Digital Commons Network^™

Black Events As Narrated By Black People: Contextualizing America’S Framing Of Progression In News, Social, And Academic Writing, Tyrina Horton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This paper is a critical examination of collective and public memories of public events that impact Black lives as constructed in news, social, and academic writing. Using Black mundane life to explore and build localized context and attitudes towards these events, I examine whether the collective memory of an event, as framed by public discourse, accurately portrays how Black communities experienced them. This paper explores what it means for Black people, to experience a disconnect with written accounts of public events that do not properly account for the many layers of Black experience, highlighting where there’s a failure to tell …

The Development Of Magmas Inhibition As A Potential Therapeutic Target In Temozolomide Resistant Glioma, Jennifer Duyen Tran

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor that remains a significant challenge in neuro-oncology today. Approximately 90% of GBM patients experience tumor recurrence within one to two years of diagnosis. Therefore, due to its high resistance to conventional therapies, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. The current standard of care for GBM is the chemotherapeutic Temozolomide (TMZ). TMZ is an oral alkylating agent, it functions by delivering a methyl group to purine bases. The development of resistance to TMZ is partially regulated by the DNA repair enzyme O6- methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Despite the potential shown by MGMT promoter methylation …

Implementing A Sustainable Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Across Riverside County, Felipe Aperador

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project focuses on improving health surveillance in remote communities, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) enhancing connectivity and data collection. Geographic barriers, high shipping costs, and logistical challenges have historically hindered healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By integrating healthcare facilities into a cohesive surveillance systems, would improve specimen collection and data analysis. A systematic review of literature identified key strategies, including governmental support, strengthening laboratory capacity, addressing logistical barriers, and enhancing connectivity. Notable results include insights to integrate new facilities when creating a surveillance network, supported by training and state-funded resources. Actionable steps, such as implementing National Action Plans, establishing National …

Cultural Stigmas Are A Barrier To Mental Health Services Among Latinos, Kimberly Soto Banuelos

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health stigmas significantly impact utilization of services among Latinos, a population that experiences unique culture and social barriers. This study examined the impact that cultural stigmas have on Latinos utilizing mental health services or not. Using a Qualtrics survey targeting college students of Latino descent, this study gathered quantitative data on attitudes towards mental health, alongside a few demographic features. There were forty completed surveys analyzed which findings revealed a prevalence of stigma, particularly in attitudes towards seeking help from mental health professionals. Although this quantitative research did not show a significant correlation between stigma and likelihood of using …

Social Workers Perception Of Co-Occuring Disorders, Mirella Ramirez, Raelyn Calderon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study investigates how social work practitioners in California view their approach to treating people with co-occurring disorders—disorders that involve both mental health and drug use problems. Eleven clinicians participated in in-depth Zoom interviews for the study, which reveals the main obstacles and variables affecting their treatment with patients who have co-occurring illnesses. The questions focused on the clinician's own experiences working with clients, including the challenges they face and common miscommunications or occurrences that have influenced their approach. Numerous challenges are shown by the research, such as complicated client needs, scarce resources, stigma, and a lack of family support. …

Leadership Post Covid-19: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Public-School Administrators And Support Through Professional Development, Teresa Marie Burr

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This qualitative study aimed to gather knowledge from the lived experiences of public school administrators before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions focused on the support and training received, experiences at school sites and online, and the lessons learned during this time. The literature review focused on issues that school administrators dealt with during this time. Challenges were varied, and solutions and information provided from the review indicated the need for communication, support, and planning. The theoretical framework was Activity Theory and Cultural Historical Activity Theory, which focused on the premise that an activity may be shared and taken …

Challenges To And Receptiveness Of Service Providers Efforts When Working With Undocumented Migrants, Jesse Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This exploratory study will obtain knowledge on how receptive Undocumented Latinx Migrants (ULMs) are to the advocacy efforts of Service Providers (SPs). Additionally, challenges and barriers that SPs encounter that prevent them from delivering quality and effective services and resources to ULMs will be explored. The last theme to be explored is the degree of knowledge of resources, that SPs possess, that can empower the ULM community. The data obtained from SPs will make the audience aware of the challenges, ethical and legal dilemmas that they face when advocating for this population.

This qualitative research design/methods will consist of 3 …

A Systematic Review Of Effective School-Based Interventions Against Bullying In The United States, Jessica Lopez Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Bullying remains a persistent issue within the United States (U.S.) educational system, affecting–among other things–students’ well-being, academic performance, and mental health. This mixed-methods systematic review was purported to address gaps in previous literature by identifying effective school-based interventions against bullying implemented between 2017 and 2024 in the U.S. Using a purposive sampling method, this review screened three electronic databases: APA PsycNET, ERIC, and JSTOR to garner relevant studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed to ensure rigorous selection and analysis of relevant articles. There were four studies in this systematic review (n=4). The …

Social Media Use In Health Education: National Children's Dental Health Month Social Media Toolkit, Jazmin Pelayo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) was created by the American Dental Association and is celebrated annually by local oral health programs all around the country. The celebration began as a one-day event on February 8, 1949, expanded to a week-long observance in 1955, and was later extended to a month-long celebration in 1981. Today local oral health programs celebrate NCDHM in a variety of ways but the one I will be focusing on is a social media tool kit. A social media tool kit consists of videos or posts that are posted on different platforms such as the www.smilesbc.org …

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 Whole Person Care Approach To Ending The Hiv Epidemic In The Inland Empire, Roberto Daniel Gonzalez Coronado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the last 40 years, the United States has seen remarkable progress in the field of HIV treatment; however, the virus continues to burden the most vulnerable members of society, such as Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Intravenous Drug Users (IVDU). Unfortunately, these vulnerable members of society continue to lack stable social conditions to get into proper HIV treatment. These social conditions are referred to as social determinants of health, which are non-medical factors that influence whole-person care. With these members of society continuing to face greater social disparities, their linkage to care and retention to care …

Student Mental Health And Student Engagement In Higher Education: Identifying The Mechanisms, Sailesh Maharjan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Students’ mental health is critical for their personal and educational engagement, particularly among First Generation College Students (FGCSs). There is a growing need in higher education to openly discuss mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding available resources and campus culture in influencing student well-being. Adopting a salutogenic perspective, this study highlights the necessity of viewing student mental health as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. In this context, the study examines the relationship between student mental health and overall engagement in higher education, specifically focusing on the roles of a sense of belonging, psychological flexibility, and …

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. …

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 …

Planning To Pivot: Employment Lessons From A Military Spouse, Jennifer Barnhill, Rosalinda Maury, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This narrative profile is part of a companion series to the Reimagining Military Spouse Employment research initiative. While the data briefs provide statistical analysis of employment patterns, industries, and outcomes, this series puts a human face on the data by following military spouses through the career pivots the research describes.

The profile follows a new military spouse as she navigates early career disruptions, PCS moves, and the compounding effects of short-term decisions on long-term career outcomes. It is written for a dual audience: military spouses seeking practical insight, and employers and policymakers looking to understand the lived experience behind the …

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 …

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; …

Ntier Code Generator, Mohammed Qattan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project presents a software tool designed to automate the generation of standardized code for all layers of an n-tier architecture, including the Database Layer, Data Access Layer (DAL), and Business Logic Layer (BLL). By employing object-oriented principles and parsing the database structure, the tool ensures modularity, scalability, and maintainability. It efficiently formats code templates for CRUD operations, enhancing development efficiency and consistency, while streamlining database interactions and enforcing business rules.

This project presents an innovative software tool designed to automate the generation of standardized code for all layers of an n-tier architecture, including the Database Layer, Data Access Layer …

A Secluded Cabin On The Outskirts Of Riverside: A 1937 Trial For Conspiracy To Have Gay Sex, Randall Stoner, Randi Stoner

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 14, 1937, a group of deputy sheriffs and military police surrounded a secluded cabin on the outskirts of Riverside and forced their way inside, arresting everyone on the premises for conspiracy to violate California Penal Code sections 288a and 286: oral copulation and sodomy. Though same-sex relations were outlawed, these men had sought to create a place of privacy for themselves—only to have it surveilled and raided by members of law enforcement. The subsequent trial, People v. Jordan, was a landmark case for the city of Riverside. Many histories of LGBTQ …

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 …