Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

A Qualitative Study Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) Within American Indigenous Communities, Jaclyn Caldwell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the causes of increased rates of IPV within Indigenous communities, what services have best served Indigenous communities in the past, and what types of IPV services Tribal communities would like to see in the future. Using a qualitative research design, the researcher interviewed professionals who had worked with Tribes or Tribal members within the last three years. The study utilized a snowball sampling method to interview and obtain participants’ observations on the needs for IPV services with Indigenous communities. Through data analysis, the research identified five themes: demographics, service availability, Tribal …

Burnout Among Mental Health Professionals In Northern California: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sade Butler

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Burnout, characterized by prolonged emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, is a widespread issue affecting millions of professionals in the United States and globally. Previous research has not adequately addressed the phenomenon of burnout, particularly in California. This study took a mixed-methods approach to determine the scope of, contributing factors to, and coping strategies for burnout among mental health professionals in Northern California. A sample of 93 mental health professionals completed a survey that contained both closed-ended and open-ended questions on burnout. Descriptive statistics indicated that 89.2% of participants experienced a moderate to severe level of burnout at work. Meanwhile, thematic …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Follow Through Since The Implementation Of Katie A V. Bonta, Alleena Parchment

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal aims to explore how well Los Angeles County has followed through with the guidelines that Katie A. v Bonta has set. This paper will suggest ways to effectively carry out the research through a systematic literature review. Foster children are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Katie, a young 4-year-old girl, went through 37 placements and received no mental health services. As a result, a class action lawsuit came about with Los Angeles County. Based on the lawsuit, policies were made to provide mental health services to foster …

#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 …

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. …

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, …

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 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 …

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”, …

The Effect Of Covid-19: Childhood Socialization And Technology Use, Nathalie Saray Manriquez, Amber Vanessa Flores, Cassandra Clarissa Tejada

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study proposes to explore the impact of technology use on childhood socialization and mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among elementary and middle school students. With the sudden shift to online learning due to school closures, children experienced a dramatic increase in screen time, the use of computers, tablets, and other digital devices for educational purposes and social interaction. This research aims to examine the effects of heightened technology dependency on children's social development and emotional well-being. Through surveys conducted with teachers, caregivers and parents, the study seeks to investigate the changes in children's socialization behaviors …

A Qualitative Method Study On Serious Mental Illnesses Seeing In Homelessness, Samantha Ruiz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Homelessness is a serious social problem influenced by various factors, specifically serious mental illnesses (SMI’s). Based on past studies, there is limited research that explains the quality of mental health services for individuals who are unhoused with SMI’s. The purpose of this research was to explore mental health services among the unhoused population who have serious mental illnesses (SMI’s) (from the perspective of social service providers). The study was a qualitative method design which provided a rich in-depth description through interviews. The study answered the following research questions: What is the perception of mental health services among homeless groups in …

Foster Care Alumni And Their Experiences Coping With Life After Care From The Perspective Of Pertinent Professionals, Nancy Morales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Background: Children in foster care face significant challenges, and their transition to independent living presents even greater difficulties, such as securing housing, accessing healthcare, and achieving financial independence. Although recent policy reforms, such as increased emphasis on family reunification and support services, have aimed to improve the outcomes of foster care, alumni of the system continue to face disproportionately high rates of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and social instability. Existing literature highlights the significant barriers foster youth encounter during and after their time in care, yet there remains a critical gap in understanding the experiences of these individuals …

Within The Diverse Latino/Hispanic Community In The Inland Valley, How Does Paternal Alcohol Use Impact The Personal Growth, Positive Relationships, And Psychological Well-Being Of Their Offspring In Adulthood?, Lizbeth Carrillo, Angela M. Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed study aims to explore the psychological effects, personal growth, and development of positive relationships among Latino/Hispanic adult children of alcoholics faced in their adulthood specifically within the Inland Valley empire. Using a quantitative method approach, the proposed research will employ surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term emotional, behavioral, and relational outcomes experienced by ACOA’s. Participants will be selected within the Latino/Hispanic community, aged 18-65 years old, who have had a father with a history of alcohol abuse. The findings from this study will contribute to bridging gaps in understanding the unique challenges and strengths …

Does Income Inequality Affect The Long-Term Well-Being Of African American And Latino Populations In California?, Jintill Hart

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project investigated the complex issue of income inequality and its effects on the long-term well-being of African American and Latino populations in California. The study adhered to a post-positivist paradigm, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the experiences of the participants. Qualitative data were gathered through individual interviews with twelve participants, representing diverse perspectives within these communities. To analyze the qualitative data, a bottom-up approach was utilized, leading in the identification of seven open codes and four axial codes. The open codes included: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Family; Meaningful Activities; Emotional Well-Being; Life Satisfaction; Socioeconomic Impact on Education; …

Addressing The Needs Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Desert Cities Of Southern California: A Qualitative Study, Amber R. Shupe

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects millions of children in the United States. However, there is a lack of services to meet the needs of children with ASD, especially in desert areas. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) identify factors associated with the lack of services for children with ASD in desert cities of Southern California and 2) explore ways to address the needs of children with ASD in the desert cities of Southern California. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with families that have one or more children diagnosed with ASD and service providers …

Formerly Incarcerated People's Experiences Trying To Access Affordable Housing, Maira Y. Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Lack of affordable housing among formerly incarcerated people continues to be a major social issue, as thousands of individuals and families in the United States continue to struggle with being unsheltered. Formerly incarcerated people build up 69% of the population who reside within these shelters in the United States (Glassman, 2024). The literature in this research discusses that common systemic barriers among formerly incarcerated individuals accessing housing are lack of affordable housing, facing stigma and discrimination, or no employment opportunities. Previous research shows that there is a limited number of participants and is focused on newly released prisoners in their …

A Systematic Review Of The Effects Of Family Separation On Children’S Psychological Development, Janice Garcia, Jazmin Elizabeth Barriga

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Under the Zero-Tolerance policy formulated by President Donald Trump, families were forced to separate from their children, which led to a broken bond between parents and their children. As a result, children were classified as unaccompanied alien children to be put in the care and custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. Research has found that separating families at the border has harmful and lasting effects on children’s psychological development. However, no research efforts have been made to systematically synthesize the evidence on the effects of family separation. Objective: This systematic review proposes to review recent literature …

Effects Of Project Rebound On Reducing Recidivism, Lisa A. Ravega, Ashley Van Mouwerik

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Recidivism is the tendency of justice-involved individuals to relapse into criminal behavior and remains a critical challenge within the justice system. Objective: This proposed research aims to assess the effectiveness of campus-based programs to assist individuals with enrollment and success in higher education, specifically Project Rebound. Project Rebound is a campus-based re-entry program that assists justice-involved college students in obtaining their educational goals through such support as enrollment and counseling services. Methods: The proposed research suggests utilizing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group design to examine the impact of Project Rebound on reducing recidivism among justice-involved college students at California …

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 …

Incarcerated Parents And Their Minor Children: A Study On The Impact Of Maintaining Relationships, Jennifer M. Upstill-Tokaji

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Parental incarceration is a social problem that has not received enough attention in the criminal justice literature despite the increase in the prison population over the years and the large number of children adversely impacted by this issue. The purpose of this research proposal is to determine if regular communication between incarcerated parents and their minor children has a positive influence on their rehabilitation and if that communication is also beneficial for the development and well-being of children. Using convenience and snowball sampling methods, this cross-sectional study will recruit approximately formerly incarcerated individuals who had at least one minor child …

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 …

Mental Illness Among The Homeless Communities, Tania Wilcox

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of individuals with substance use and mental illness on their co-occurring conditions. Mental illness and substance use disorder are commonly known in homeless communities, especially those experiencing chronic homelessness. Other social factors like gentrification, displacement, systemic racism, and insufficient affordable housing also contribute to the problem by restricting the availability of shelter for vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the lack of stable, affordable housing in California is a significant problem, and having access to comprehensive healthcare services exacerbates these problems.

The Stigmatization Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Noah R. Ramirez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The research on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is historically limited and understanding what knowledge college students have on the topic could allow researchers to have a baseline for understanding where the stigma comes from. This proposal aims to interview college students at California State University with the intention of understanding how much is known about OCD. Gaining this knowledge will hopefully further help society understand why OCD is considered something that is undermined. First, literature and current study was done on what is available. It was understood that the students at California State University, San Bernardino have never been asked …

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 …

Understanding Victim Blaming In Domestic Violence Among Adults In The U.S., Katja Estrada, Juliana Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Domestic violence, encompassing a range of abusive behaviors, remains a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals globally. Understanding the factors that shape attitudes toward domestic violence is crucial for developing effective interventions and prevention strategies. This study intends to explore the relationship between gender role belief, cultural orientation, and media influences and attitudes toward domestic violence. A non-random sample of 92 participants currently residing within the United States and over the age of 18 were recruited to participate in an online survey. Regression analyses revealed significant associations between attitudes toward domestic violence and gender role beliefs, indicating that individuals with more …