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2007

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Latina Mothers : An Exploratory Study On Their Attachment With Their Children, Patricia Becerra Aug 2007

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 …

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A Homicide In The Family : The Dual Perspective Of Mothers' Experience Parenting And Use Of Community Resources And Community Providers' Report On Services Utilized By Mothers And Their Children, Leah Elizabeth Berkowitz Aug 2007

A Homicide In The Family : The Dual Perspective Of Mothers' Experience Parenting And Use Of Community Resources And Community Providers' Report On Services Utilized By Mothers And Their Children, Leah Elizabeth Berkowitz

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research study was conducted to clarify the impact of the experienced homicide of a family member on mothering, post-homicide. Data was gathered regarding mothers' use and perception of community support services and providers' perception of the efficacy of those services currently available to surviving family members. Potential alternatives to already-existing services and modes of delivering these services to families impacted by violence were explored. In this dual-perspective flexible methods study, seven mother-participants and four community providers – comprised of three victim/witness advocates, who currently work in Massachusetts Court-based District Attorney's offices and one licensed independent clinical social worker, who …

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Predictors And Prevention Strategies For Homelessness Among Women Veterans, Angela Sue Casper Aug 2007

Predictors And Prevention Strategies For Homelessness Among Women Veterans, Angela Sue Casper

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study was undertaken to explore the experience of women in the military and to gain an understanding of military women's vulnerability to homelessness and their service needs. A study conducted by Gamache, et al. (2003) established that women veterans did show a higher instance of homelessness than non-veteran women. This study includes an exploration of trauma theory and approaches for treatment of homelessness to develop a better understanding of an effective model to treat homelessness within women veterans. Knowledge about effective treatment of combat trauma and homelessness in male veterans and trauma and homelessness among women is used …

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Suicide Postvention : How Can We Improve Existing Models?, Seana Carmean Aug 2007

Suicide Postvention : How Can We Improve Existing Models?, Seana Carmean

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of suicide postvention approaches used with suicide survivors, who are defined as the families, partners and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. The goal was to determine the experience of postvention support for survivors through their own voice, and then to use the findings to develop a proposal for a National Suicide Postvention Plan to better meet the stated needs of this disenfranchised population. Twelve male and female survivors from around Massachusetts were interviewed using an open-ended question format to encourage the description of their own postvention experience. The …

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Putting The Body Back In Social Work : How Social Workers Experience And Differ In Levels Of Personal Body Awareness, Lauren Nancarrow Clarke Aug 2007

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 …

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The Dilemmas And Challenges Of Teenage Motherhood : Exploring The Barriers In The Discovery Of The Self, Rebecca Colvin Aug 2007

The Dilemmas And Challenges Of Teenage Motherhood : Exploring The Barriers In The Discovery Of The Self, Rebecca Colvin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers that may prevent adolescent mothers from accessing social support. For the purpose of this study, the barriers examined were depression and self-esteem. The sample consisted of 50 adolescent mothers who were participants in several social service agencies located in western Massachusetts. The participants completed the Rosenberg Self Esteem scale, the Brief Symptom inventory scale, and a brief form used to gather basic demographic information. Case workers indicated what kinds of social support services the adolescents were engaged in at their programs. Adolescent mothers who were involved in one formal support …

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Uncovering Oppression Within The Anti-Rape Movement : The Role Of Race In The Reporting Experiences Of Adult Black Female Rape Survivors, Amy Rebecca Hochberg Aug 2007

Uncovering Oppression Within The Anti-Rape Movement : The Role Of Race In The Reporting Experiences Of Adult Black Female Rape Survivors, Amy Rebecca Hochberg

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study sought to explore how the oppressions of race and gender intersect within the experiences of Black female survivors in the anti-rape movement, specifically in the experience of reporting rape. The experiences of twelve helping professionals, who work with Black female survivors, were collected to determine the prevalence of discrimination within the anti-rape movement and to examine how anti-oppression training could improve services for survivors of sexual violence. The first-hand experience of one survivor further enhanced an understanding of how discrimination affects the reporting experiences of rape survivors. Thirteen individual interviews were conducted with one survivor, seven helping professionals …

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Couples' Decision-Making Processes : First-Time Parenthood In Dual-Career Partnerships, Amelia Fern Hube Aug 2007

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 …

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Using The Principles Of Existential Psychotherapeutic Theory To Enrich Understanding Of Eating Disorder Etiology, Sabrina Johnston Aug 2007

Using The Principles Of Existential Psychotherapeutic Theory To Enrich Understanding Of Eating Disorder Etiology, Sabrina Johnston

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study was conducted make connections between existential psychotherapeutic theory and existing theories of eating disorder etiology. The dearth of literature connecting these two suggests room for further study. An in-depth exploration of existential theory as it applies to psychotherapy, showing the pervasiveness of existential concerns in human psychological functioning was conducted. A review of each of the major categories of eating disorder etiology; sociocultural/feminist, psychological (including psychodynamic, familial and cognitive-behavioral perspectives), biological, and spiritual, was undertaken. Eating disorder treatment approaches and epidemiology were also explored. Finally a synthesis of existential psychotherapeutic theory with existing eating disorder etiology was …

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Space Exploration : Mapping Students' Perception Of The Smith College Campus, Stephanie Alexandra Keep Aug 2007

Space Exploration : Mapping Students' Perception Of The Smith College Campus, Stephanie Alexandra Keep

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

In keeping with the values of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), this longitudinal exploratory study was developed with the belief in the importance of assessing the individual perception of the client when planning, creating, and implementing a change effort for which the client has been named beneficiary. The study was undertaken to measure spatially how people perceive their environments as a means to support community planning, specifically focusing on whether an environmental change effort, the new Campus Center, can affect students' perception of community support, satisfaction, safety, and formal and informal socialization. A mapping questionnaire was sent out …

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Are We Attracted To Romantic Partners Who Tend To Resemble Our Caregivers?, Rebecca Kohrman Kohrman Aug 2007

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 …

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Nature And Quality Of Care : Two Measures Partially Addressing Impediments To Adequate Childcare For Vulnerable Children, Chad Wayne. Kordt-Thomas Aug 2007

Nature And Quality Of Care : Two Measures Partially Addressing Impediments To Adequate Childcare For Vulnerable Children, Chad Wayne. Kordt-Thomas

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored the level of care accessible to most young children, especially those living in or near poverty and with acute social-emotional needs. A critical analysis of childcare systems generated a demonstration of the multiple impingements upon care providers' abilities to furnish warm, responsive care. Children who most need skilled and attuned care, those with extraordinary sets of needs, were shown to be placed most at risk for expulsion from their group care settings. This phenomenon was interpreted through the relational conceptualization of mental health consultation to childcare developed at the Daycare Consultants component of the Infant-Parent Program, University …

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A Nation Divided : An Exploration Of National Identity And Immigration Through Analysis Of Naturalized Mexican And Non-Hispanic White Citizen's Attitudes Toward Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Mekhala Miriam. Koshy Aug 2007

A Nation Divided : An Exploration Of National Identity And Immigration Through Analysis Of Naturalized Mexican And Non-Hispanic White Citizen's Attitudes Toward Undocumented Immigration In The United States, Mekhala Miriam. Koshy

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study sought to understand the intersection of citizenship status and national identity as factors impacting perceptions of undocumented immigration in the U.S. Increased national identity is proposed to coincide with low levels of support and more negative associations with undocumented immigration. An additional hypothesis asserts immigrants and non-immigrants alike will illustrate parallel attitudes, though the naturalized group will retain more positive attitudes towards the impact and future of U.S. immigration. The current research was undertaken to illustrate how immigrants are compelled towards native-cultural distancing to gain access to privileges afforded to adherents to Anglo practices deemed as 'American' culture. …

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Confronting Race And Racism : Social Identity In African American Gay Men, Benjamin A. Kudler Aug 2007

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 …

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The Integration Of Exercise As An Adjunct Treatment For Depression By Clinical Social Workers In Massachusetts : A Study Designed To Expand The Practice Of Area Social Workers, Thomas Lawrence Lusignan Aug 2007

The Integration Of Exercise As An Adjunct Treatment For Depression By Clinical Social Workers In Massachusetts : A Study Designed To Expand The Practice Of Area Social Workers, Thomas Lawrence Lusignan

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore the practice of clinical social workers utilizing exercise as an adjunct treatment to psychotherapy for major depression. A significant motivation in undertaking this study for the researcher was the limited attention to the effectiveness of exercise as an intervention in the treatment of depression by clinical social workers. While there is significant literature on the value of exercise in maintaining and improving physical and mental health of exercisers, there is a scarcity of material relating to the perspectives, experiences and practices of clinical social workers who are integrating exercise into treatment of …

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An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personal Ideal(S) Of Female Beauty, Self Perception(S) Of Female Beauty, And Self Esteem In Women, Megan S. Lynch Aug 2007

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personal Ideal(S) Of Female Beauty, Self Perception(S) Of Female Beauty, And Self Esteem In Women, Megan S. Lynch

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored the relationship between personal ideals of female beauty, the self perceptions of female beauty, and self esteem in adult women. Most studies that have been conducted on this topic have been quantitative and used college age samples that are still in the process of transitioning into adulthood. The sample for this study consisted of twelve adult women between the ages of 24 and 39. Participants were asked a series of structured demographic background questions followed by more semi-structured and open-ended questions that explored their ideals of female beauty. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (a standardized self-esteem inventory) …

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Undocumented Latino Immigrants' Opinions On Seeking Counseling From Non-Latino Clinicians And Their Views Of What Would Constitute Culturally Competent Services, Maria Angelica. Mccoy Aug 2007

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 …

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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 Aug 2007

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 …

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Transcending Culture : The Universality Of Grief, Kelly Diane Meade Aug 2007

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 …

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Nowhere To Nap : How Service Providers And Homeless Adult Males View The Influence Criminalizing Survival Activities Has On Support Service Use, An Exploratory Study, Brion Inness. Phipps Aug 2007

Nowhere To Nap : How Service Providers And Homeless Adult Males View The Influence Criminalizing Survival Activities Has On Support Service Use, An Exploratory Study, Brion Inness. Phipps

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explores how service providers and homeless adult males view the influence criminalizing survival activities has on support service use. Six homeless adult males and five service providers were interviewed for the study. Participant narratives revealed the complexity and uniqueness of homeless experiences. The major findings revealed that homeless individuals do not directly acknowledge the impact criminalizing homeless survival activities has on support service use. On the other hand, service providers were not in agreement about the impact of criminalizing survival activities. While some providers felt the impact was severe, others felt it had no affect on homeless …

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From Consciousness To Action : Are There Common Identifiable Life Experiences Among People Who Actively Organize Against Oppression, Nikita Pion-Klockner Aug 2007

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 …

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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 Aug 2007

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 …

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Finding Common Ground Amidst Difference : Discussions And Perceptions Of Race And Ethnicity In Interracial And Interethnic Friendships, Melissa. Rocklen Aug 2007

Finding Common Ground Amidst Difference : Discussions And Perceptions Of Race And Ethnicity In Interracial And Interethnic Friendships, Melissa. Rocklen

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored how friends talked about and developed their perceptions of one another's race and ethnicity in interracial and interethnic friendships. Members of seven friendship dyads were interviewed separately, resulting in fourteen individual interviews. Participants ranged in age from 25 through 37; they were diverse in gender, length of friendship, and how they identified racially and ethnically. Members of all friendships dyads reported that they identified differently, racially and ethnically, from one another. During their interviews, participants discussed their own ethnic and racial identities, their friend's ethnic and racial identities, communication about race and ethnicity within the friendship, …

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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 Aug 2007

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 …

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Fibromyalgia : A Legacy Of Chronic Pain, Lisa Pauline. Smith Aug 2007

Fibromyalgia : A Legacy Of Chronic Pain, Lisa Pauline. Smith

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical study explored the syndrome known as fibromyalgia (FMS), a chronic pain condition which is rife with controversy about its very origins and nature. This study examined FMS from a biopsychosocial perspective, taking up the question of the relationship between the body and mind and their respective roles in pain. FMS is elucidated using an eclectic approach, including concepts from drive theory, object relations, contemporary case studies, and trauma theory (including the role of the brain in pain with no known etiology). A biopsychosocial assessment of a hypothetical client is offered in an attempt to ground the various ideas …

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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 Aug 2007

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 …

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Gender Variance And Mental Health : A National Survey Of Transgender Trauma History, Posttraumatic Stress, And Disclosure In Therapy, Virginia Wyatt Wharton Aug 2007

Gender Variance And Mental Health : A National Survey Of Transgender Trauma History, Posttraumatic Stress, And Disclosure In Therapy, Virginia Wyatt Wharton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study aimed to investigate rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress in the lives of transgender individuals and to gather data on this population's accessing of mental health services and willingness to disclose trauma history in therapy. It was hypothesized that as a marginalized population, transgender individuals are at increased risk for victimization and posttraumatic stress. It was also hypothesized that while a high number of transgender individuals access mental health services, many choose not to disclose trauma history to a therapist. A web-based anonymous survey of trauma history, posttraumatic stress, and disclosure of trauma history in therapy was …

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Experienced And Inexperienced Therapists : A Comparison Of Attitude Toward And Use Of Countertransference Disclosure, Sara R. Willott Aug 2007

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 …

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Attachment In Older Adolescent Romantic Relationships, Whitney E. Young Aug 2007

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 …

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Let's Talk About Sex : Sexual Education And Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Stephanie Grace Agnew Aug 2007

Let's Talk About Sex : Sexual Education And Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Stephanie Grace Agnew

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The study was undertaken to look at adolescents' experiences in school sexual education programs, to examine how abstinence only and comprehensive sexual education programs impact adolescent sexual behavior, and to explore whether there is a correlation between adolescents' sexual behavior and their satisfaction with their sexual health education. This study also set out to examine where adolescents turn for more comprehensive sexual health information when they are not satisfied with what they are receiving in school. This study surveyed 56 college freshmen about their middle school and high school sexual education experiences and their attitudes toward sexual health. Participants provided …

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