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From The Perspectives Of Both : The Impact Of The Therapist's Job On The Relationship Between Therapists And Their Partners, Linda S. Mcginnis

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was done in order to examine, from the perspectives of therapists and their partners, the impact of the therapist's job on the couple's relationship. Each participant was encouraged to offer examples of both positive and negative experiences in their relationship and how they believed these experiences were affected – if at all – by the mind-set and/or skill-set of the therapist. Twelve participants were interviewed: six therapists and their partners. The major findings were that most of the participants believed that the therapists' use self-reflection during times of conflict had a positive impact on the relationship. The extended …

From Consciousness To Action : Are There Common Identifiable Life Experiences Among People Who Actively Organize Against Oppression, Nikita Pion-Klockner

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This thesis explores the question: Are there common identifiable life experiences among people who actively organize against oppression? This qualitative study included demographic as well as open and closed survey questions. The research explored seventy-one participants' interpretations of how they came to take action. The study explores how these participants first developed political consciousness, political efficacy, and the motivation to organize against oppression. Those identifiable life experiences that precede people taking action to organize against oppression are reviewed. This researcher found that there are common life experiences among people who are empowered, have political efficacy, and are taking action to …

Restorative Justice : Including Victims, Offenders And Communities In Criminal Justice Dialogue, Jessica C. Ames

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Restorative justice (RJ), an alternative to the dominant retributive justice system, is a more holistic approach that encompasses the victim, offender and the community. This study supplemented existing research by exploring the perceptions of RJ experts and facilitators on the impact of RJ practices on offender reentry, as well as victim and community satisfaction. The study addressed the following questions: What is restorative justice? What are the major outcomes and challenges? What is the role of social work? The review of the literature compared the retributive justice model with a restorative justice framework for responding to crime. As restorative justice …

Latina Mothers : An Exploratory Study On Their Attachment With Their Children, Patricia Becerra

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research study was conducted as a strategy in learning more about Latino culture, specifically how Latino culture influences a mother's attachment to her child. In this study I will operationally define "Latina" as an immigrant mother who was born in Mexico, Central America, or South America or who has at least one parent that is Latino/a. This researcher found that there is a gap in the literature about attachment in Latino families. This study aimed to uncover the meaning of attachment in Latino families and conceptualize its meaning when compared to predominant "white" culture style of attachment. Research on …

Couples' Decision-Making Processes : First-Time Parenthood In Dual-Career Partnerships, Amelia Fern Hube

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Dual-career couples are increasingly becoming the norm in society, and for these couples experiencing first-time parenthood, having been raised in a world of stay-at-home mothers and breadwinning dads, the decisions for how to manage childcare and career choices can be challenging. This qualitative study was undertaken to explore the question, "What are the experiences of couples in dual-career partnerships as they approach the birth of a first child?" Twelve partnered, first-time parents were asked a series of questions about their experiences with their partners, families and work environments as they navigated choices related to careers and childcare. Participant narratives revealed …

El Ser A TravéS De Las Fronteras Y El Tiempo: The Experience Of Mexican Immigrant Women And Their Sense Of Self, Nidia A. Ponce

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study investigates immigration as a defining event in the experiences of Mexican undocumented immigrant women. Specifically, the line of inquiry is guided by one main research question: How do individuals subjectively perceive their immigration experiences as shaping their sense of self? The study reviews a wide range of psychosocial literature on identity definitions, historical views of identity, models of identity development, immigration, biculturalism and the effect of international relocation on identity. Furthermore, the circumstances and reasons for leaving one's country of origin are diverse and complex for every immigrant. This study provides some understanding of a few general …

Mythesis.Com : The Irony Of Technology : An Object Relational Approach To Understanding The Interplay Of Identity Construction And The Emergence Of The "True Self" Through The Privilege Of Anonymity On The Internet, Katherine Suzanne Sapp

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This was an exploratory study of the ways in which online social networks like Myspace.com can impact perceptions of the user in terms of self and others. Specifically, the focus was on how online experiences may have different levels of impact on these perceptions depending upon users' self identifying as having a concealable stigmatized identity based on sexual orientation or disability. Research for this study was conducted through an online survey and was promoted using the classifieds posting forum on Myspace.com. There were 100 respondents who accepted the terms set forth in the Informed Consent. Seventy-six of these initial respondents …

Negotiating The Self : An Exploratory Study On The Gender Identity Formation Of Second-Generation Asian Indian American Women, Sonal H. Soni

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This purpose of this study was to explore how second-generation (defined in this study as immigrants' children born in the United States or brought here under the age of ten with their parents and raised in the United States) Asian Indian American women understand, negotiate and perform gender roles. In particular, the study examined the dating rituals and practices of second-generation Asian Indian women in order to ascertain how these women have understood messages about dating from their parents, friends, the broader dominant culture and other sources to construct their gender identity. It also examined how Asian Indian ethnic identity …

To Kill Or To Be Killed? : An Examination Of Influential Factors Within African American Communities Resulting In The Rise Of Youth Violence, Telea. Shepard Stovall

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study is to determine the perspectives of African American males pertaining to their beliefs about the prominent influential factors within their communities that are leading to the rise of youth violence. This study was undertaken to further explore the phenomenon of youth violence and to give a voice to the participants allowing them to share their experiences of living in a high crime urban neighborhood. Narratives were gathered from twelve African American males between the ages of 18 and 25, using a structured self-designed interview guide. Participants were asked about youth violence, the characteristics …

The Association Between Physical, Sexual, And Emotional Abuse And Physical Pain : A Comparison Of Psychiatric Patients In Ontario, Canada And Burlington, Vermont, Kathryn Irene Vigil

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between inpatient psychiatric patients' histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse (Abuse) and their current experience of physical pain. This study explored this association between Abuse and physical pain in adult inpatient psychiatric patients in two locations—Burlington, Vermont and Ontario, Canada. It was hypothesized that rates of Abuse between the two locations would not differ significantly, but that patients with a history of Abuse would score higher on a pain scale (report more severe pain) than those without an Abuse history. Through secondary data analyses using previously collected data …

Live Today : Transition From Patient To Long-Term Cancer Survivor, Lynn Ann. Mazur

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to examine the illness-related adjustment experiences of adults who have survived five years beyond the crisis and trauma of cancer diagnosis and the recommended medical treatment. The study explores the transition from being a cancer patient to becoming a long-term survivor. The study's purpose is to increase understanding of the growing population of long-term cancer survivors currently numbering more than 10 million in the US. This exploratory study involved 12 participants living in or near the Boston, Massachusetts area. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who were diagnosed at or after age 35, with a …

Women's Perceptions Of Different Power Dynamics In Their Sexual Encounters With Both Women And Men, Genna Blaine Brodsky

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored women's fluid sexuality by asking the following question: Do women who have had sexual encounters with both women and men experience different power dynamics based on their partners' gender? There was minimal literature devoted to this topic. Past research focused on gender differences within relationships, violence used as a resource of power in heterosexual and lesbian relationships, theory written on relational therapy, and articles on female sexual fluidity. Eleven women from San Francisco were interviewed to explore their thoughts and feelings on how they experienced different power dynamics during sexual encounters with women and men. The interviews …

Confronting Race And Racism : Social Identity In African American Gay Men, Benjamin A. Kudler

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study examines how race and racism function in gay communities, looking at factors facing African American gay men in their identity formation and daily experience. Specifically, this study has examined the presence of sexual racism, sexualized racial stereotypes that affect the way men of color are viewed by white gay men. Twelve self-identified African American gay men living in the Boston metropolitan area were recruited by word-of-mouth and snowball sampling. Drawing on existing areas of research, each participant was administered a demographic survey and interviewed about his experiences within predominately white middle-class mainstream gay communities. African American gay …

Transcending Culture : The Universality Of Grief, Kelly Diane Meade

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored how culture influences the grieving process. This study was undertaken in part to expand on the limited research on this topic. Some of the literature, including various studies, indicates that social context affects the experience and expression of grief (Catlin, 1992). Twelve individuals who had lost their "loved ones," defined by the researcher as a significant other, family member or close friend, at least two years but not longer than five years ago were interviewed for this study. Participation included answering questions regarding their experience of grief and various factors that influenced their grieving process. The results …

Experienced And Inexperienced Therapists : A Comparison Of Attitude Toward And Use Of Countertransference Disclosure, Sara R. Willott

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This descriptive exploratory study examines the relationship of clinical experience and attitude toward countertransference disclosure and use of countertransference disclosure. The study surveyed therapists for answers to the following questions: Are there any differences in the attitude towards countertransference disclosure between experienced and inexperienced clinicians? Are there any differences in the use of countertransference disclosure between experienced and inexperienced clinicians? Is there an association between attitude toward and use of countertransference disclosure for the sample as a whole; and is there any variance in this association between experienced and inexperienced therapists? Three-hundred-and-thirty-seven therapists completed the survey, yielding significant results. The …

Are We Attracted To Romantic Partners Who Tend To Resemble Our Caregivers?, Rebecca Kohrman Kohrman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore the phenomenon of romantic attraction. It sought to explore the degree of which imago theory (Hendrix, 1988) may pertain to people's choices of romantic partners and asked the following research question: Are we attracted to romantic partners who tend to resemble our early caregivers? Twelve participants were interviewed as part of this qualitative study, which included three men and nine women. At the time of the study participants ranged in age from 20-57 years old and were all in a heterosexual relationship ranging from seven months to 21 years. The findings of this study …

Art As Therapy For The Therapist : The Role And Experience Of Artistic Expression In The Life And Work Of Psychotherapists Who Also Identify As Artists, Danielle T. Tansino

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored the experiences and meaning of artistic expression in the lives and work of psychotherapists who also create visual art. Utilizing a semi-structured, open-ended interview format, ten experienced therapists were interviewed about their experiences creating art and how they believed their artistic identity impacted their clinical work. Participants had varying degrees of experience creating art and utilized several types of artistic media included: painting, photography, mixed media, and jewelry-making. Participants described a wide range of emotions associated with their creative process and many reported that involvement with art enriched both their lives and clinical work. Many described creating …

Attachment In Older Adolescent Romantic Relationships, Whitney E. Young

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory/descriptive study was to explore the possible relationship between attachment styles of individuals in romantic relationships during older adolescents. The research question that guided this research is: Is there an association between the individual attachment style of each partner in a romantic relationship? A flexible methods approach of data collection, with a standardized data collection instrument was used to procure the necessary data for this independent research. The sample of this study was purposive and a snowball strategy was used in finding participants. The sample consisted of 19 couples (38 individuals); the inclusionary/exclusionary criteria for the …

Undocumented Latino Immigrants' Opinions On Seeking Counseling From Non-Latino Clinicians And Their Views Of What Would Constitute Culturally Competent Services, Maria Angelica. Mccoy

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to allow Latino immigrants who have lived undocumented in the U.S. and never received mental health services, describe their experiences in the U.S. and views of mental health services to an audience of mental health providers. Six men were interviewed individually. In addition to demographic questions, they were asked about their daily experience of being undocumented, how they related to non-Latinos, where they normally turned for emotional support, whether they would seek mental health services from a Latino or non-Latino clinician and what advice they would give the clinician regarding how to best help them. The …

Adaptation, Positive Learning, And Methods Of Coping In Women With Congenital And Acquired Facial Differences, Fusang Carly Yin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored women with facial differences and the various adaptive pathways and positive coping mechanisms that have developed in order to handle social challenges. Currently, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about this underrepresented population, making it necessary to examine women's personal reflections and perspectives as well as their strengths. Fourteen women between the ages of 18-50 with congenital or acquired facial differences (13 congenital; 1 acquired) participated in this exploratory study. Participants were recruited based on availability and snowball sampling, along with help from the director of a non-profit facial differences organization. Participants also had to …

Putting The Body Back In Social Work : How Social Workers Experience And Differ In Levels Of Personal Body Awareness, Lauren Nancarrow Clarke

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to determine whether or not and if so, to what degree social workers are aware of their personal body awareness in sessions with clients. The corollary question was whether or not those with higher reported body awareness would have similar socio-demographic indicators, environmental factors, or clientele to each other. Based on current literature, it was hypothesized that social workers in general would report a low body awareness and those reporting a higher body awareness would have similar correlates of individual factors. Smith School for Social Work graduates and current students were solicited for participation in an …

A Question Of Culture For Overweight Individuals, Heather A. Macdonald

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study was designed using flexible research methods to explore the experiences and beliefs of overweight individuals in a cultural context. Two research questions were undertaken: the first being Do overweight individuals experience a subculture?, and the second exploring How do overweight individuals' experiences of oppression relate to whether they have a subculture or not? As an analysis of the literature revealed, the overweight population's oppression and stigmatization is often unrecognized within our greater society. With millions of Americans being classified as overweight this population is increasing in number, warranting further notice within social research. This exploratory study includes …

An Open Trial Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For Compulsive Hoarding, David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost, Gail Steketee

Psychology: Faculty Publications

The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary data on the efficacy of a new cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for compulsive hoarding. Fourteen adults with compulsive hoarding (10 treatment completers) were seen in two specialty CBT clinics. Participants were included if they met research criteria for compulsive hoarding according to a semistructured interview, were age 18 or above, considered hoarding their main psychiatric problem, and were not receiving mental health treatment. Patients received 26 individual sessions of CBT, including frequent home visits, over a 7-12 month period between December 2003-February 2005. Primary outcome measures were the Saving Inventory-Revised (SI-R), …

An Approach To Preventing Coparenting Conflict And Divorce In Low-Income Families: Strengthening Couple Relationships And Fostering Fathers' Involvement, Carolyn Pape Cowan, Philip A. Cowan, Marsha Kline Pruett, Kyle Pruett

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

In the context of current concern about levels of marital distress, family violence, and divorce, the SFI study is evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention to facilitate the positive involvement of low-income Mexican American and European American fathers with their children, in part by strengthening the men's relationships with their children's mothers. The study design involves a randomized clinical trial that includes assignment to a 16-week couples group, a 16-week fathers group, or a single-session control group. Couples in both group interventions and the control condition include partners who are married, cohabiting, and living separately but raising a young child …

Social Capital In Contemporary Society : Decline Or Change, Eleonor Domenichini

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis is going to explore social capital and its relation with trust, civic engagement, and leisure to better understand the complexity of social capital. Some of the concerns advanced by scholars stating that there is a decline of social capital in contemporary society are challenged. Controversies regarding theoretical and methodological applications, and a review of how "special" interests might have been used to promote particular causes affecting intervention and division of resources, are going to be examined. The intent is to show that there are alternative explanations for changes that do not pertain or predict decline. A discussion …

The Social Ecology Of Hurricane Katrina Re-Writing The Discourse Of “Natural” Disasters, Yoosun Park, Joshua Miller

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

It is increasingly difficult to distinguish natural events from those influenced by human actions. Furthermore, researchers in various fields have established that the level of devastation and the predicted likelihood of recovery of neighborhoods and communities correspond with the amount of political and socioeconomic capital held by neighborhoods and communities prior to disasters such as the Hurricane Katrina. In this paper we analyze the significance of the discourse of “natural disasters” through the framework of social ecology. We contest the neutralist discourse of “natural disasters” by underscoring the numerous interdependent sociopolitical forces, which shape the context in which disasters occur.

Talking When Talking Is Tough: Taking On Conversations About Race, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Class, And Other Aspects Of Social Identity, Joshua Miller, Susan Donner, Edith Fraser

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Racism In Assisted Living Facilities : A Comparative Study, Alissa Lee Nickey

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory, comparative study was undertaken in two separate assisted living facilities, a for-profit facility and a non-profit facility, located in the City of Atlanta, Georgia to determine if employees in both settings experience the same or similar level of racism within their work environment. The following six research questions guided this study: Is there a relationship between type of racism in non-profit and for-profit assisted living facilities? Is there a relationship between healthcare provider age and perceived racism in non-profit and for-profit assisted living facilities? Is there a relationship between healthcare provider educational level and perceived racism in nonprofit …

Race, Menopause, Health-Related Quality Of Life, And Psychological Well-Being In Obese Women, Blandine Laferrère, Shankuan Zhu, Jennifer R. Clarkson, Marianne R.M. Yoshioka, Katherine Krauskopf, John C. Thornton, F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

Race, menopause, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being in obese women. Obes Res. 2002;10:1270 –1275.

Objective: To investigate the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in African-American (AA) and white (W) obese women.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 145 obese women (80 AA and 65 W; 87 premenopausal and 58 postmenopausal) who completed the Medical Outcomes Study short form, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Life Distress Inventory, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale before entering a weight-loss study. The mean age of the subjects was 46.3   11.1 years and the mean body mass index was …

Press Reports Of Animal Hoarding, Arnold Arluke, Randy Frost, Gail Steketee, Gary Patronek, Carter Luke, Edward Messner, Jane Nathanson, Michelle Papazian

Psychology: Faculty Publications

This article explores how the press reports nonhuman animal hoarding and hoarders. It discusses how 100 articles from 1995 to the present were content analyzed. Analysis revealed five emotional themes that include drama, revulsion, sympathy, indignation, and humor. While these themes draw readers' attention and make disparate facts behind cases understandable by packaging them in familiar formats, they also present an inconsistent picture of animal hoarding that can confuse readers about the nature and significance of this behavior as well as animal abuse, more generally.