Digital Commons Network^™

The Underutilization Of Mental Health Services Amongst The Hispanic Community: An Exploratory Study, Stephanie Renteria, Andrea Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Despite the development of mental health services, the Hispanic population within San Bernardino, CA continue to encounter barriers and limitation seeking mental health support. Objective: This exploratory study aimed to identify contributing factors that affect the level of accessibility to mental health services. Method: We propose to collect quantitative data from 25 participants ages 18 to 65 utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather personalized experiences. Recruitment will be collected utilizing interviews conducted in community hospitals. We are going to present open ended questions and collect demographic data to measure the factors of underutilization of mental health in the Hispanic …

Case Management Is Essential In A School-Based Setting, Estrella G. Moreno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Case management in a school-based setting is an integral part in helping students overcome barriers by providing support services. These support services include meeting their physiological needs like food, shelter, and clothing. When students lack necessities, it prevents them from focusing on their academics. Therefore, developing feasible plans to address students’ needs is vital to a student’s continued academic success. The research question is as follows: What percentage of students who are referred to case management services end up having their needs successfully met? This study examined the number of students among the K-12 student population in Colton Joint …

Problematic Social Media Use And Its Effects On Adolescents’ Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study, Elaine Moreno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) has been associated to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and disruptions in identity development among adolescents, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of excessive digital engagement (Keles et al., 2019). Even though there is increasing evidence to support these conclusions, many of the studies that are currently available employ cross-sectional designs, which makes it more difficult to identify the causal links between PSMU and mental health outcomes (Keles et al., 2019). This disparity raises concerns regarding the long-term effects of persistent overuse of social media as well as the directionality of these effects. …

Exploring The Role Of Intersecting Identities In The Prevention And Disclosure Of Child Sexual Abuse, Karen M. Lemus Lares

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Child sexual abuse (CSA) threatens the safety of children all around the world. It puts at risk their immediate physical and emotional well-being but also profoundly affects their long-term physical and mental health, as well as their emotional and social stability. This epidemic creates a cycle of harm and violence that persists from generation to generation and contributes to adverse outcomes. Despite various studies demonstrating the immediate and long-term consequences CSA has on survivors and their families, there are significant gaps remaining in understanding how cultural factors influence the prevalence and disclosure of CSA. This study aims to answer the …

Explaining The Long-Term Mental Health Impacts Of Childhood Exposure To Domestic Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sabrina A. Medel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Domestic violence (DV) is a social phenomenon that occurs when an individual perpetuates violent and aggressive behavior toward their significant other in the form of financial, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Adversely, children may be exposed to DV, which can result in lasting impacts on their mental health. Although scholars have previously explored this social phenomenon, their studies overlooked the experiences of diverse populations.

Objective: This research study aims to bridge this gap of knowledge by explaining the relationship between childhood exposure to DV and the long-term mental health impacts of BIPOC college students. Methods: This …

The Impact Of Adverse And Positive Childhood Experiences On Immigrants And Their Psychological Well-Being, Sofia Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between immigration status, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and psychological distress using a representative dataset from California (N=21,463). It investigates two primary research questions: (1) how immigration status influences ACE scores and (2) whether ACE and PCE scores are associated with psychological distress. Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess these relationships. Findings indicate that non-citizens report significantly lower ACE scores, and lower levels of psychological distress compared to U.S.-born, supporting the "immigrant paradox"—where immigrants exhibit better mental health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts despite exposure to …

The Multigenerational Impact Of Mass Incarceration On Families In Southern California, Adelle G. Phillips

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mass incarceration has been a serious social issue in the United States, affecting directly and indirectly millions of individuals and families, particularly those with minority backgrounds. The generational impact of this social issue is significant. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals on the multigenerational impact of mass incarceration on their families. Using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, this mixed-methods study surveyed residents of Southern California who have been affected by incarceration, either personally or through a family member (n = 63). Descriptive statistics demonstrate that the vast majority of the participants (92.1%) reported a moderate to very …

Aiding Foster Youth Toward High School Graduation, Desiree A. Amaya

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research has displayed the differences between the number of students who are non-foster youth graduating high schools and the number of students who are foster youth graduating high schools. The foster youths’ numbers are low in comparison to those who are non-foster youth. Why? The research paper has gathered articles and references to determine common factors that prevent these students from graduating with their classmates and from being successful for the outside world. Through this research, it will go over the common factors that can impact a youth’s life, the supports that can aid towards the youths’ struggles, the sources …

What Is The Correlation Between 9-1-1 Emergency Psychiatric Calls In San Bernardino County And Mental Health Services, Lea M. Munoz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

It is important to address the mental health crisis in the United States to understand the effects it has on individuals, families, and communities and promote better access to mental health services. The mental health crisis has led to an increase in demand for mental health care and economically the U.S. has not been able to satisfy this demand. This paper raises awareness about the issue by emphasizing the need for better access to mental health, reducing the stigma in mental illness, building resilience in individuals, and connecting people to resources that will create a safer and more welcoming environment. …

Creating Resilient Social Workers: A Pilot Study On Implementing Resilience-Building Skills With Social Work Students, Andrea Sparrow

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Social work students in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs are expected to develop competencies in working with individuals, groups, and communities. However, limited research exists on their preparedness with resilience-building skills to navigate occupational challenges. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined the relationship between completing online resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge of resilience strategies. A pre-and post-assessment measured knowledge uptake among undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The study explored two key questions: (1) What is the relationship between completing resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge …

Interpretation Challenges In Healthcare Settings As Experienced By Refugees And Healthcare Providers In The United States, Lydia H. Samoff

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Language and interpretation barriers are significant challenges for refugees receiving healthcare in the United States. Both providers and refugee patients associate effective communication with a positive healthcare experience. Therefore, it is important to identify themes in interpretation barriers to promote productive communication between providers and refugee patients.

Purpose: To identify themes in literature surrounding interpretation challenges between refugees and healthcare workers in the United States and compare them to lived experience in a clinic in Northwest Arkansas.

Methods: Several databases were searched, including CINAHL, Medline, HealthSource, and Google Scholar, and articles were chosen with the inclusion criteria being research …

May 2025 Library & Learning Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library & Learning Dean’S Office Communications Team

Library & Learning Newsletters

PDF version of the May 2025 (Volume 3, Issue 7) Library & Learning Newsletter.

Effects Of Food Insufficiency And Family Structure On Parental Aggravation And Child Outcomes, Angel Juarez

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Food insufficiency is a detrimental crisis that impacts families facing financial hardships across the United States (Nam et al., 2015). Research finds that economic difficulties and child maladaptive development are positively associated because parental stress is exacerbated by financial hardships affecting parental sensitivity to their children (Hill et al., 2013; Simons et al., 2016). The current study uses the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI) data from the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). It builds on these findings, investigating the relationship between food insufficiency and parental aggravation on child behavioral outcomes across different family structures in the …

Graduate Counseling Students’ Preparedness To Practice Tele-Mental Health, Clarissa L. Salinas, Eunice Lerma, Valerie Leija, Javier Cavazos Vela, Elizabeth Zamora

Counseling Faculty Publications

This qualitative study explored counseling graduate students’ preparedness to provide telemental health during their internship experience. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 11 Latine counseling graduate students’ who attended a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The following themes emerged following data analysis: (1) Challenges with Establishing Personal Relationships and Telepresence with Culturally Diverse Clients; (2) Lack of Preparation to Use Evidence-based Practices to Handle Ethical Dilemmas and Crisis Interventions; (3) Cultural Competency and Diversity; (4) Engaging Activities in a Telemental Health Counseling Environment; (5) Additional Training and Practice with Technology; and (6) Lack of Preparation to Use Telemental Health Counseling. Implications for …

Examining The Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In A Non-Profit Organization: A Comparative Analysis Of Staff And Youth Attitudes, Autumn N. Alicea, Anne Hobbs Dr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study examines the attitudes toward restorative justice (RJ) among staff and youth at a non-profit residential organization. Using the Restorative Justice Attitude Scale, data was collected from 14 staff members and 14 youth participants (N=28). Results indicated that staff members reported significantly higher mean scores (M = 84.50, SD = 8.38) on the Total Restorative Justice Attitude Scale than youth participants (M = 67.93, SD = 15.81). ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups on attitudes toward restorative justice, F (1, 26) = 12.007, p = .002. Effect size analysis (η² = .316) indicates that approximately …

Human Trafficking Prevention Methods In Nebraska, Allison E. Munderloh

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Human Trafficking has been a concern in Nebraska for a long period of time, but there is a lack of publicly available information regarding the prevention methods being employed and their effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the human trafficking prevention methods in use in Nebraska and their effectiveness based on the opinions of human trafficking professionals in the state. The human trafficking professionals were interviewed, and the information gathered was organized into seven different themes. The themes that arose from the information gathered included educational efforts, victim intervention and resources, addressing demand, labor trafficking, measuring success, resources and funding, …

Perceptions Of Identity And Blame Attribution In Sexual Harassment Scenarios, Avarie Lambert

Honors Theses

Sexual harassment is a widespread issue influenced by societal attitudes that stem from victim blaiming and rape myth acceptance. These perceptions are often shaped by the identities of the parties involved, however there is limited research on how gender and race influence blame attribution. The purpose of this study is to examine how different identities shape public perceptions of victims in sexual harassment scenarios. Through using a nationwide sample and survey experiment, participants were randomly assigned to receive one of eight different hypothetical scenarios that differed by the race and gender of the victim, and the gender of the perpetrator. …

Technology And Transportation’S Role In Social Isolation In Rural Older Adults, Sara F. Miller

Honors Theses

This study examines the perceptions and experiences of rural older adults. More specifically, their community experiences, connections, technology, and transportation. Past literature, when examining these topics, took a quantitative approach utilizing scales. This study takes a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to examine the feelings behind the experiences of the participants. Interviews were conducted with four older rural adults. The four participants were female and were of varying marital statuses. Three of the participants were Caucasian, and one was African American. Four themes were found in this process. It was found that the participants were content with the connections that …

The Commodification Of International Adoptees Through A Conflict Lens, Andrew S. Antcliffe

Honors Theses

The practice of international adoption, also known as intercountry adoption (ICA), can be defined as a transference of a child from international borders (Ma, 2017). International, also known as intercountry, adoption is a process that is widely characterized to provide the creation of families and humanitarian aid to orphaned children. It is most often facilitated by privatized intermediaries, predominantly facilitating the transference of children from non-Western nations to Western ones. Adopting abroad has largely been framed as a practice of humanitarianism, yet instances of corruption, neglect, and abuse have shown a different nature of the system. Dominant source countries, such …

Critical Race Historical Examination Of Summer Programs: Impact On African American Youth, Megan Lee, June Hopps, Deryl Bailey

Journal of Youth Development

No abstract provided.

Libraries Facilitating Knowledge Creation Through Podcasting: Exploring Podcasts As A Form Of Scholarship, Annette Bochenek, Sarah Huber, Renusree Varma Mudduluru

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Students are increasingly expected to conduct research and scholarship. This paper explores podcast creation as a medium for students to deliver new knowledge and the elements of teaching and learning that support this outcome. Through focus groups, students at a large Midwestern university expressed the importance of contributing to the information landscape. The prospect of their podcasts contributing knowledge to academic communities held more interest to them than creating a podcast for an assignment. This paper addresses how librarians and libraries can support the information literacy standards and technical aspects of students creating new knowledge through a podcast assignment.

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Redefining Children’S Experience In Social Services Offices, Julia K. Bryant

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The effects of childhood trauma are far-reaching and diverse, influencing physical, emotional, and mental health across a child’s entire lifetime. Research indicates that children who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or neglect are at an increased risk for various consequences and that the environments they encounter post-trauma play a significant role in shaping their experiences. Social services offices, where many traumatized children are taken for interviews or assessments after being removed from their homes, can often become places of additional distress. This project seeks to address this issue by proposing redesigns for social services offices to create …

Learning Through Relationship, Eileen L. Lamble

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A brief compilation of growth and learning through the 10 core competencies of social work.

The Importance Of Voice: American Indian Experiences With Their Healthcare, James Zimmer

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) have faced inequity and discrimination since colonization. Specifically, within the healthcare system, AIAN individuals have experienced maltreatment, poor quality services, and the dismissal of cultural and personal practices. Health disparities among this population have led to the highest prevalence in many chronic disease categories nationwide (Laffey et al., 2021). A qualitative study with nine respondents was conducted using virtual interviews. Respondents were recruited through healthcare agencies and snowball sampling. Interviews focused on the experiences of American Indians in the Midwest United States with their primary care provider or in a hospital within the last …

Exploring Organizational Responses To Secondary Traumatic Stress In Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Agencies In North Carolina., Kristin Cline

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is an ongoing concern for advocates working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This study examines the prevalence of STS among domestic violence and sexual assault advocates in North Carolina and explores organizational strategies for lessening its effects. Using a mixed-methods design, data was collected from three agencies through a survey, resulting in a sample of 25 advocates. The study measured levels of STS and allowed advocates to voice their needs and perspectives on the support they require from their agencies. Results indicate that STS is a significant concern for advocates and that organizational …

Home For The Brave: Housing Program, Amanda Jabr

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Veteran homelessness remains a critical issue across the United States. Since 1996, the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) of Monterey County has been at the forefront of addressing this crisis by providing comprehensive services, housing, therapy, addiction recovery, job training, healthcare, and support for families and pets to homeless and formerly incarcerated veterans. Guided by its mission of “Veterans Supporting Veterans,” VTC has achieved a notable 0% recidivism rate among program participants. This project evaluated the effectiveness of VTC’s housing program through a survey of 40 alumni veterans. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents found the program effective, credited …

Comparison On Family-Based Rehabilitation And Individual Based: Effect On Children And Families, Ashleigh Thatcher

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed research aims to discover the success of sobriety with rehabilitation programs, specifically those that are family based as compared to individual based. This research will also investigate the measures taken within these rehabilitation programs to prevent generational substance abuse problems. Social workers will benefit from this research by discovering how these programs are successful and if any changes could be made to increase the success rates for those struggling with substance abuse. This research will also allow social workers to develop new strategies to assist in preventing generational substance abuse within families. This study will include interviewing individuals …

How Does Discrimination In The Workforce Affect The Mental Health Of Lgbtqia+ Individuals?, Kristian C. Ruiz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Heteronormative values of conformity to the norms of the majority group in society have fostered a workplace environment where discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals can occur easily and frequently. Members of this group often report feeling unsafe in the workplace and unable to express themselves. This unease creates a workplace that overlooks these individuals and permits discrimination to occur. Members of this vulnerable group are at high risk of experiencing mental health challenges because of the adversity that they face in their daily lives, with the workplace contributing to this issue. Qualitative interviews will be utilized for this research to gain …

Diversity In Social Work Organizations, Andrea I. Corona

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive …