Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Examining The Relationship Between Social Capital And College Enrollment Among Latina Adult Learners: A Mixed-Methods Study, Josefina Balbuena

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Despite their potential, Latinas are often underrepresented in higher education, facing unique challenges and barriers. Objective: The study will investigate the role of social capital in the college enrollment decision of Latina adult learners. Methods: A convergent mixed-method approach will be used to examine how social networks and access to resources impact their choice to pursue higher education. To determine how social capital links to the possibility of enrolling in college, this study proposal will combine quantitative data from the Bridging Social Capital Questionnaire (BSCQ) with qualitative information from in-depth interviews. The interviews can highlight other elements that could …

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 …

Effect Of Counseling On Stem Student Gpa At A Community College: A Quasi-Experimental Longitudinal Case Study, Alexander Beechko

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The persistent under-representation and academic attrition of first-generation and underrepresented minority (URM) students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines present a critical challenge for institutions of higher education—particularly community colleges, which function as a primary access point for these populations. As the United States continues to face a growing demand for a diverse and skilled STEM workforce, it is imperative to identify and implement interventions that support the academic success and retention of these students. This dissertation examines the role of academic counseling as a potentially impactful support mechanism, analyzing its relationship with academic performance among STEM students …

Impact Of Childhood Exposure To Parental Substance Misuse On Adults, Jennifer Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Studies show that children who experienced parental substance misuse are at greater risk of developing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, behavioral problems, or becoming a substance misuser later in adult life. This quantitative study used an on-line self-administered survey to examine whether adults who experienced parental substance misuse in childhood experienced greater levels of trauma in later life than those who did not experience parental substance misuse in childhood. This study used an independent variable t-test to compare participant scores on self-reported experiences of trauma between two groups: those who experienced parental substance misuse in childhood and those who did …

Safety, Access To Resources, And Inclusion: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Lgbtqia+ Community In The Inland Empire, Jessica Mary Fanene, Leonardo Serrano Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA+ individuals face growing discrimination, exclusion, and systemic inequities that threaten well-being. Rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric exacerbates these challenges, contributing to anxiety, depression, and heightened suicide risks. This study explores LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sense of well-being by analyzing how external factors impact safety and inclusion. Using an exploratory, mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inland Empire to determine perceptions on well-being (n = 219). Based on descriptive statistics, about one third of participants reported a below average to average sense of safety (35.6%), access to resources (32.0%), and inclusion (33.8%). Meanwhile, thematic analysis revealed that the …

Voices From The Margins: Women Of Color On Diversity Policies And Workplace Culture, Aparna Kasturi

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Women of Color (WoC) in corporate leadership experience distinct problems that stem from the intersection of race, gender, and class. Despite the extensive implementation of diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies in companies, these initiatives often emphasize quantitative metrics over genuine lived experiences. Many of the DEIA policies seem cosmetic and do not tackle the fundamental challenges faced by WoC such as the "glass ceiling," "sticky floor," and exclusion from sponsorship networks; how the lack of an intersectional approach in policy development might overlook the subtle biases. By placing the voices and lived experiences of WoC at the center, …

Voicing The Margins: Contemporary Chicana Autobiographical Writing, Veronica Morales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Chicana literature's emphasis on personal and collective narratives provides an essential critique of societal norms and injustices, illustrating how the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and class shape the lived experiences of Mexican American women in a rapidly changing world. This study analyzes nonfiction autobiographical narratives by three Chicana writers—Ana Castillo, Cherrie Moraga, and Sandra Cisneros—and the historical contexts of their production and reception. These texts focus on different aspects of Chicanismo, and when placed in conversation with each other they illuminate the multifaceted experiences of Chicanas from diverse backgrounds. All three writers have become well established in Chicana studies and …

Ethnic Studies Pedagogy: Professional Development And Its Relevance To Student Achievement, Gabriel A. Orosco Dr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As Ethnic Studies becomes a graduation requirement across all public schools in California, the importance of Ethnic Studies professional development cannot be understated. This is a tumultuous time in our world today. Multiple world conflicts are happening today, and many governments are facing challenges to their very existence. Ethnic Studies programs and classes challenge dominant narratives and close the opportunity gaps for historically marginalized communities.

This study examines the impact of Ethnic Studies (ES) professional development on student achievement within California’s public high schools, where ES has been mandated as a graduation requirement through Assembly Bill 101. The research emphasizes …

Meta-Analysis Of Leadership Styles And Mental Health Management Strategies For University Leaders, Justin P. Mckinstry

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this culminating project, a multiple-case study approach was used to investigate the impact of different leadership styles and their effects on mental health in the higher education sector. The research questions are: RQ1: What leadership styles in the past have positively affected employees' mental health at this higher education institution? RQ2: What leadership styles in the past have hurt employees' mental health at this higher education institution that caused a toxic work environment? Three real-world cases out of seventeen were selected and analyzed. The findings care RQ1: The transformational leader boosts and contributes to overall job satisfaction and well-being. …

Leveraging Data Analytics For Enchanced Economics Prediction: A Study Of Predictive Models And Economics Indicators, Janelle Rueda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is intended to investigate the lack of use of data analytics in predicting and managing the impacts of economic crises. This project investigates what economic key factors can be used to create a framework model and evaluate the effectiveness of the key economic indicator being tested as early warning signs. The project uses programs such as Excel, RStudio, and Tableau for the collection of historical data, and regression analysis to determine if certain economic indicators have a statistically significant correlation with GDP, that may help enforce systems in place to help us mitigate economic crises …

Unraveling The Looping Experience: Understanding The Impact On Elementary Educators, Lashawne E. Mouton-Stewart

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explores the impact of looping on elementary educators, focusing on how teaching the same group of students for multiple years influences instructional practices, professional growth, and classroom dynamics. Using one-on-one interviews with seven experienced educators, this research identifies three overarching themes: (a) teachers’ feelings of autonomy, (b) the relationships established with students and families, and (c) familiarity with curriculum and expectations. Findings suggest that looping makes teachers more effective by fostering deeper relationships, increasing confidence in instructional strategies, and improving job satisfaction. Participants reported that continuity in teaching led to stronger classroom communities, improved student engagement, …

Digital Technology Impact On Adolescence Emotions And Cognition, Juliana Casillas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal aims to identify evidence-based research that explores the impact of technology on adolescents’ social emotional regulation (SER). This study will explore the components associated with social emotional learning and regulation such as self-esteem, social relationships, and decision-making and the way they are impacted by technology usage in adolescence. This study will also identify the implications of its finding at the micro, macro, and mezzo level of social work and provide treatment suggestions regarding the impact of technology on each component of SER.

SER is defined as skills that are utilized to control one’s emotions, thoughts, and physiological …

The Effect Of Childhood Emotional Abuse On The Mental Health Of Latinx Adults, Leslie Castro, Yoceline Valle

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Background: Childhood emotional abuse is a severe form of maltreatment that can be as damaging as more visible kinds of abuse. It is defined as any action or inaction by a caregiver that hinders a child's emotional development. This type of abuse can take the form of humiliation, belittlement, rejection, or neglect, leaving lasting emotional scars. Objective: This study proposes to better understand the long-lasting effects of childhood emotional abuse by investigating the connections between the degree of emotional abuse and ensuing mental health issues. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, this study proposes to gather quantitative data on the …

Measuring Motive: A Systematic Review Of The Cyber Aggression Typology Questionnaire, Alexandre N. Urben

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Cyber aggression is a widespread social problem with serious psychological impacts on both perpetrators and victims. Eighty-five percent of Americans say they use the Internet daily, and thirty-one percent of Americans report they go online “almost constantly”. Forty-one percent of Americans say they have experienced some form of online harassment. While there is a great deal of research across various disciplines about the frequency of cyber aggression, who perpetrates it, and what traits are associated with it, motivations for cyber aggression are less understood. Understanding the motivations involved is an important factor in preempting and countering cyber aggression. The Cyber …

Echoes Of Departure: Analyzing Enrollment Departure Trends Of First-Generation Community College Students, David A. Buitron

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored the enrollment departure effects of First-Generation College Students (FGCS) at the community college level. Community colleges serve a key role in providing higher education access to nontraditional students, including FGCS. The study employed a three-pronged quantitative research approach to understand the enrollment departure phenomenon better. The study was guided by the Student/Institution Engagement Model to elucidate the impacts of precollege, institutional, and environmental factors on student persistence. Two binary logistic regressions and chi-square tests for independence were conducted on archival college data.

Key findings show that FGCS experienced a 12% overall higher departure rate than non-FGCS and …

Motivational Factors Of Alcohol Use Among Emerging Adults, Krista Orrell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Drinking alcohol for young adults is a major public health problem that affects young people’s families, college campuses, and communities. The latest statistics show that 49.3% of college students ages 18 to 22 consumed alcohol over the past month, with 27.4% participating in binge drinking. This quantitative study proposes to discover the motives behind emerging adults’ decisions to drink alcohol and find out which of those motives most lead to problematic alcohol use. There are four categories of motives: enhancement, coping, social, and conformity motives. This study would use a convenience sample of college students aged 18 to 24. Participants …

The Outcomes Of School-Based Mental Health Services At A Southern California School District A Proposed Pilot Study, Amanda Smith, Ashley Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this proposed project we intend to explore and identify empirical evidence-based research on outcomes of school-based mental health provided by a Southern California school district. This study will highlight evidence-based research on the growing concern for school-based mental health. A relevant extraction tool that can be utilized for further research, and a study design to explore existing literature regarding programs and student participation to gauge outcomes.

School-based mental health supports mental well-being and promotes positive protective factors. These include social and cultural connections, resilience, coping strategies, problem-solving abilities, positive development, and a supportive school environment where students feel safe. …

Mental Health Impact Of Student Loan Debt On College Students, Melissa Diaz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This is a proposed study regarding student loan debt and mental health. This study would impact social work practice and education by understanding the mental health status of those continuing to pay off student loan debt. Student loan debt has become an enormous issue in the United States, with the average student carrying $37,000 in debt. Students are impacted financially and emotionally, and their overall well-being is compromised because higher education has become unaffordable for many without the assistance of student loans. Students need to understand the short and long-term implications of student loan debt, such as mental health issues …

Effectiveness Of A Southern California School District’S Wellness Center Evidenced-Based Practices On Push Factors In Latinx Students, Leslie Abarea, Yeraldin Ismerio

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This scoping literature review proposal explores the effectiveness of a Southern California School District’s wellness center evidenced-based practices on push factors that impact Latinx students. Push factors such as low grades, low test scores, poor behavior, absenteeism, and suspensions/expulsions expose Latinx youth to mental health issues that influence academic success. By analyzing existing research on wellness center approaches, evidenced-based practices, culturally responsive practices, and academic support, this scoping literature review proposal would aim to assess the impact these practices have on student academic success. This proposed study would have the intent of assisting this school district to create an evaluation …

Skills And Strengths Gained From Being A First-Born Daughter In A Latino Household, Astrid Luque, Leesly Angeles Rosas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal aims to analyze the perspective first-born daughters in Latino households experience throughout their lives and looks to fill a gap in the literature about what this population faces due to being in the eldest daughter position in the household. The existing literature revealed that first-born daughters in Latino households experience a significantly higher amount of stress due to the role they take on in their households. Some of the responsibilities placed on them included financial burden, caregiving responsibilities, and a general higher expectation compared to their younger siblings. To obtain more knowledge on this topic, an exploratory, …

The Characteristics Of Students With Body Image Dissatisfaction In A Southern California School District, Isabelle Rose Labrie, Yaretxy Romo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Body image dissatisfaction is an increasingly common issue among children and adolescents, often stemming from various factors such as peer influences, family dynamics, media exposure, and extracurricular activities. This dissatisfaction can have significant long-term effects on youths' mental health, including the development of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.

This proposed exploratory study aims to develop a new instrument by synthesizing insights from existing literature. A scoping literature review was chosen as the most appropriate method, as it allows for a comprehensive examination of available research on body image dissatisfaction. This research proposal seeks to fill a gap in …

Kidney Disease And Its Impact On Caregiver Burden And Marital Satisfaction, Silvia Amaya

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to review and analyze the relevant literature focusing on research studies that examine the impact of kidney disease and chronic illness on caregiver burden and marital satisfaction. Studies show that, as the older population increases and, with it, the rise of chronic illness and caregiver need, the quality of marital and relationship satisfaction between patients and caregiver spouses/partners will have a significant impact on the care that patients receive and on the social and community costs that such care will incur.

A scoping review is proposed to search, analyze, and synthesize the existing body …

Islams’ Influence On Mental Health, Tala Soukieh

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study explores the intricate relationship between Islam and mental health among Muslims in the United States. The study employs a mixed methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic. Given the significant role spirituality plays in mental health, this research integrates qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to capture these perspectives, specifically in the Muslim community. The qualitative portion will consist of in-depth interviews to cover personal experiences and beliefs about Islam and mental well-being. Concurrently, quantitative surveys will be conducted to collect broader data on religious practices and their mental health outcomes. Significant gaps and barriers …

The Effects Of Being The Oldest Daughter And A Caretaker, Sahira Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In many households, oldest daughters are a pivotal person as they have many responsibilities. One of the main responsibilities is caretaking their younger siblings. These young women are responsible for child rearing, nurturing, educating and guiding their younger siblings, essentially becoming a parental figure. While this is an issue in many households, it is not thoroughly discussed within the research field. The purpose of this study is to examine how oldest daughters are affected by becoming a caretaker for their younger siblings and how it results in these young girls having a negative impact in their well-being that results in …

Lgbtq+ Latino Youth And Minimizing Elements Leading To Suicidal Ideation, Isaias Mendoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The proposed project makes every effort to affirm if whether implementing forward thinking practices of inclusive LGBTQ+ interventions in schools, prevent or minimize suicidal ideation in Latino youth. Although there is some literature regarding interventions in suicidality, there is not enough research to affirm how the intersectionality in double minorities might benefit by implementing inclusive practices for youth to learn and feel accepted, safe and empowered in schools. This project utilizes a qualitative design methodology that focuses on selected peer reviewed literature files from 2015 - 2024. The searched files included demographics such as ethnicity, identity, geographic locations of schools, …

#Toomuchcontent: A Quantitative Analysis On Social Media Time Usage And Its Impact On Young Adult Anxiety And/Or Depression In The United States, Sarah Juarez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As technology continues to advance and grow, society has seen a surge in popularity of various social media sites. Social media has become increasingly popular among young adults, with some spending over 10 hours each day on social media. Social media can be utilized for community building, fostering relationships, providing safe spaces, inspiration, creative expression, and may even provide users with acceptance, validation, and a sense of belonging. Considering these factors, social media may also affect individuals negatively— specifically mental health-wise, in terms of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to identify whether a correlation exists between time spent on …

Female Veteran With Ptsd From Military Sexual Assault, And Effective Treatments: A Qualitative Research, Debora Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed research study contributes qualitative insights aimed at addressing the lack of research on effective interventions for underserved female veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the military sexual assault population. Research data show female veterans are at higher risk for MSA than their male counterparts. The proposed study would use a qualitative descriptive structure and semi-structured interviews with female veterans and their healthcare providers. The primary goals are identifying effective interventions and comprehensively understanding these women's experiences. The study will utilize theoretical frameworks related to trauma and recovery to conceptualize themes and categories. In the context of …

The Impact Of Maternal Problematic Drinking On Daughter's Mental Health: A Systematic Review, Indianna Bouch, Alexzandria Haro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Parental alcohol use is a widespread issue and is known to have negative impacts on children's mental health. However, research on parent-child dyads concerning parental problematic alcohol use and child mental health outcomes has much less research. Objective: This systematic review aims to examine recent literature on the impact of mothers’ problematic drinking on daughter(s) mental health. Methods: The following databases were used: EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The keywords included “mother”, “AUD”, “maternal AUD”, “impact on daughters”, “female COA”, “female ACOA”, “mothers with an AUD”, “problematic drinking”, “maternal alcoholic”, “impact on relationships”, …

Parental Knowledge Of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Side Effects, Vanesa Soto, Monique Alexis Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: ADHA is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder amongst children. There are many different risk factors that have been found to be associated with the ADHD diagnosis. Overtime medication has become the primary form of treatment for children with ADHD. When a child consumes the medication, there are a wide range of side effects that can be developed. Objective: This proposal aims to explore minority parents’ understanding of ADHD medication side effects when they initially receive a prescription for medication and to identify the sources from which they acquire this knowledge. Methods: We would collect data form participants using a …