inclusive Education On High School Students, Cristal Dirzo, Lizzette A. Padilla

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Many schools across the United States exclude LGBTQ+ topics from required curriculum, which limits a student’s understanding of diverse identities and underrepresents marginalized communities in the world. The absence of LGBTQ+ topics in education may impact levels of inclusivity within school culture as well as student attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. While past research has focused on teacher perspectives and barriers to implementing LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms, little research has explored the student outcomes and perspectives on how LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum influences their attitudes and perceptions of inclusivity within school culture. This study examines how LGBTQ+ inclusive education affects 9th-grade high …

Social Media’S Impact On School-Aged Children's Mental Symptoms, Tiffany Espinoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

With the increased usage of social media among individuals, this has raised concerns about its impact on the mental health symptoms of the younger population. Previous research has shown the impact of social media on adolescents' depression and anxiety; however, there is limited research showing the impact on younger school-aged children. The purpose of this study will be to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health symptoms among school-aged children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The proposed research study will seek to address gaps in previous research by analyzing a wider age range and more diverse subgroups …

Centering Lgbtqia2s+ Voices: A Proposed Needs Assessment Of Unhoused Adults In California’S Inland Empire, Karina L. Martinez, Sade D. De La Espriella

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA2S+ homelessness remains a critical yet underexamined issue within California’s Inland Empire. While existing research has documented elevated rates of homelessness among LGBTQ+ populations in major urban centers, particularly among transition-age youth (TAY), there is limited understanding of the specific service needs of unhoused LGBTQIA2S+ adults, including older adults, within this region. This research proposal outlines a community-based needs assessment designed to address this gap. The proposed study will utilize trauma-informed, fully structured interviews with standardized, closed-ended questions administered to LGBTQIA2S+ adults who are currently experiencing or have recently experienced homelessness across the Inland Empire. The instrument will assess barriers …

Effectiveness Of Independent Living Programs On Preparing Transition-Age Foster Youth For Higher Education And Employment., Naomi Cailipan, Jasmine Nevarez, Emily Matias

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transition-age foster youth face significant barriers to higher education and stable employment, increasing their risk of housing instability, unemployment, and long-term economic hardship. Independent living programs (ILPs) aim to support the youth develop life skills and connect them to resources that prepare them for a successful transition into adulthood, however, there is limited research that explores the youth’s perspective on the effectiveness of ILPs. This study seeks to provide insight by interviewing current and former foster youth who participated in an ILP by conducting combined research, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data will be collected through a Likert-scale …

Investigating Fentanyl-Xylazine Interactions: Implications For Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia And Affective Dysregulation In Rats, Alejandra R. Lujan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The growing prevalence of fentanyl adulterated with xylazine presents a major public health concern, yet the behavioral and physiological effects of this combination remain poorly characterized. This study examined the effects of acute fentanyl administration, alone and in combination with xylazine, on opioid-induced hyperalgesia, affective behavior, and mortality in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=80). Rats received four fentanyl injections (60 µg/kg) administered at 15-minute intervals, with or without xylazine (0, 0.1, 0.333, or 1.0 mg/kg), as well as a saline control condition. Pain sensitivity was assessed using a hot plate assay at 6.5, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-injection. …

Understanding The Impact Of Childhood Trauma On Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Youth, Jasmine Valencia, Karina V. Garcia, Genaro Fabela

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are especially common among youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and research has consistently linked these early traumatic experiences to a variety of negative behavioral and developmental outcomes. Still, we do not fully understand how strongly cumulative ACE exposure predicts whether detained youth will reoffend, or whether trauma-informed rehabilitation programs can help reduce that risk. This proposed quantitative study explores the relationship between ACE scores and recidivism among youth ages 11–18 detained at the San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention Center. Grounded in trauma theory and ecological systems theory, the study focuses on two primary questions: …

Juvenile Custody Severity And Adult Mental Health Outcomes Among Black Men: The Role Of Trauma Informed And Culturally Responsive Care, Leslie Moreno, Tammy Monique Borunda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Black young men are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, yet limited research has examined how severe custody experiences are related to mental health in adulthood. This study will examine how the severity of juvenile custody experiences is related to adult mental health outcomes among Black men who have been released from custody for at least two years. Being able to understand these long-term outcomes is important for addressing disparities in mental health and access to care. This research will utilize the principles of trauma theory and will use a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study will use a purposive snowball …

Lgtbq+ Foster Youth Aging Out Of The Child Welfare System, Anna M. Gutierrez Chavez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

On the average time frame, former foster youth were reported homeless between 2012 and 2017. Equally important, is that nearly 39% of homeless youth identify as LGTBQ+.  This research will discuss disproportionality and disparities among youth who struggle with homelessness in the LGTBQ+ population. Research suggests that youth aging out of foster care are more likely to become homeless. Studies found that LGBTQ+ youth being discharged from care did not receive adequate support and guidance from the child welfare system to help them transition into adulthood, which may have led to homelessness.  This study will examine what services and …

Utilizing Self-Determination Theory In Therapy For Veterans With Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Carlos A. Tinoc

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Substance use disorder (SUD) has increasingly affected U.S. veterans, with rising misuse of alcohol and opioids. Many veterans also confront mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To explore this issue further, the researcher will investigate the effectiveness of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in addressing substance use and mental health disorders (dual diagnosis) among veterans. Previous research on the implementation of SDT for dual-diagnosis patients has not sufficiently addressed the veteran population. The researcher will review existing systematic literature reviews on the topic of SDT implementation in the treatment of SUDs and mental health disorders among both civilian and veteran …

Healing Beyond Bars: Integrated And Sustainable Recovery Models For Post-Incarcerated Women, Patricia A. Nunez, Jonathan Solomon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) significantly impact the re-entry process for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly Latina/x women, who face unique cultural, social, and economic challenges in accessing effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of substance use disorder treatment programs in support of successful reentry outcomes for Latina/x women post-incarceration. Previous research on SUD treatment for this population remains limited despite growing awareness of the need for gender-responsive and culturally informed interventions. Qualitative research with an exploratory design within an interpretive research paradigm will be utilized to investigate the lived experiences of Latina/x women who have …

Disproportionate Use Of Behavioral Restraint In Schools A Descriptive Study Of The K-12 System In California, Samuel F. Deck

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Behavioral restraint is widely used in California schools with the stated purpose of ensuring safety, despite being an unsafe intervention that can exacerbate unsafe behaviors. Certain student demographics and school district policies are associated with disproportionate behavioral restraint risk; however, these disproportionalities have not been systematically examined at the district level within California in a way that directly benefits affected students. This study aims to examine which student identifying factors were associated with the disproportionate use of behavioral restraints in California school districts during the 2023-2024 school year. Using the Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) framework, this research will calculate …

The Effects Of Excessive Smartphone Use On Interpersonal Relationships, Lisa M. Whitesell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Smartphones are integral to daily life, generating a propensity for overuse that raises concerns about the potentially adverse effects on social connections and communication. Previous research is primarily quantitative, focused on male subjects outside the United States, and has not explored the impact of smartphone use on relationships from the perspective of close friends and family. This study addresses the gap by applying qualitative methodologies using a more balanced gender sample in the United States. Semi-structured interviews will capture participants’ experiences and perceptions of how excessive smartphone use affects their interpersonal relationships. Open-ended questions will explore smartphone use patterns, the …

Exploring Resilience Factors And Interventions Among Transition-Age Youth Facing Homelessness, Sandy Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study will explore the resilience factors and interventions that promote positive outcomes among transition-age youth (18–24 years old) experiencing homelessness in Southern California. Youth homelessness is a critical issue linked to systemic barriers and limited resources. This research will address the gap in understanding how resilience mechanisms enable youth to overcome challenges and navigate support systems. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 20 participants located in San Diego County to examine their coping strategies, social networks, and experiences with interventions. Thematic analysis will be used to identify key resilience factors, barriers, and facilitators, providing insights …

Barriers To Healthcare In Lgbtq+ Baby Boomers, Kellie Jones, Alexandra Lomeli, Bryant Vargas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQ+ Baby Boomers have experienced decades of discrimination, societal suppression, and exclusion from equitable healthcare. Despite advancement in recent years, healthcare disparities persist, and past experiences of discrimination may contribute to present-day barriers in accessing quality care. Existing research often neglects the intersectionality of aging, sexual orientation, and identity, leaving a gap in understanding the long-term effects of historical trauma on healthcare access for this population.

This quantitative study seeks to answer the question: How does the historical trauma experienced by the LGBTQ+ Baby Boomer population impact the healthcare barriers they face? This study proposes to examine the relationship of …

The Hidden Cost Of Students With Dependents In The California State University System, Sandra Serrano, Christina Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the hidden costs faced by students with dependents in the California State University (CSU) System. Although students with dependents make up a significant population within the California student population, data on student with dependents is limited, their needs and struggles remain underreported making efforts to address their needs effectively harder. Despite the passage of California’s Assembly Bill 2881, which mandates that all community colleges and Cal State systems do more for this population, compliance remains low, citing a lack of reliable data. This study takes on a mixed-methods approach to investigate the hidden costs associated with being …

Success Rate Of Batterers Intervention Programs, Brittney Perez, Manuel Mercado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The success rate of men completing the Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIPs) using the Duluth Model remains a significant concern in domestic violence prevention. The Duluth Model, designed to challenge patriarchal beliefs and promote nonviolent behavior, has shown mixed results. Factors such as program length, financial barriers, and prior offense influence completion rates. While some research suggests reduced recidivism among program completers, high drop out rates undermine overall effectiveness. This study aims to assess the success rates of men completing BIPs using the Duluth Model, focusing on factors influencing program completion, recidivism, dropout rates, and long-term behavioral change over two to …

Examining Distrust Marginalized Populations Experience Within Healthcare In The Us, Mikela Jennings, Marco Ramos, Estrella Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: In the United States (US), Black and Brown individuals experience a significant amount of distrust towards medical professionals in the healthcare field. This distrust often results in an ongoing underutilization of medical care due to fears surrounding the quality of treatment Black and Brown individuals receive within the healthcare system. Previous research on this issue has identified many factors that contribute to the severity of medical distrust. Objective: This proposed quantitative study seeks to describe and examine the commonalities Black and Brown individuals have in association with medical distrust towards the healthcare system in the US. Methods: …

Overcoming Obstacles: Exploring Mental Health Service Barriers For Immigrants And The Impact Of Acculturation, Mallory Manahan, Joyce Guevara

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Immigrants are faced with various challenges as they adjust to a new life in a foreign country and undergo acculturation. The acculturative stressors experienced by immigrants increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Yet, mental health services are underutilized by the immigrant population despite a high need for mental health support. The underutilization of mental health services can be attributed to barriers like stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally competent care. This study explores the acculturation impacts on immigrant mental health and identifies the barriers to accessing mental health services to gain a deeper …

Mental Health Stigma And Barriers Among The Latino Community, Noemi Toraya

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Being faced with a lack of awareness of mental health in the Latino community has brought much attention to the reasons why Latinos lack treatment or choose not to get treated. In Latino culture, mental health is a construct of society, a label applied to justify not being able to function, work, or be present. For many Latinos who experience mental health problems, getting treatment is critical. However, there are several obstacles to overcome, one of which is the stigma associated with mental health and how it is viewed in the Latino community. In Latino communities, stigma sometimes involves associating …

Learning A Second Language In A Second Language: Bi/Multilingual Students’ Experiences In Stem, Lara L. Spence

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Drawing on qualitative interview data from undergraduate students at a public university in California, this thesis conducts a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the experiences of bilingual and multilingual STEM students as they navigate language barriers in higher education. Specifically, it examines how disciplinary sublanguage, defined as the specialized vocabulary and communication practices unique to an academic field of study, and dominant language ideologies (e.g., monoglossic ideology, the English-only movement, etc.) gatekeep students’ access to knowledge, participation, and academic success. To do so, this thesis employs Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of CDA to connect individual experiences with broader institutional and societal …

Racial Disparities In Sentencing Across The United States: A Regression Analysis, Katlyn Moreno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Mass incarceration has been a serious social problem in the United States with millions of people under the supervision of the criminal justice system. This problem is even more challenging for minority populations with African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minority racial groups experiencing harsher punishment than their non-minority counterparts. Previous research on this topic is limited in scope and methodology. Purpose: This study will fill a gap in the literature by comparing sentencing lengths among racial groups in the United States. It was hypothesized that racial minorities (African-American and Hispanic offenders will receive lengthier sentencing as compared to their counterparts …

Structural Erasure And Suicide Risk: The Impact Of Gender Misrecognition And Institutional Nonsupport On Incarcerated Transgender Adults In California, Julliana Lex Alcala, Allyza Rae Roxas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Incarcerated transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of suicide risk, and correctional environments may intensify minority stress through institutional misrecognition, discrimination, victimization, and restricted access to gender-affirming care. Despite protective policy reforms such as Senate Bill 132, limited research have examined how structural practices shape suicidal ideation among incarcerated TGD populations. This study will investigate how denial of gender-affirming recognition and staff support contributes to suicidal ideation among incarcerated TGD adults in California state prisons. From the perspective of the Gender Minority Stress framework, this study will use a convergent mixed-methods design to examine both statistical relationships …