Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

The Impact Of Marijuana Use On Adolescent Youth, Heather J. Miller

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research investigates the impact of marijuana use on adolescent youth, focusing on its effects on school attendance, academic motivation, behavior, and conflicts with significant adults. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent among adolescents, understanding its broader consequences is critical for educators, parents, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore how marijuana use correlates with academic performance, school behavior, and interactions with adults such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and law enforcement. A survey was administered to these adult figures in the adolescents' lives, gathering data on their perceptions of the youth’s marijuana use, school attendance, disciplinary issues, …

Understanding Student Attitudes Towards Drug Deflection/Diversion, Naomi Shneibaum

All Theses

Deflection and diversion programs continue to expand as a response to the opioid epidemic. These programs rely on officer discretion for referrals to treatment over arrest. While the number of programs grow each year, little is known about how officers make these discretionary choices. Additionally, little is known about who the community prefers to receive treatment referrals and if officers’ discretionary choices align with community expectations. In order to better understand who the community expects to be referred to treatment, I administered a survey to 457 undergraduate students examining their attitudes towards drugs and drug treatment. Students were shown five …

The Benefits Of Hispanic Adult Children Caregiving For Their Older Adult Parents, Jesus Duarte, Jazmin Salazar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project proposal aims to explore the ways social workers can assist Hispanic adult children (AC) to find satisfaction with their role as caregivers for their older adult (OA) and family of their own, given the growth in the Hispanic population more services and interventions are needed to meet the needs of the Hispanic community. The primary objectives of this proposal are to identify social work interventions that align with Hispanic cultural values throughout different generations. And to explore the benefits and the positive aspects of caregiving for an older adult. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining a demographic …

Autism Spectrum Disorder And Its Effects On Parent Relationships, Christopher Berrun, Arturo Alegre Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed study aims to explore the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on parental relationships. ASD is defined as a neurological developmental disorder that significantly affects individuals' social communication, behavior, and interests. The study will focus on the Parents of children with (ASD) and the heightened stress due to financial strain, increased caregiving responsibilities, and disagreements over parenting strategies. This can lead to lower marital satisfaction and overall relationship strain, as parents struggle to balance their personal relationship with the challenges of raising a child with complex needs.

Without proper support and resources, these issues may worsen over …

A Systematic Review Of The Effects Of Depression On Academic Performance In Hispanic College Students, Arthur Leon Stone Iii, Jonathan Thomas Gomez I

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project proposal looked at the impact of depression on the academic achievement of Hispanic college students in the United States. Depression is a significant mental health disorder, as it affects emerging adults, particularly college students trying to find their way and understand the academic and social challenges that come along with attending college. Research in the past has established a strong relationship between depression and a decrease in academic performance. However, there have been a limited amount of studies addressing this correlation between mental health and academic performance among Hispanic college students, a growing demographic within higher education. …

The Effects Of Compassion Fatigue Among Childwelfare Workers, Henok Kidane, Linda Rimel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Research has shown that compassion fatigue (CF) is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion in which workers empathize with their clients' suffering. CF has been found to impact child welfare workers, leading to high turnover rates, multiple placement changes for foster children and youth, and burnout. The knowledge gap is that limited research has been conducted to examine the effects of CF among child welfare workers. Objective: This systematic review proposes synthesizing the literature on compassion fatigue among child welfare workers' overall well-being. Methods: The following database was used: One Search, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The keywords include …

Cultural Stigmas Are A Barrier To Mental Health Services Among Latinos, Kimberly Soto Banuelos

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health stigmas significantly impact utilization of services among Latinos, a population that experiences unique culture and social barriers. This study examined the impact that cultural stigmas have on Latinos utilizing mental health services or not. Using a Qualtrics survey targeting college students of Latino descent, this study gathered quantitative data on attitudes towards mental health, alongside a few demographic features. There were forty completed surveys analyzed which findings revealed a prevalence of stigma, particularly in attitudes towards seeking help from mental health professionals. Although this quantitative research did not show a significant correlation between stigma and likelihood of using …

Parent-Child Contact In Family-Focused Programs For Incarcerated Individuals, Carol Marie Nettie Mcdonald

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The following research study will evaluate family-focused programs offered to incarcerated individuals and determine if these programs are hindered when there is little to no contact between parents and children during incarceration. Family-focused programs include parent/child bonding, and/or parenting classes and other similar programs. The research method that will be used in this study is a qualitative design and will gather data through interviews of formerly incarcerated individuals as well as former children (now adults) who have been involved in family programming. The study will also gather data from licensed clinical staff who have been involved in related programming while …

Social Workers Perception Of Co-Occuring Disorders, Mirella Ramirez, Raelyn Calderon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study investigates how social work practitioners in California view their approach to treating people with co-occurring disorders—disorders that involve both mental health and drug use problems. Eleven clinicians participated in in-depth Zoom interviews for the study, which reveals the main obstacles and variables affecting their treatment with patients who have co-occurring illnesses. The questions focused on the clinician's own experiences working with clients, including the challenges they face and common miscommunications or occurrences that have influenced their approach. Numerous challenges are shown by the research, such as complicated client needs, scarce resources, stigma, and a lack of family support. …

Challenges To And Receptiveness Of Service Providers Efforts When Working With Undocumented Migrants, Jesse Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This exploratory study will obtain knowledge on how receptive Undocumented Latinx Migrants (ULMs) are to the advocacy efforts of Service Providers (SPs). Additionally, challenges and barriers that SPs encounter that prevent them from delivering quality and effective services and resources to ULMs will be explored. The last theme to be explored is the degree of knowledge of resources, that SPs possess, that can empower the ULM community. The data obtained from SPs will make the audience aware of the challenges, ethical and legal dilemmas that they face when advocating for this population.

This qualitative research design/methods will consist of 3 …

Do Lgbtq+ Latinos Experience Higher Levels Of Depression Compared To Heterosexual Latinos?, Oscar Moreno-Castro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines depression levels in both LGBTQ+ and Heterosexual Latinos. Quantitative data was collected using Qualtrics, an online survey data collector. The data collected from Qualitics will provide an insight regarding mental health among participants and examine depression levels amongst both groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, a software program tool that helps analyze and manage data. To measure the severity of depression, the researcher will utilize the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a 17-questionnaire instrument for assessing symptoms of depression and compare the level of depression amongst both groups. Key findings from the research revealed slight differences in …

Cultural Risk Factors For Teen Pregnancy In Hispanic/Latina Women: A Qualitative Study, Nia Saldana

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Teen pregnancy remains a significant social issue in the United States, disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latina adolescents. Research is highly needed to understand the factors contributing to high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. In 2020, Latina teen birth rates (25.3 per 1,000 females) exceeded that of White teens (11.4 per 1,000 teens) by a large margin (CDC, 2020). The purpose of this study is to explore the cultural factors, particularly religion and familial influences, on the high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews with seven adult Hispanic/Latina women who have experienced teen pregnancy. …

Coping Experiences Of Low-Income Individuals With A History Of Opioid Use In Santa Cruz County: A Qualitative Study, Nikki Himelright

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The opioid epidemic has increased exponentially in severity across the United States in the last decade. This research project was conducted to understand the needs of a vulnerable population (opioid users) at the local level. The research sought to answer the following question: How do low-income individuals in Santa Cruz County cope with opioid use? The purpose is to identify the most common coping strategies used by this population, so that social workers and others in helping professions in Santa Cruz County will have a fuller picture of what this vulnerable demographic is facing. The data for this research was …

The Structural Barriers In Occupational Licensing For Undocumented Students, Itzayana J. Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Research has focused on understanding the barriers to financial stability, higher education, and access to healthcare among undocumented immigrants but less efforts have been geared towards identifying the obstacles they face in obtaining professional licensure. This exploratory study sought to identify the structural barriers to professional licensure for undocumented students in higher education. Methods: Qualitative data were collected on the licensing requirements of behavioral health careers in California. Using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations determination of behavioral health careers, specific professions were identified. The requirements for professional licensure were extracted from each profession’s official …

The Effectiveness Of Homelessness Prevention Services In Southern California, Marlon N. Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project aimed to determine the effectiveness of available prevention services for individuals and families at risk of experiencing homelessness in a region of Southern California. Homelessness is a prevalent social problem for society and the social problem has been growing significantly. The study adopted an exploratory and qualitative research design by interviewing social services professionals working in the arena of homelessness. The Snowball Sampling method was used to recruit social services professionals after interviewing a select few individuals first. Ten interviews of social services professionals were completed via a Zoom setting.

Data analysis revealed the following ten open …

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Mental Health Disparities In Transgender Communities, Lauren Pettite

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the impact of barriers to gender-affirming care (GAC) on the mental health outcomes of transgender individuals using a mixed-methods secondary data analysis. Drawing on an existing dataset originally collected by California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) faculty in collaboration with the Transgender Health and Wellness Center (THWC), this research examines both quantitative survey data and qualitative open-ended responses from transgender participants in Southern California. This study focuses on how healthcare access issues—particularly those related to insurance coverage, provider discrimination, and systemic inequities—affect reported experiences of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality.

This research is guided by intersectionality theory …

Barriers Individuals And Families Experience Utilizing Anti-Poverty Programs, Miranda C. Dube'

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study aims to explore the barriers experienced by residents of the High Desert communities. Using a quantitative method approach, the proposed research will employ surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes experienced by the High Desert residents. Participants will be selected within the High Desert communities, aged 18 years or older, who have or are currently experiencing poverty. The findings from this proposed study would contribute to bridging gaps in understanding the barriers residents of the High Desert experience. By identifying factors that suppress successfully utilizing anti-poverty programs, this research proposal would aim to inform the …

The Adverse Effects Of Substance Use Among Caregivers On Children In The United States: A Systematic Review, Amanda R. Suchaire

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the United States, Caregiver Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a significant public health issue that disrupts family dynamics and can severely impact the health of millions of children. The systematic review examines the adverse impact of caregiver substance use on children, with research published from 2020 onwards. The significance of this study is due to the increasing prevalence of substance use disorders among caregivers and their harmful effects on child maltreatment, psychosocial health, physical health, and overall well-being. A systematic review framework will be utilized, synthesizing peer-reviewed studies to describe the prevalence of caregiver substance use, developmental issues for …

Issues In Transitional Housing Programs For Youth, Samantha Razo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Former foster youth transitioning into a THP face a lot of challenges trying to figure out how to live independently and meet requirements such as work, school, while maintaining a good well-being. There is literature on the different services and support that youth in THP need and that can be improved, such as support and guidance. However, there is little understanding of what is successful when it comes to THPs. The exploratory study will investigate how transitional housing programs can make changes to be more effective. To begin conducting the study, the researcher will send flyers to two THPs in …

Exploring Doubled-Up Homeless Among Latinx In San Bernardino County: A Qualitative Study, Patricia Carrillo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Objective: The proposed study aims to explore the factors contributing of doubled up homelessness among Latinx in San Bernardino California. The term doubling up homelessness describes the situation in which a person is residing with others in a home due to economic hardships or housing loss (Richard et al., 2022). Homelessness is a major prevalent social problem in the United States and statewide impacting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities locally. Methods: The qualitative research method will be utilized with a phenomenology approach to explore the lived experiences of 20 Latinx adults through interviews. This study …

The Effectiveness Of Combined Approach Intervention And Group Social Skills Intervention For School Aged Children With Asd, Cecilia Ester Subroto

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder which ranges from low to severe functioning levels, communication is one of its deficits coming from the disorder. As many individuals get diagnosed at a young age, they may have difficulties with their social skills. If interventions are personalized to meet the unique needs of everyone, there can be an increase in their social skills level. Objective: This evaluative study will aim to determine combined approach intervention or group social skills intervention is more effective for enhancing the social skills of school-aged children with ASD. Method: This research proposal …

The Effects Of Police Brutality Upon Marginalized Communities: An Exploratory Study, Tera S. Person

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: A 2018 study revealed that members of the African American community and those from marginalized communities experience sadness, depression, anxiety and an overall decrease in mental health after the shooting or killing of an unarmed African American or Latino by a white police officer in their city or state (Bor et al., 2018). Experiencing, witnessing or hearing stories of others who have been victims of police brutality has contributed to increased levels of anxiety when anticipating an encounter with law enforcement or when needing assistance from law enforcement (Alang et al., 2017; Davis & Jackson, 2023). Studies have …

The Effectiveness Of Services In California For Youth Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children (Csec), Rebecca A. Mcgill

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains a pervasive issue with profound consequences for affected youth, yet research on effective service interventions remains limited. This study examines the perceived effectiveness of existing services in California for youth who have experienced CSEC, providing critical insights to inform best practices. Seventeen professional service providers participated in one-hour, semi-structured interviews, sharing their expertise on service strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Using thematic analysis, ten key themes emerged as central to effective service provision, including individualized interventions, the therapeutic value of relationships, trauma-informed providers, opportunities for healing experiences, multi-agency collaboration, and access to …

The Effectiveness Of Trauma Informed Care Interventions After A School Mass Shooting Incident, Maurelys M. Areas Mendoza, Alondra Odaliz Rios

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: School mass shootings have a profound psychological and educational impact on students. Survivors often experience long-term trauma, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety, which affects the overall well-being and educational development of a student. Objective: This pilot study proposes to evaluate the effectiveness of a trauma-informed care intervention implemented in elementary schools for student survivors of school shootings. Methods: This study proposes a pre-experimental research design, with the proposed implementation taking place at Oakland High School in Oakland, California. A total of 100 students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the study. The primary tool …