Digital Commons Network^™

Connecting The Disciplinary Dots: Faculty Attitudes Toward The Professionalization Of Web Development, Kathleen Mary Kalata

Dissertations

Professionalization offers rewards such as prestige, financial benefits and autonomy. Fields such as nursing and social work have undergone the professionalization process. This exploratory study examined faculty attitudes regarding the professionalization of web development as defined by the Hall model of professionalism. The purpose of the study was to understand how faculty view web development as a profession. Based on the Hall’s Professionalism Scale (1968) and modified survey by Snizek (1972), the Web Development Professionalism Inventory (WDPI) was used to explore faculty attitudes toward professionalization.

This study surveyed faculty about their views on the structural and attitudinal components of web …

Self-Care Strategies Among Parents With A Child Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shawn M. Gorsky

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore self-care strategies among parents with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study used a survey design to detect the extent to which respondents used self-care strategies to alleviate high stress levels associated with caring for an ASD child. The study was comprised of twenty eight respondents. The study found that the higher the level of education completed by the parent the greater the likelihood that self-care strategies were utilized. The study also found that the age of the ASD child was a factor in the level of physical self-care being …

Teachers’ Beliefs About Mental Health Issues, Shannon R. Kelleher

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examined teachers’ beliefs about mental health issues in students. A quantitative research method was utilized, and survey instrument was created modeled after the theory of planned behavior. Thirty-seven teachers were surveyed in five areas in relation to their beliefs about assessment and referral; including, previous assessment and referral; mental health training; attitudes toward assessment and referral; the perceived social normality of assessment and referral; and perceived self-efficacy or behavior control. These five areas became independent variable measures, with the dependent variable being their future intention of assessing and referring students with mental health issues. Multiple regression analysis revealed …

Beliefs About Religion And Spirituality Among Substance Abuse Counselors, Sonia U. Ndukwe

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examined the beliefs about religion and spirituality among substance abuse counselors. The data was gathered using an explorative qualitative design by interviewing substance abuse counselors in the field and asking questions related to the religion, spirituality, and the influence on their practice. This research highlighted the impact of substance abuse as a spiritual disease that affects the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the client’s life. The key findings were related to the responses from the participants because it highlighted the importance of meeting the client where they are (motivational congruence), tolerance, acceptance, and the impact of agency …

Beliefs About Substance Abusing Clients Among Social Work Students, Seidy Jhosselyn Soto, Marry Jean Stuart

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study was a quantitative survey and explored beliefs about substance abusing clients among sixty-three social work students. The study focused on the extent to which social work students display bias toward clients with a substance abuse disorder. The study also explored the attitudinal domains of permissiveness, treatment intervention, non-stereotypes, treatment optimism, and non-moralism. The study found that social work students who have taken a substance abuse education class are less like to attribute substance abuse addiction to a weak will in the client. The study recommends that future studies on beliefs about substance abusing clients among social work students …

Incarcerated Fathers And Their Children: Effects Of A Reciprocally Connected Relationship, Amber Jay-Marie Houghton, Abigail Navarro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study was aimed at exploring the issues faced by previously incarcerated fathers and their children. A qualitative design utilizing face to face interviews was used to answer the question: according to previously incarcerate fathers, what are the differences between the reciprocal connectedness of fathers and their children prior to, during, and following incarceration? Interviews were conducted with 10 previously incarcerated fathers.

Researchers found that all participants had positive relationships with their children at some point prior to incarceration. Furthermore, during incarceration the reciprocal connectedness of these relationships severely decreased due to limited or no contact. Following incarceration, fathers …

Mental Health Services For Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Crystal Lynn Toscano, Kanika Aisha Roberts

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has affected millions of veterans who have served in the United States Military. PTSD causes severe impairments in one's mental health, and is correlated with homelessness, substance abuse, and unemployment. Recently, the United States Department Veterans Affairs has been funded more to improve services of mental health and other health care services. Specifically, this study was interested in exploring the perceptions that veterans have of the quality of services that have been provided for PTSD.

Results indicated that the participants who utilized services felt individual and family therapy services were most helpful in reducing PTSD symptoms. …

Incarceration And Reintegration: How It Impacts Mental Health, April M. Marier, Alex Alfredo Reyes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous criminal justice policies have been non-effective leading to overpopulated prisons and unsuccessful reintegration. There is a lack of effective supportive and/or rehabilitative services resulting in high rates of recidivism and mental health implications. Objective: This study investigated the perceived impact that incarceration and reintegration with little to no supportive and/or rehabilitative services has on the mental health status of an individual. The emphasis was on participant perception and not on professional reports because of underreporting and lack of attention to mental health in the criminal justice system. Methods: Focus groups in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley …

The Relationship Between Social Workers' Alcohol Or Drug Use And Subjective Well-Being, Gustavo Torres, Katherine Clair Newell Tristan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The relationship between alcohol or drug use and subjective well‑being among master of social work students and practitioners was examined. Subjective well‑being measures included core, life satisfaction, affect, eudaimonia and domain evaluation. Frequency of alcohol, tobacco, cannabinoids and psychotropic drug use was collected. There were modest to moderate negative correlations between alcohol and life satisfaction and eudaimonia. There were moderate negative correlations between psychotropic medication and life satisfaction, eudaimonia and domain. There was a modest negative correlation between tobacco and life satisfaction and a strong negative correlation between tobacco and eudaimonia. There were no significant correlations with cannabinoids in any …

Social Work Students’ Knowledge Of Veterans’ Needs And Issues, Sylvia H. Samy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The veteran population is under-served. Due to the current circumstances of increased deployment and the rate of returning soldiers from current wars (Iraq and Afghanistan); there is an increased demand for competent social workers to provide them with services. Furthermore, the Department of Veteran Affairs is the number one employer of social workers. Hence, measuring the knowledge of social work students is essential to explore their competence of working with the veteran population. The study presents an exploratory research method, using a quantitative approach. Further, students’ knowledge was measured in ten domains: Benefits and Services, Service Related Disabilities, PTSD/Trauma, Childcare, …

Searching For Inclusion: The Impact Of Environmental Barriers On People With Physical Disabilities, Angela Y. Coate

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

People with physical disabilities face challenges each day when trying to navigate a world filled with environmental and architectural barriers. Research indicates that environmental barriers isolate and prevent many people with physical disabilities from accessing and participating in the community and society. This research study directly applied quantifiable investigative methods through the dissemination of anonymous, online surveys that obtained a total of 363 participants who met the requirements of being between the ages of 18 and 65, and who have a medically diagnosed physical disability in order to identify key factors leading to the isolation among physically disabled persons. This …

Where Are All The Services?: An Administrators Perspective On Homeless Services In Western Riverside County, Sarah Crane

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to better understand the state of homeless services in Western Riverside County’s unincorporated areas and cities. Though various services are available to the homeless in these areas, the distance between the appropriate services and some residential parts of the county can be vast. This study sought to obtain an understanding from the administrators of homeless services providers on the deficiencies in services across the county, striving to understand where and what type of increased services are needed.

This study used a qualitative research design. Data were collected from nine homeless service administrators from around …

Experiences Of Young Adults In Extended Foster Care: An Explortive Study, Elaine Marie Contreras

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Currently, there are thousands of foster youth in the child welfare system. When they reach the age of 18, some of these youth emancipate from the system, while some of them participate in extended foster care. The extended foster care system was implemented to support and provide services to young adults passed the age of 18, to provide them a couple more years to obtain stability in their lives. In order to participate in extended foster care, they have to meet a few requirements, and sometimes this is the minimum level of commitment and effort they contribute. These requirements include: …

Psychometric Properties Of The Index Of Relocation Adjustment, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

More and more American older adults are relocating to retirement communities, and they experience challenges in adjusting to new surroundings that may increase their depression and mortality. An instrument not previously tested in the United States, the Index of Relocation Adjustment (IRA), may help in early identification of poor relocation adjustment. This study examined the psychometric properties of the IRA using secondary data from a convenience sample of 104 older adults who relocated to 6 retirement communities in Northeast Ohio. Cronbach’s alpha was .86. The IRA was correlated with measures of positive cognitions (r = .48, p < .01) and relocation controllability (r = …

Cultural Sensitivity And Elder Abuse: Considerations For Social Work Practice, Katherine R. Bernardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how social workers identify elder abuse, factors they find contribute to or protect from elder abuse, and cultural considerations they identify as important. The qualitative research approach was utilized, and an interview instrument was created to explore participants’ perceptions and generate recommendations for developing cultural sensitivity in practice. The study sample consisted of 10 social workers with experience working with the elderly population recruited by snowball sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed for analysis. This study found that social workers are particularly knowledgeable about risk factors for elder abuse and …

Beliefs About Substance Abuse Among Adolescents: What Works?, Alma Elizabeth Hernandez, Stephanie Michelle Araiza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore beliefs about what works in substance abuse treatment among adolescents. This was a qualitative study that was comprised of fourteen counselors who were interviewed regarding what works in substance treatment with adolescents. The study identified four themes that contribute to our knowledge about what works in substance abuse treatment among adolescents. The study recommends that future research explore further what works with adolescents in substance abuse treatment, including collaborating with family members, identifying strengths in adolescents, building an authentic rapport with adolescents, and using the latest evidence-based practices.

Legal Tools Instead Of Weapons: Jewish Resistance To The State Takeover Of Urban Real Estate And Businesses During The Antonescu Regime, Stefan Cristian Ionescu

History Faculty Books and Book Chapters

"I will investigate the different forms of Jewish resistance to the Antonescu regime, focusing on the use of legalities to bypass the process of Romanianization or Aryanization or state takeover of businesses and urban real estate, a process that aimed to exclude Jews from the local economy and, ultimately, from society.¹ The use of legal tools, mainly sabotage and judicial contestation by tens of thousands of Romanian Jews, was resistance to the Holocaust at its best.² If the seizure of Jewish properties, businesses, and jobs, as envisioned by Romanianization’s social architects, had succeeded, it would have meant starvation, …

A Sociological Perspective Of The American Education System, Duskin Hobbs

Social Sciences

The intension of this research project is to provide a critical analysis of the modern American school system, the policies that created and maintain it, the extensive effects of its practices, and the future of education under such a system. I will begin by tracing the evolution of the current order and discuss the impacts of government educational initiatives such as No Child Left Behind (George W. Bush) and A Race to the Top (Barack Obama) among others. To support these examples I will use secondary statistical research data, scholarly journals, government sources, and other forms of evidence. In this …

Predicting Youth Treatment Failure: An Investigation Of Clinical Versus Actuarial Judgment, Tessa Nicole Salisbury

Theses and Dissertations

Research investigating clinical versus actuarial prediction and judgment has consistently demonstrated the superiority of actuarial (statistical) methods. Little research to date has directly compared clinical and actuarial predictions in the context of patient-focused psychotherapy outcomes. The most relevant study on this issue was completed with an adult population and results indicated that the actuarial method was significantly more accurate at predicting client treatment failure compared to clinician’s predictions. This study examined clinical versus actuarial prediction of client deterioration in a sample of children and adolescents receiving treatment in a managed care and community mental health setting. Predictions of treatment failure …

Standing In The Gap : The Past And Future Of Pan-African Studies At The University Of Louisville., Ricky L. Jones

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Closing this special issue dedicated to the University of Louisville’s Pan-African Studies Department (PAS) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, this article poses the questions, What is Pan-African Studies? What does Pan-African Studies do? Why is it needed? What does it address and how does it contribute to the ongoing humanization project that has sat at the heart of so many national and global struggles?

Are Non-Profit Immigration Organizations Ready For A Comprehensive Immigration Reform?, Sandra Lizeth Molina, Deserae Leanna Quezada

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore whether non-profit immigration organizations are ready for a comprehensive immigration reform. Social workers need to recognize that a lack of readiness among non-profit immigration organizations for a comprehensive immigration reform will lead to a lack of required services for undocumented populations. The sample consisted of twelve religious and non-religiously affiliated non-profit immigration organizations. A qualitative research method was used to analyze the data.

The results of the study concluded that non-profit immigration organizations are not ready for a CIR. Although the organizations are not ready, several factors were found to affect their …

Life Challenges Among Ex-Offenders:A Needs Assessment, Ashley Williams-Queen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This study explored the perceived needs of ex-offenders. Empirical research reports that individuals who have been incarcerated are at risk of recidivism. This study used a qualitative research design and the data was collected from in-depth interviews with ten participants. The study found that lack of income and education has impacted the number of individuals who are failing to successfully reintegrate into society. This study also revealed that the lack of employment, housing, community resources, correctional rehabilitation, and vocational training have the ability to challenge successful reintegration. This study recommends that an increase in transitional services be rendered to …

Healthy And Maladaptive Coping Strategies Among Master Of Social Work Students, Jody D. Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore healthy and maladaptive coping strategies among MSW students. The data was collected using self‑reported questionnaires. A total of 47 students participated in this study. Using the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping as a theoretical framework, this study assessed stress levels using the Perceived Stress Scale. The Brief COPE instrument measured coping strategies. The study found relationships between stressors and maladaptive coping and perceived stress. The study recommends that future research on coping strategies among MSW students include greater attention to training MSW students how to deal with stress during their MSW …

What Clinical Approaches Have Service Providers Observed To Be Most Effective When Treating Young Survivors Of Human Sex Trafficking?, Elisa Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Human sex trafficking of minors is generally thought of as a problem that occurs in third world countries; however recent incidents have begun to shine a light on domestic sex trafficking happening in the United States. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven participants who work with this population and explored treatment approaches they have observed to be effective when treating victims. The common theme was the use of Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), especially when gathering information surrounding the trauma. It is important to note that although TF-CBT has been observed to be effective it does not meet all of …

Student Employment In Organizations And The Relationships Among Commitment Levels, Turnover Intentions, And Absenteeism, Brittany J. Roy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

To date, research that examines individuals who work and go to school generally aims to examine the effects of doing so on their academic performance. Little literature is available that examines the effects that these dual roles can have on the organization (e.g., lower levels of commitment and higher rates of absenteeism and turnover). Understanding such effects can assist organizations in managing their employees and developing programs tailored to them, such as career counseling. A literature review is presented which examines both the constructs of the multiple forms of commitment, absenteeism, and turnover, and the research currently available on student …

Hospice Patient's Perception Of Family Support, Claudia Renteria

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This qualitative and quantitative study focused on exploring hospice patient’s perceptions of family support. Family support was conceptualized as which family member they expect to receive support from, types of support provided, frequency of support, family communication about medical illness, and type of support that is perceived to be most helpful. Fifteen partcipants between the ages of 70 to 98 were interviewed using purposive sampling. Findings showed that although participants found both physical and emotional support helpful, more than half reported perceiving emotional support as the most helpful. Recommendations for social work practice and research were discussed.

The Examination Of Confidentiality In A School Based Setting, Hannan M. Dababneh, Kalisha -Koran Ayisha Vault

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research study explored the policies and procedures that

education systems abide by, as well as how these policies are enforced to protect the confidentiality of dependent children’s private information from being exposed in their schools to non-relatives and uninvolved parties to their case. Elementary, middle school, and high school faculty’s perception of confidentiality was explored to identify individual competence when working with social workers during their direct contact visit with dependent children on school premises. Data collection included anonymous online surveys of 30-school faculty of various schools in the Southern California. There were no significant findings to support school …

Effects Of Life Events On The Onset Of Delayed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Aging Combat Veterans, Meaghan L. Martin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research examined life events that affect the onset of delayed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in aging combat veterans. A common result from experiencing combat trauma is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is a rapidly growing veteran population experiencing delayed onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The occurrence of additional life stressors may increase the likelihood that someone will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in response to a prior traumatic event. Participants of the study were combat veterans over the age of 65. Qualitative data were gathered from interviewing participants on life events they have experienced since combat exposure as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder …

Attachment, Fostering Parenting And Placement Stability, Renae L. Devolld, Myra Alicia Louise Rickman

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

A significant number of children remain in foster care for long periods of time. Among this vulnerable population there is a high rate of placement disruption. Multiple placement changes are more likely to have a negative effect on children in out‑of‑home care than those who remain in the same foster home until they can return to their parents, be adopted or leave foster care between 18 and 21 years of age. This study examined the effect of the foster parent’s attachment style on the parenting values for touch, praise, encouragement, hope and commitment regarding foster children. Adults with a secure …

Attitudes Toward Antisocial Personality Disorder Among Clinicians, Theresa Matich

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes toward antisocial personality disorder among clinicians. The researcher created a 15 question survey to interview clinicians in hopes of eliciting information about their attitudes toward this population. The survey consisted of seven open ended questions and eight Likert scale questions. The researcher analyzed the data by transcribing the interviews and looking for common themes among the responses. Likert scale questions were tallied and compared in SPSS to determine the spread of the answers. The results of the study showed there are negative attitudes among clinicians currently in direct treatment settings; …