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Examination Of The Role Of Implicit Clinical Judgments During The Mental Health Intake, Ora Nakash, Margarita Alegría May 2013

Examination Of The Role Of Implicit Clinical Judgments During The Mental Health Intake, Ora Nakash, Margarita Alegría

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

We examined the characteristics of therapists' implicit clinical judgments during the mental health intake. Following the intake sessions with new clients, we conducted 129 semistructured interviews with 47 therapists. We found that 82% of therapists and 75% of interviews included reference to implicit clinical judgments. Therapists referred to these judgments as a cognitive process that relied on knowledge acquired through past clinical experiences and was primarily based on nonverbal cues and affective communication. Therapists used implicit processes when evaluating how to facilitate a good working alliance, what diagnostic information to collect, and how to decide on a diagnosis. The majority …


Script-Based Story Matching For Cyberbullying Prevention, Jamie Macbeth, Hanna Adeyema, Henry Lieberman, Christopher Fry Apr 2013

Script-Based Story Matching For Cyberbullying Prevention, Jamie Macbeth, Hanna Adeyema, Henry Lieberman, Christopher Fry

Computer Science: Faculty Publications

While the Internet and social media help keep today’s youth better connected to their friends, family, and community, the same media are also the form of expression for an array of harmful social behaviors, such as cyberbullying and cyber-harassment. In this paper we present work in progress to develop intelligent interfaces to social media that use commonsense knowledge bases and automated narrative analyses of text communications between users to trigger selective interventions and prevent negative outcomes. While other approaches seek merely to classify the overall topic of the text, we try to match stories to finer-grained “scripts” that represent stereotypical …


Moving Beyond "Slaves, Sinners, And Saviors": An Intersectional Feminist Analysis Of Us Sex-Trafficking Discourses, Law And Policy, Carrie N. Baker Apr 2013

Moving Beyond "Slaves, Sinners, And Saviors": An Intersectional Feminist Analysis Of Us Sex-Trafficking Discourses, Law And Policy, Carrie N. Baker

Study of Women, Gender, & Sexuality: Faculty Publications

This article analyzes stories and images of sex trafficking in current mainstream US public discourses, including government publications, NGO materials, news media, and popular films. Noting the similarities and differences among these discourses, the first part demonstrates that they often frame sex trafficking using a rescue narrative that reiterates traditional beliefs and values regarding gender, sexuality, and nationality, relying heavily on patriarchal and orientalist tropes. Reflecting this rescue narrative, mainstream public policies focus on criminal justice solutions to trafficking. The second part suggests alternative frameworks that empower rather than rescue trafficked people. The article argues that the dominant criminal justice …


Early Family Ties And Marital Stability Over 16 Years: The Context Of Race And Gender, Terri L. Orbuch, José A. Bauermeister, Edna Brown, Brandyn Dior Mckinley Apr 2013

Early Family Ties And Marital Stability Over 16 Years: The Context Of Race And Gender, Terri L. Orbuch, José A. Bauermeister, Edna Brown, Brandyn Dior Mckinley

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

Spouses' emotional ties to family early in marriage are linked to marital outcomes, but little is known about how these ties affect marital stability and whether these effects vary by race and gender. The present study examines the links between emotional ties to family of origin and in-laws in the first year of marriage and marital stability over the first 16years of marriage. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal study following Black American (n=199) and White American (n=174) married couples. Analyses revealed that perceptions of closeness to in-laws early in marriage were associated with odds of divorce over …


The Impact Of Social Contagion On Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Review Of The Literature, Stephanie Jarvi Steele, Benita Jackson, Lance P. Swenson, Heather Crawford Feb 2013

The Impact Of Social Contagion On Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Review Of The Literature, Stephanie Jarvi Steele, Benita Jackson, Lance P. Swenson, Heather Crawford

Psychology: Faculty Publications

In this review, we explore social contagion as an understudied risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents and young adults, populations with a high prevalence of NSSI. We review empirical studies reporting data on prevalence and risk factors that, through social contagion, may influence the transmission of NSSI. Findings in this literature are consistent with social modeling/learning of NSSI increasing risk of initial engagement in NSSI among individuals with certain individual and/or psychiatric characteristics. Preliminary research suggests iatrogenic effects of social contagion of NSSI through primary prevention are not likely. Thus, social contagion factors may warrant considerable empirical attention. …


The Effect Of Cancer On Suicide In Ethnic Groups With A Differential Suicide Risk, Ora Nakash, Micha Barchana, Irena Liphshitz, Lital Keinan-Boker, Itzhak Levav Feb 2013

The Effect Of Cancer On Suicide In Ethnic Groups With A Differential Suicide Risk, Ora Nakash, Micha Barchana, Irena Liphshitz, Lital Keinan-Boker, Itzhak Levav

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

This study examined the suicide risk among persons with cancer in ethnic groups with differential suicide mortality in the general population. We calculated the suicide standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) among Europe-America and Asia-North Africa-born Israelis with cancer, relative to the respective rates in the general population. The SIRs were higher in the European-American group [men: 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-2.30; women: 2.03, 95% CI 1.51-2.56], but not significantly different in the Asian-North African group (men: 0.86, 95% CI 0.52-1.20; women: 0.80, 95% CI 0.10-1.50). Assessment of suicide risk must consider the 'suicide culture' of the person with cancer.


Social Services For Sexual Minority Youth: Preferences For What, Where, And How Services Are Delivered, Elizabeth A. Wells, Kenta Asakura, Marilyn J. Hoppe, Kimberly F. Balsam, Diane M. Morrison, Blair Beadnell Feb 2013

Social Services For Sexual Minority Youth: Preferences For What, Where, And How Services Are Delivered, Elizabeth A. Wells, Kenta Asakura, Marilyn J. Hoppe, Kimberly F. Balsam, Diane M. Morrison, Blair Beadnell

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

As part of an internet-based study to investigate experiences of sexual minority youth in the U.S., 544 youth, ages 14-19, were surveyed about their need for services, where they preferred to receive these services, and their preferred method of service delivery. The survey was anonymous and youth were recruited from LGBTQ-specific listservs and venues as well as through social networking sites as a way of reaching youth often not represented in LGBTQ surveys. Youth highly endorsed many types of services, settings, and modes of delivery. Some subgroup differences emerged. Transgender youth and those uncertain about their gender identity expressed stronger …


Taking Up Space : Exploring Clinical Social Workers' Attitudes And Practice Experiences With Their Overweight And Obese Clients, Alyssa L. Bogetz Jan 2013

Taking Up Space : Exploring Clinical Social Workers' Attitudes And Practice Experiences With Their Overweight And Obese Clients, Alyssa L. Bogetz

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study provides in an-depth exploration of clinical social workers' experiences with their overweight and obese clients. As the "War on Obesity" rages on, clinical social workers have come to occupy a unique position in understanding and addressing the needs of this population. This study seeks to add to the growing clinical literature on size bias in psychotherapy and intends to explicate the clinician's experience in both establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with these clients. Nine licensed clinical social workers were interviewed about their attitudes towards their overweight and obese clients and their experiences as they worked with them. …


Resilience Theory And Trauma Theory Applied To Adult Women Incest Survivors, Hazvinei A. Vera Jan 2013

Resilience Theory And Trauma Theory Applied To Adult Women Incest Survivors, Hazvinei A. Vera

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study explored the issue of resilience in adult women incest survivors by applying resilience theory and trauma theory. Its purpose was to look at how some adult female survivors have been able to address the impact of such an experience in relation to resilience. The experience of incest affects people differently, there are some who are able to withstand the negative effects and come out strong, thus considering themselves survivors instead of victims of incest. Resilience theory and trauma theory provided a framework to trace and see how these survivors have managed to overcome the negative effects of …


From Anxiety To Panic Disorder : Effectiveness Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction As Treatment In Adolescence, Carrie-Anne Swiatek Jan 2013

From Anxiety To Panic Disorder : Effectiveness Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction As Treatment In Adolescence, Carrie-Anne Swiatek

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Research has shown that mental illness often surfaces during adolescence and early adulthood, and can frequently extend throughout adulthood. Without treatment, the consequences of mental illness for individuals and society can be overwhelming. Untreated individuals often fall victim to unnecessary disabilities, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, comorbid health issues and even suicide. Further, there is a continuing need for supportive services for adolescents who are specifically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, and who self-identified as having excessive anxiety and other stress-related symptoms. Research has shown the cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based treatment interventions may be effective for …


"Prevention Starts At Home" : Mapping The Discourse Parents Who Work In Sexual Assault-Related Fields Create With Their Children About Sexual Assault, Karen R. Taylor Jan 2013

"Prevention Starts At Home" : Mapping The Discourse Parents Who Work In Sexual Assault-Related Fields Create With Their Children About Sexual Assault, Karen R. Taylor

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This original empirical research study explores the discourse that parents who work in sexual assault-related fields create with their own children about sexual assault. The experience and perspectives of these parents was elicited through self-developed, semi-structured interviews composed of questions that encouraged parents to reflect on their parenting practices that they relate to or could be influenced by their professional knowledge and understanding of sexual assault, as well as how they navigate their dual roles as members of this field and as parents. Major findings were that parents do create a discourse about sexual assault, composed of communication about sexual …


Choosing To Live : The Decision To Take Anti-Retroviral Medications From The Perspective Of Hiv+ People Who Take These Medications Consistently :, Mariah Twigg Jan 2013

Choosing To Live : The Decision To Take Anti-Retroviral Medications From The Perspective Of Hiv+ People Who Take These Medications Consistently :, Mariah Twigg

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was qualitative in design and explored how people who are HIV+ and prescribed Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) are able to take their medication every day as prescribed. Ten individuals who had an HIV VL of <78 (undetectable), were fairly stable in other areas of their lives were interviewed. These individuals had at one point not been able to take their medications as prescribed, but had later been able to commit to taking the HIV treatment regimen as prescribed, for at least six months. Mixed methods were used and participants completed a short written demographic form and a likert scale survey about previously researched boundaries. Respondents also participated in a short interview with open ended questions. All interviews were conducted in person. Findings showed that all participants agreed with at least one barrier identified from the previous research. Findings also showed that people struggled with substance use, pre-existing depression, low self-efficacy and shame or hopelessness about being HIV+. Interviewees all reported having a moment when they decided that they wanted to live. Some of these decisions were motivated by supportive communities, some by therapeutic interventions, and some by critical events. Providers were helpful, especially when direct, honest and caring. But overall, participants expressed that they were only able to commit to taking ART, when they were able to integrate their HIV+ selves (selves doomed to death), with their selves that could live full lives.


Overcoming The Odds : Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy In Young Mothers Transitioning Out Of The Foster Care System, Katharine E. Whipple Jan 2013

Overcoming The Odds : Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy In Young Mothers Transitioning Out Of The Foster Care System, Katharine E. Whipple

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored how young mothers developed a sense of perceived parental self-efficacy, after transitioning out of the foster care system. The bulk of literature on young mothers and youth transitioning out of the foster care system focuses on risk factors, while this study focuses on how the strengths and resilience of transitioning young mothers supports them in developing self-efficacy despite facing immense obstacles. This study interviewed 12 transitioned mothers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Using convenience sampling, study participants were primarily African American and Christian. Through examining the individual experiences of these transitioned young mothers, this study …


The Relationship Between Violence And Alcohol Abuse : Self Perception Of Addicted Adults, Andrea Bredfeldt Viens Jan 2013

The Relationship Between Violence And Alcohol Abuse : Self Perception Of Addicted Adults, Andrea Bredfeldt Viens

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

While it is widely accepted that there is a positive correlation between alcohol use/abuse and violence, there is little consensus in the literature about the strength and nature of this association. Thus the need for more complex multivariate and qualitative studies has been recognized. This qualitative study explored what could be learned from a sample of men and women who are members of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) and selfidentify as having engaged in violence while under the influence. For the vast majority of participants in this study, their violence came first; however, they first received treatment for their alcohol use/abuse. For …


Fathers' Perceptions Of Sexual Communication With Adolescent Daughters : An Exploratory Study, Jamie E. White Jan 2013

Fathers' Perceptions Of Sexual Communication With Adolescent Daughters : An Exploratory Study, Jamie E. White

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored sexual communication within the father-daughter dyad. Sexual communication between fathers and early adolescent0aged daughters was examined to recognize strategies fathers use when discussing sexuality and to identify barriers that may inhibit sexual communication. The investigation is based on the perspectives of seven males (n=7) who identify as the father of one or more daughters between the ages of 11 and 15 years old. Participation included completing a short demographic survey and sitting for a taped interview regarding how the topic of sexuality was discussed with their early adolescent-aged daughter. It was hypothesized that fathers would identify …


Adult Chldren Of Male Military Combatants : Impacts Into Adulthood, Robert N. Smith Jan 2013

Adult Chldren Of Male Military Combatants : Impacts Into Adulthood, Robert N. Smith

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore potential impacts occurring in adulthood stemming from individuals' childhood experiences of growing up in a household with a father who sustained combat-related trauma during the course of their military service. Numerous studies in recent years and decades have researched how military wartime or combat-related trauma can affect the lives of the soldiers who sustained the actual trauma, as well as exploring secondary traumatization and its effects on the family system upon their return home from combat. However, there has been little attention paid to the adult stage of life for individuals raised by a …


"Somebody Better Put Their Pants On And Be Talking About It" : White Therapists Who Identify As Anti-Racist Addressing Racism And Racial Identity With White Clients, Morgan R. Stone Jan 2013

"Somebody Better Put Their Pants On And Be Talking About It" : White Therapists Who Identify As Anti-Racist Addressing Racism And Racial Identity With White Clients, Morgan R. Stone

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explores how White therapists who identify as anti-racist address race, racism, and racial identity with white clients from an anti-racist perspective. Twelve White therapists were interviewed and asked what anti-racism means to them, how they have responded to racism with white clients, and how they attempt to incorporate anti-racism values into their lives and therapy practices. The therapists were also asked how they were trained to address these issues in their psychology, social work, and counseling programs, and their use of the racial identity of their white clients to improve therapeutic outcomes was discussed. Most of the …


Batterer Intervention Program Facilitators' Perceptions Of The Efficacy Of Current Behavior Intervention Models, Maura A. Shader-Morrissey Jan 2013

Batterer Intervention Program Facilitators' Perceptions Of The Efficacy Of Current Behavior Intervention Models, Maura A. Shader-Morrissey

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored the question: Is the extensive use of the Duluth Model in the treatment of perpetrators of domestic violence and its derivatives based on perceived efficacy among the facilitators of these programs, or is there a more effective model that is suggested based upon their experiences? A flexible research design was utilized in order to explore the experience of 12 Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) facilitators through the process of in depth, individual interviews. The major themes identified were the facilitators' need for change in the interventions utilized, their experience of powerlessness within their field, and their desire …


Learning From Art Therapists : Strategies For Treating Children With Ptsd, Merryl E. Raubeson Jan 2013

Learning From Art Therapists : Strategies For Treating Children With Ptsd, Merryl E. Raubeson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to develop and pilot a methodology for looking at theoretical underpinnings and techniques employed by art therapists, with the goal of adding to our knowledge about the use of art therapy to treat children and adolescents with trauma histories and PTSD. Methods: Five practicing art therapists with advanced degrees and certification in art therapy who have been practicing with the target population for more than two years were interviewed about their theoretical orientations, diagnostic strategies, and clinical practices, including their understanding of the relationships, if any, between the presenting symptoms of their trauma-exposed clients and their …


Perspectives On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (Lgbt) Older Adults' Decision To Disclose Their Sexual Orientation Or Gender Identity To Healthcare And Social Service Providers, Mary M. Stanton Jan 2013

Perspectives On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (Lgbt) Older Adults' Decision To Disclose Their Sexual Orientation Or Gender Identity To Healthcare And Social Service Providers, Mary M. Stanton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored LGBT older adults' individual decisions to disclose sexual orientation or gender identification when seeking services from health care and social service providers. Participants were recruited through local senior centers. Thirteen lesbian females and four gay males participated in qualitative interviews. All participants identified racially as white and resided in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts; ages ranged from 55 to 73 years old. Employment status varied: 35% were retired; 29% worked fulltime; 23% were disabled and 11% were semi-retired. Professions spanned business, educational, legal, media and medical fields. Thirty eight percent earned over $90,000; 12% over …


Coloring In The Margins : The Impact Of Racial And Ethnocultural Identity On The Professional Lives Of Social Workers Of Color, Jessica R. Sundram Jan 2013

Coloring In The Margins : The Impact Of Racial And Ethnocultural Identity On The Professional Lives Of Social Workers Of Color, Jessica R. Sundram

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory quantitative study examined the impact of racial and ethnocultural identity on the professional lives of social workers of color, focusing on experiences of social workers of color with racism, the influence of racial and ethnocultural identity in cross-cultural clinical work, and the perceived impact of racial and ethnocultural identity on career trajectory and professional experiences. Social workers of color have been and continue to be underrepresented in the population of licensed social workers. In this study, a sample of 86 social workers of color with a Masters in Social Work and two or more years of experience in …


Exploration Of Coping Styles Utilized By Students During Study Abroad Re-Entry, Michelle I. Thrasher Jan 2013

Exploration Of Coping Styles Utilized By Students During Study Abroad Re-Entry, Michelle I. Thrasher

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quantitative study asked the question: what are the coping styles utilized by study abroad students during the re-entry period? The exploratory nature of the study then examined the relationship of eight variables on coping styles; gender, age, previous travel experience, number of languages spoken, having other family members who studied abroad, how supported they felt by home institution, race and coping style in relationship to the biggest challenge they faced. This research was conducted using an anonymous online survey made available to any past study abroad students. The survey asked for information about family history, travel experience and demographic …


He Works And She Does Too : Race And Gender Differences In Relationship Between Earner Status, Marital Satisfaction, And Division Of Family Tasks, Samantha M. Rivera Jan 2013

He Works And She Does Too : Race And Gender Differences In Relationship Between Earner Status, Marital Satisfaction, And Division Of Family Tasks, Samantha M. Rivera

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study sought to fill gaps in literature by exploring similarities and differences in marital satisfaction and division of family tasks between Caucasian and Mexican-American dualearner and single-earner couples. The subsample included in the analysis was a subset from the Supporting Father Involvement study based in California. Participants were 522 couples, with two-thirds Mexican-American and approximately one fourth Caucasian. The study examined the following four questions: (1) How are race/ethnicity and couple's earner status associated with marital satisfaction? (2) Does the SFI intervention affect couple satisfaction differently for distinct racial/ethnic and earner groups? (3) How are race/ethnicity and couple's earner …


The Relationship Between Financial Stress And Academic And Social Functioning Of Undergraduate Residential College Women, Nathalie A. Vaughn Jan 2013

The Relationship Between Financial Stress And Academic And Social Functioning Of Undergraduate Residential College Women, Nathalie A. Vaughn

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between financial stress and academic and social functioning and satisfaction in a volunteering sample of undergraduate residential college women in Western Massachusetts, which included students who identified their enrollment status as either dependent or independent as defined by 2011-2012 federal financial aid guidelines. The main research question asked to investigate these relationships is "What is the relationship between financial stress and academic and social functioning and satisfaction in undergraduate residential college women's experiences?" The major findings in the study showed varying degrees of significance from moderate to strong that reflect …


Satisfaction In Adult Romantic Relationships After Parental Divorce : The Role Of Locus Of Control, Meghan L. Mole Jan 2013

Satisfaction In Adult Romantic Relationships After Parental Divorce : The Role Of Locus Of Control, Meghan L. Mole

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Previous research has found that parental divorce influences both locus of control (LOC) and relationship satisfaction, and LOC also influences relationship satisfaction; therefore, LOC may play a mediating role in the relationship between parental divorce and relationship satisfaction. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between LOC and satisfaction in adult romantic relationships, comparing participants from intact and divorced families of origin. The influence of gender, age when parents divorced, and current age was also explored based on the following hypotheses: that parental divorce during early childhood would yield a more external LOC while parental divorce …


At Risk Of Losing Themselves : Emotionally Abused Women And The Traumatic Bond, Maureen C. Normand Jan 2013

At Risk Of Losing Themselves : Emotionally Abused Women And The Traumatic Bond, Maureen C. Normand

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research study demonstrates how women's orientation to relationships can leave them personally at risk of losing themselves in attachment relationships that are abusive. This research hypothesized that women find it difficult to leave abusive relationships because they fear that the loss of the relationship will result in a loss of self. They stay because they believe that to lose the relationship is to lose something of their essential self. This study confirms the hypothesis but demonstrates that this belief is a supposition and that the reverse is true. When women remain in abusive relationships in an attempt to preserve …


Surviving Broken Dreams : A Qualitative Study On The Resilience Of Undocumented Students, Kiam Parker Jan 2013

Surviving Broken Dreams : A Qualitative Study On The Resilience Of Undocumented Students, Kiam Parker

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore undocumented students perspectives of their experiences on their pathways to accessing higher education-the many obstacles they encounter and their resilience in facing these obstacles to pursue their educations. The complexities of these students experiences—living in the United States undocumented, their process of navigating the American education system and how this shapes how they perceive themselves and their life path--were examined through the narratives of six students who were enrolled in higher education, or planning to attend. The findings of this research showed that the unique psychosocial stressors undocumented students face--poverty, …


Normal Developmental Vulnerabilities Of 17-24 Year Olds Confounding Informed Consent To Enlist In The Military, Deanna L. Seather-Brady Jan 2013

Normal Developmental Vulnerabilities Of 17-24 Year Olds Confounding Informed Consent To Enlist In The Military, Deanna L. Seather-Brady

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Researchers have identified the youngest soldiers (17-24 years old) in the United States military as particularly vulnerable to the emotional and physical consequences of war, including death. This theoretical thesis examines the capacity of 17-24 year old males to conceptualize consequences fully -- i.e., make informed consent decisions -- about enlisting for combat. The focus on 17-24 year old males is due to their much higher involvement in military combat than female enlisted. Much current thinking does not question 17-24 year old males' capacity for informed consent, but recent neurological and developmental research documents that brain functions underlying decision-making are …


Caring For Our Dead And Dying : The Emotional Outcomes Of Providing End Of Life Care, Hannah S. Myers Jan 2013

Caring For Our Dead And Dying : The Emotional Outcomes Of Providing End Of Life Care, Hannah S. Myers

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether increased exposure to death through professional experiences relates to an individual's anxiety and perceptions of death and dying. It was hypothesized that increased exposure to death and dying through providing Hospice and/or funeral services would correlate with lower death anxiety and more positive attitudes about end of life concerns. A quantitative measure, Thorson and Powell's Revised Death Anxiety Scale (RDAS), and qualitative open-response questions were distributed via an online survey program. 61 participants completed the online survey, 20 of whom had completed work in the fields of Hospice or funeral services, …


Religiously Unaffiliated Social Workers In Health Care Settings : Working With Religiously Affiliated Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Ileana G. Sansano Jan 2013

Religiously Unaffiliated Social Workers In Health Care Settings : Working With Religiously Affiliated Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Ileana G. Sansano

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore how nonreligious social workers respond to religious terminally ill cancer patients within healthcare settings. There is limited research focused on the experience of the nonreligious social worker. Thus, a qualitative, exploratory study was chosen as an appropriate research design. This qualitative study used a flexible interview format comprised of semi-structured open- and closed-ended questions presented to 5 nonreligious oncology social workers in the United States. The findings demonstrate that most or all of the oncology social workers had similar experiences: with a supervisor or work agency addressing how to work with patients …