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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 …

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 …

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 …

The Applicability Of William E. Cross’S Model Of Black Identity Development And Vivienne Cass’S Model Of Lesbian/Gay Identity Formation To The Experience Of Black Lesbians, Lisa Lynelle Moore

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this research was to explore the applicability of William E. Cross' Black identity development model and Vivienne Cass' model of lesbian/ gay identity formation to the experience of Black lesbians. Through evaluating their applicability the experience of identity integration was addressed in the experience of Black lesbians whose intersections of identity may conflict within a predominately heterosexual Black community and in the visible lesbian community which is often perceived as predominately White.

Through using an interview guide comprised of ten open-ended questions developed by the researcher, sixteen women between the ages of nineteen and forty-nine participated in …

Re-Envisioning Family: Voices Of Lesbian Mothers Adopting Across Racial Lines, Robin Rice Chalfin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Movie Portrayals Of Therapy And Therapists On College Students' View Of Therapy And Therapists, Karin Perlman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore the effects of movie portrayals of therapy and therapists on the public's view of therapy and therapists. lt was hypothesized that much of the information that forms individuals' views of therapy comes from the media, specifically the portrayals they see in movies.

To explore to what extent subjects felt their impressions of therapy and therapists were informed by movies and by other sources, volunteers were enlisted to fill out questionnaires. The questionnaire asked subjects to identify and then describe the sources of information that they felt have formed their understanding of therapy and therapists. …

Whose Daughter Are You? : Exploring Identity Issues Of Lesbians Who Are Adopted : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Anne Mi Ok Bruining

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

No abstract provided.

Experience Of Stigmatization And Discrimination Of Former Psychiatric Inpatients, Amy Rappaport

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

In our culture as well as other cultures, there are social norms that are prescribed and expected to be followed. If an individual does not act in accordance with these social norms, there are often consequences. In Edgerton's (1971) article, "Anthropology, Psychiatry, and Man's Nature," he states, "Sometimes, of course, the sanctions against deviant behavior are supernatural, consisting of immediate and horrible punishment by gods, spirits, ancestors or the like" (p. 45). In present day culture in the United States, the researcher contends that there are both traditional and modern belief systems that serve to ostracize the stigmatized deviant.

An Exploratory Study Of Men In The Anti-Abortion Movement: A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Laura E. Sabatini

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to examine the characteristics and possible motivations of male anti-abortion activists. Specifically, this study explored the following questions:

1. How is the intense dedication of these men to the anti-abortion movement related to their perceptions of current societal structures? Do they experience legalized abortion as a threat to their external world views?

2. How is their behavior related to them as individuals, with unique gender role ideology? Do they experience legalized abortion as a threat to their internal world views?

3. Is their behavior related to an internal character rigidity separate from apparent beliefs and values? …

Clinical Dilemmas And Countertransference Reactions For Therapists Of Pre-Operative Transexual Clients, Rachel Lynne Wichman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the clinical dilemmas that are inherent to working with a pre operative transsexual population, and associated countertransference reactions. Interviews were conducted with twelve therapists who had treated pre-operative transsexual clients. The interviews revealed that three clinical dilemmas were significantly referred to by the subjects as they described their countertransference reactions—diagnostic considerations, the therapists' clinical role in treatment of transsexual clients, and therapists' traditional sex role conditioning. The findings indicated that countertransference reactions for therapists working with pre-operative transsexual clients were an outgrowth of the clinical dilemmas found in treating this client population.

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits In Marathon And Recreational Runners, Amy C. Sterling

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether marathon runners exhibit a higher degree of obsessive compulsive personality traits than do recreational runners. Because competing in a marathon requires a great amount of energy and discipline, incidences of traits such as perseverance, rigidity, orderliness and drive were examined in both male and female marathon and recreational runners. To carry ·out this investigation, semi-structured interviews regarding running history were conducted with two non-probability sample groups of 12 marathon and 12 recreational runners; each group consisted of seven men and five women. In addition~ each runner completed a true/ false test …

Transsexualism: The Lifelong Paradox : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At A Correctional Facility In A Western State, Mary E. Iannuccillo

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study was undertaken to test the validity of the current definitions of male transsexualism, add to our understanding of the etiology, and address the controversial treatment implications. The experiences of four self-defined male transsexuals were compared with the clinical and theoretical findings of the two major theories, one proposing a non-conflictual etiology with a female core gender identity as opposed to those who have found conflictual roots with an ambiguous core gender identity. The theorists in both groups present descriptive profiles of male transsexualism, and identify two major sub-divisions called primary and secondary. The profiles address both etiological …

The Transsexual Conflict, Dualism In Identity As Explored Through Group Psychotherapy, Linda Ann Schloss

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This descriptive study utilized case observations for the purpose of developing a conceptual understanding of transsexualism and identifying variables and hypotheses for empirical study. This research, combining library and clinical investigation, reports on those findings which were gathered from five preoperative transsexual patients in group therapy. It was hoped that in addition to serving as a source of information, this exploration would stimulate further research in the area of gender identity.

The Altering Of Family Attitudes Toward The Child With Prolonged Illness As A Causative Factor Of Behavior Problems, Harriett Rinaldo

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

No abstract provided.