Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Aces On Substance Abuse In California: A Secondary Data Analysis Using Chis Data, Ashley J. Brounstein

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of long-term health and behavioral outcomes. Using data from 19,771 adults in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study examines the relationship between ACEs and substance use in adulthood, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping later-life health behaviors. Participants reported their ACE exposure through a 10-item ACE scale titled Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire developed by Vincent Felitti and Robert Anda. The study assesses the use of various substances, including (a) marijuana, (b) e-cigarettes, (c) CBD, (d) cigarettes, (e) alcohol, and (f) illicit drugs, measured by past …

Access To Mental Health In The Latino Community, Lindsey Corado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to explore mental health within the Latino community, highlighting the disparities in mental health service utilization and the contributing factors. The key barriers identified include stigma, economic hardships, language barriers, and lack of culturally relevant services, which have disproportionately affected Latinos' access to mental health. The research examines cause-and-effect relationships between interventions and utilization using an explanatory design. Using mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative data is collected to examine participants' knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward mental health services and their impact on service utilization. Convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling are utilized to recruit 40 participants meeting specific …

The Structural Barriers In Occupational Licensing For Undocumented Students, Itzayana J. Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Research has focused on understanding the barriers to financial stability, higher education, and access to healthcare among undocumented immigrants but less efforts have been geared towards identifying the obstacles they face in obtaining professional licensure. This exploratory study sought to identify the structural barriers to professional licensure for undocumented students in higher education. Methods: Qualitative data were collected on the licensing requirements of behavioral health careers in California. Using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations determination of behavioral health careers, specific professions were identified. The requirements for professional licensure were extracted from each profession’s official …

Addressing Transphobia In The Twenty-First Century: A Survey Of Teachers' Awareness And Receptiveness In California, Melissa Rachel Pflug

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transphobia is a form of discrimination against transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, genderqueer, and intersex individuals based on their gender identity. Transphobia and transphobic rhetoric result in higher rates of bullying and mental health challenges for transgender students. A significant obstacle presented in the education system for transgender students is the lack of education on interventions against transphobic bullying. This study assessed the awareness and receptiveness of K -12 teachers in California regarding the use of school-based interventions against transphobia. Using a purposive sampling method, this cross-sectional study surveyed K -12 teachers across California to determine their awareness and receptiveness levels regarding …

Exploring Foster Parent Readiness And Willingness To Foster Children In San Bernardino County, Brianna P. Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the U.S., there is a shortage of foster parents, which limits the number of children placed in homes that are appropriate to their needs. Many states across the U.S. are experiencing an increase in the number of children in foster care as well as high foster parent turnover rates and low retention rates. This proposed research study will examine the readiness and willingness of foster parents in San Bernardino County, California to care for children who have multiple placement moves, behavioral issues, trauma, and insecure attachments. Based on their experiences, participants will be asked to evaluate and discuss fostering …

Cultural And Social Factors In Postpartum Depression: A Study Of Latina And White Mothers, Juana Gutierrez-Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Postpartum depression is a prevalent mood disorder that impacts 10-20% of women annually in the United States following childbirth. While all pregnant women are at risk of PPD, existing literature suggests that Latina mothers report PPD and seek treatment at lower rates than White mothers. Prior studies have identified risk factors and barriers that impact reporting and treatment among Latinas. The aim of this study is to investigate the interplay of race, depression, marital status, education, poverty level, and social support among White and Latina mothers. Using combined data from the 2017 and 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we …

The Effectiveness Of Homelessness Prevention Services In Southern California, Marlon N. Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project aimed to determine the effectiveness of available prevention services for individuals and families at risk of experiencing homelessness in a region of Southern California. Homelessness is a prevalent social problem for society and the social problem has been growing significantly. The study adopted an exploratory and qualitative research design by interviewing social services professionals working in the arena of homelessness. The Snowball Sampling method was used to recruit social services professionals after interviewing a select few individuals first. Ten interviews of social services professionals were completed via a Zoom setting.

Data analysis revealed the following ten open …

Impact Of Opiate Crisis On Twelve Step Participants, Mackenzie Buchanan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research is an exploratory study to gain a better understanding and new perspectives of the impact of the opiate crisis and the effect it has had on twelve step participants. This study will be utilizing qualitative research to further explore the impacts. A phenomenological approach will be utilized to explore the participant’s experiences. Participants will participate in a semi-structured interview with the researcher with close-ended questions that focus on demographics and approximately eight open-ended questions that focus on the research question. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the data by following Braun and Clarke’s (2019) protocol; this researcher …

Investigating Independent And Transitional Living Programs: A Systematic Review, Alexandra Torres, Jordi E. Marquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Approximately, 20,000 youths in the United States age out of the foster care system every year. Youths are face with the heightened risks of homelessness, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges. Despite the implementation of Independent Living Programs (ILPs) and Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) created to assist foster youths through this transition, research indicates limitations in their effectiveness to address the emotional, interpersonal, and long-term effects. Present research additionally lacks the intersectional analysis to address the needs of LGBTQ+ and racial minority youths. These fundamental limitations call for more comprehensive, strength-based frameworks to improve the outcomes for transitioning foster youths. …

Beneficial Impacts Of Extended Foster Care On Young Adults Transitioning Into Independence, Latricia A. Reed

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Foster youth transitioning into adulthood face significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health struggles, and difficulty attaining higher education. Extended Foster Care (EFC) programs aim to provide additional support, stability, and resources to help these young adults successfully transition to independent living. This proposed study examines the impact of EFC on housing stability and educational attainment among foster youth aged 18–21 in California. Using secondary data from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the proposed research would employ a quantitative approach to analyze key outcomes. If completed, the study would highlight the importance of social support networks, mentorship, and policy …

How Does Discrimination In The Workforce Affect The Mental Health Of Lgbtqia+ Individuals?, Kristian C. Ruiz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Heteronormative values of conformity to the norms of the majority group in society have fostered a workplace environment where discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals can occur easily and frequently. Members of this group often report feeling unsafe in the workplace and unable to express themselves. This unease creates a workplace that overlooks these individuals and permits discrimination to occur. Members of this vulnerable group are at high risk of experiencing mental health challenges because of the adversity that they face in their daily lives, with the workplace contributing to this issue. Qualitative interviews will be utilized for this research to gain …

Examining Spirituality/Religiousness As A Protective Factor For The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Selena M. Balderas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The school to prison pipeline (STPP) is a systemic issue that reflects the intersection of educational inequities and punitive practices disproportionately affecting society’s youth in underserved communities. The STPP funnels students out of educational environments and into the criminal justice system through the overuse of punitive practices such as suspension, expulsion, and school-based arrests. This especially affects students of color, LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities and perpetuates cycles of injustice, poverty, marginalization, and incarceration. The social control theory provides a useful framework in understanding the relationship between deviant behavior and social bonds (Stewart & Rapp, 2017). When individuals …

Issues In Transitional Housing Programs For Youth, Samantha Razo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Former foster youth transitioning into a THP face a lot of challenges trying to figure out how to live independently and meet requirements such as work, school, while maintaining a good well-being. There is literature on the different services and support that youth in THP need and that can be improved, such as support and guidance. However, there is little understanding of what is successful when it comes to THPs. The exploratory study will investigate how transitional housing programs can make changes to be more effective. To begin conducting the study, the researcher will send flyers to two THPs in …

Exploring Doubled-Up Homeless Among Latinx In San Bernardino County: A Qualitative Study, Patricia Carrillo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Objective: The proposed study aims to explore the factors contributing of doubled up homelessness among Latinx in San Bernardino California. The term doubling up homelessness describes the situation in which a person is residing with others in a home due to economic hardships or housing loss (Richard et al., 2022). Homelessness is a major prevalent social problem in the United States and statewide impacting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities locally. Methods: The qualitative research method will be utilized with a phenomenology approach to explore the lived experiences of 20 Latinx adults through interviews. This study …

A Phenomenological Study On Ethnic Studies California Community College Faculty, Anthony Guaracha

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to add to the research about ethnic studies faculty. This study’s goal was to understand the experiences of ethnic studies faculty, post AB-1460. Prior to AB 1460, few colleges offered tenure track positions and few ethnic studies departments existed Ethnic studies faculty increased at college campuses throughout the state after AB 1460 passed. While many studies focus on ethnic studies, few center on faculty and their experiences. This study employed a qualitative research design, and it was a phenomenological study and used the lens of critical race theory. 12 full-time, tenure track faculty members …

Self-Reported Academic And Research Abilities For Underrepresented Students At Hispanic-Serving Institutions And Nonhispanic-Serving Institutions, Nancy Stuebner

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Many benefits come from earning a college degree including employment stability, better quality of life, and is an example where the higher the degree, the higher the earning potential (Brundage, 2017; Carnvale et al., 2011, Ma et al., 2016). Although beneficial, a pattern of concern exists whereby institutions of higher education award fewer degrees to first-generation, low-income, and students of color compared to students from more advantaged backgrounds (Engle & Tinto, 2008; Pérez Huber et al., 2015; Walpole, 2003). The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to student success and pursuit of graduate school for first-generation, low-income …

The Effectiveness Of Combined Approach Intervention And Group Social Skills Intervention For School Aged Children With Asd, Cecilia Ester Subroto

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder which ranges from low to severe functioning levels, communication is one of its deficits coming from the disorder. As many individuals get diagnosed at a young age, they may have difficulties with their social skills. If interventions are personalized to meet the unique needs of everyone, there can be an increase in their social skills level. Objective: This evaluative study will aim to determine combined approach intervention or group social skills intervention is more effective for enhancing the social skills of school-aged children with ASD. Method: This research proposal …

Evaluating School-Based Interventions And Programs In Treating Children Mental Health Disorders, Rozandra Yazmin Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The implementation of mental health services such as school-based interventions and programs have been well established within schools. However, it is uncertain how effective school-based interventions and programs are in treating children who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder specifically for children who are younger than 11 years old as it has not been explored. Objective: This proposed quasi-experimental study aims to determine the effectiveness of school-based mental health intervention programs in supporting and treating children (ages 6 to 11) who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder by evaluating their symptoms. Method: The proposed study would collect …

Law Enforcement Perspectives Towards Mental Health Crisis Interventions, Anna P. Silva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health crisis calls create significant challenges for law enforcement officers, who often serve as the first responders to individuals experiencing psychological distress. Research indicates that 50% of fatal encounters with law enforcement involve individuals with a mental health disorder (Fuller et al., 2015; Kindy & Elliott, 2015). Although the increasing prevalence of mental health- related calls, law enforcement officers frequently lack the specialized training and resources necessary to effectively de-escalate these situations (Cohen & Bagwell, 2023). As a result, interactions between police officers and individuals with mental illness tend to lead to criminalization, unnecessary incarceration, and even fatal outcomes. …

The Effects Of Police Brutality Upon Marginalized Communities: An Exploratory Study, Tera S. Person

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: A 2018 study revealed that members of the African American community and those from marginalized communities experience sadness, depression, anxiety and an overall decrease in mental health after the shooting or killing of an unarmed African American or Latino by a white police officer in their city or state (Bor et al., 2018). Experiencing, witnessing or hearing stories of others who have been victims of police brutality has contributed to increased levels of anxiety when anticipating an encounter with law enforcement or when needing assistance from law enforcement (Alang et al., 2017; Davis & Jackson, 2023). Studies have …

Diversity In Social Work Organizations, Andrea I. Corona

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive …

The Impact Of Marijuana Use On Adolescent Youth, Heather J. Miller

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research investigates the impact of marijuana use on adolescent youth, focusing on its effects on school attendance, academic motivation, behavior, and conflicts with significant adults. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent among adolescents, understanding its broader consequences is critical for educators, parents, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore how marijuana use correlates with academic performance, school behavior, and interactions with adults such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and law enforcement. A survey was administered to these adult figures in the adolescents' lives, gathering data on their perceptions of the youth’s marijuana use, school attendance, disciplinary issues, …

A Pipeline To Prison Or A Pathway To Promise? The Inequities Fueling The School To Prison Pipeline, Ranishia Lachelle Bailey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic review proposal would investigate the school-to-prison pipeline and examine the role of pedagogical interventions in mitigating youth involvement in the justice system. By analyzing existing literature, this proposal would study and explore how school system biases, educational frameworks, and systemic factors contribute to the perpetuation of this pipeline, with a specific focus on how educational policies and disciplinary practices impact at-risk youth. The review aims to identify effective interventions that can disrupt this cycle, including restorative justice practices, trauma-informed education, positive behavioral interventions, and culturally responsive teaching. A comprehensive search strategy should be employed across various academic databases, …

Examining The Relationship Between Social Capital And College Enrollment Among Latina Adult Learners: A Mixed-Methods Study, Josefina Balbuena

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Despite their potential, Latinas are often underrepresented in higher education, facing unique challenges and barriers. Objective: The study will investigate the role of social capital in the college enrollment decision of Latina adult learners. Methods: A convergent mixed-method approach will be used to examine how social networks and access to resources impact their choice to pursue higher education. To determine how social capital links to the possibility of enrolling in college, this study proposal will combine quantitative data from the Bridging Social Capital Questionnaire (BSCQ) with qualitative information from in-depth interviews. The interviews can highlight other elements that could …

Impact Of Childhood Exposure To Parental Substance Misuse On Adults, Jennifer Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Studies show that children who experienced parental substance misuse are at greater risk of developing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, behavioral problems, or becoming a substance misuser later in adult life. This quantitative study used an on-line self-administered survey to examine whether adults who experienced parental substance misuse in childhood experienced greater levels of trauma in later life than those who did not experience parental substance misuse in childhood. This study used an independent variable t-test to compare participant scores on self-reported experiences of trauma between two groups: those who experienced parental substance misuse in childhood and those who did …

Safety, Access To Resources, And Inclusion: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Lgbtqia+ Community In The Inland Empire, Jessica Mary Fanene, Leonardo Serrano Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA+ individuals face growing discrimination, exclusion, and systemic inequities that threaten well-being. Rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric exacerbates these challenges, contributing to anxiety, depression, and heightened suicide risks. This study explores LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sense of well-being by analyzing how external factors impact safety and inclusion. Using an exploratory, mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inland Empire to determine perceptions on well-being (n = 219). Based on descriptive statistics, about one third of participants reported a below average to average sense of safety (35.6%), access to resources (32.0%), and inclusion (33.8%). Meanwhile, thematic analysis revealed that the …

Problematic Social Media Use And Its Effects On Adolescents’ Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study, Elaine Moreno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) has been associated to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and disruptions in identity development among adolescents, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of excessive digital engagement (Keles et al., 2019). Even though there is increasing evidence to support these conclusions, many of the studies that are currently available employ cross-sectional designs, which makes it more difficult to identify the causal links between PSMU and mental health outcomes (Keles et al., 2019). This disparity raises concerns regarding the long-term effects of persistent overuse of social media as well as the directionality of these effects. …

Explaining The Long-Term Mental Health Impacts Of Childhood Exposure To Domestic Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sabrina A. Medel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Domestic violence (DV) is a social phenomenon that occurs when an individual perpetuates violent and aggressive behavior toward their significant other in the form of financial, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Adversely, children may be exposed to DV, which can result in lasting impacts on their mental health. Although scholars have previously explored this social phenomenon, their studies overlooked the experiences of diverse populations.

Objective: This research study aims to bridge this gap of knowledge by explaining the relationship between childhood exposure to DV and the long-term mental health impacts of BIPOC college students. Methods: This …

The Impact Of Adverse And Positive Childhood Experiences On Immigrants And Their Psychological Well-Being, Sofia Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between immigration status, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and psychological distress using a representative dataset from California (N=21,463). It investigates two primary research questions: (1) how immigration status influences ACE scores and (2) whether ACE and PCE scores are associated with psychological distress. Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess these relationships. Findings indicate that non-citizens report significantly lower ACE scores, and lower levels of psychological distress compared to U.S.-born, supporting the "immigrant paradox"—where immigrants exhibit better mental health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts despite exposure to …

The Multigenerational Impact Of Mass Incarceration On Families In Southern California, Adelle G. Phillips

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mass incarceration has been a serious social issue in the United States, affecting directly and indirectly millions of individuals and families, particularly those with minority backgrounds. The generational impact of this social issue is significant. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals on the multigenerational impact of mass incarceration on their families. Using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, this mixed-methods study surveyed residents of Southern California who have been affected by incarceration, either personally or through a family member (n = 63). Descriptive statistics demonstrate that the vast majority of the participants (92.1%) reported a moderate to very …