Digital Commons Network^™

Epiphanies, Loren Malul

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

"Epiphanies” investigates moments that inspire humanity to experience and enact change. Before we break through our egos threshold, our journey begins as a form of questioning, delving into the relationship between self and environment. When we take a moment to slow down and focus on our spatial awareness, we recognize that reality is a channel we get to tune into where our reaction determines our experience. Doing my own shadow work, recognizing trauma and questioning “the invisible”, are ways to analyze our internal self. Portals, voids, intersecting landscapes, and first person perspective are all visual translations that play with environmental …

Maltreatment In Out-Of-Home Care: Former Foster Youths' Perspectives On Experiences And Investigation, Sarah Avila

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the tasks of the public child welfare system (PCWS) is to remove children from their home when abuse or neglect has occurred at a level that warrants removal. The PCWS places these children in licensed foster homes under the assumption that they will be safe and nurtured under the care of licensed foster caregivers. However, previous research have consistently shown that children experience ongoing maltreatment while in out-of-home care. This negligence is especially alarming when considering the United States’ rates of children in the foster care system. Despite the prevalence of this issue, little qualitative studies have been …

Impact Of Affirmative Care For Lgbtqsia2+ Youth In Foster Care, Jody Brown

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the major challenges within the child welfare system is that LGBTQSIA2+ youth often face discrimination, stigma and have limited access to mental health services. Although previous research has identified LGBTQSIA2+ youth being overrepresented in foster care, they face distinctive vulnerabilities that are inadequately addressed in present policies within child welfare practices. Despite experiencing higher levels of placement instability and being at greater risk of anxiety, depression and psychological distress, there remain gaps in tangible support and evaluating the effectiveness of intersectionality of lived experiences of LGBTQSIA2+ youth in the foster care. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research …

Motivational Factors And Developmental Outcomes In Adolescent Marijuana Use: A Mixed-Methods Study, Antonio E. Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adolescent marijuana use has become increasingly normalized within the United States, particularly as legalization policies expand and social attitudes continue to shift. While many adolescents report using marijuana for relaxation, socialization, or coping, early use has been associated with psychological, cognitive, and social challenges during a critical developmental period. Although prior research has examined either the motivations for marijuana use or its effects, limited studies have explored how adolescents’ motivations relate to psychological, cognitive, and social outcomes. Guided by self-determination theory, this study examines the motivational factors associated with adolescent marijuana use and explores how these motivations relate to psychological, …

Exploring How Acculturation In Childhood Impacts The Adult Identity Of Children Of Hispanic/Latinx Immigrants, Maritza De La Torre, Irene Zapata-Macareno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to provide perspective of struggles with identity for children of Hispanic immigrants. There is limited existing literature on the impact of acculturation on children of Hispanic/Latinx immigrants in the United States. The intention is to provide insight about common experiences and underlying traumas faced by individuals who grow up in immigrant Hispanic/Latinx families. The objective is to provide adults with some insight into their identity based on their specific family dynamic since there is a gap in society about the topic. This study will use a phenomenological qualitative approach to collect data through semi-structured …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Mental Health And Substance Use Among Black Foster Youth And Young Adults With Foster Care Experience, Jessica Davis, Leslie Del Pozo, Lorina Ramos-Delgado, Jarren Ho See

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Historically throughout the U.S, Black youth have been overrepresented in the foster care system and are more likely to experience high levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), racial discrimination, and frequent placement changes. Over time, these experiences can increase the risk of long-term mental health challenges and substance use. While research shows a strong link between ACEs and negative health outcomes in general, fewer studies focus specifically on ACES affecting Black foster youth or consider the role of culturally grounded resilience. This study examines how high ACE scores affect mental health and substance use among Black adolescents and young adults …

Assessing The Research Integrity At A Public University In California, Michael Lee Gillespie

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

To investigate these issues, this study utilized a quantitative-dominant survey design supplemented by qualitative narratives. The sample included 61 tenured and tenure-track faculty from the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The primary instrument was the Survey on Organizational Research Climate (SOuRCe), which assesses seven subscales of ethical health. Data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to determine if specific climate dimensions predict the acceptance of ethically ambiguous practices.

Findings revealed that while interpersonal relations and local norms (such as advisor-advisee relations) were rated highly, departmental socialization was the lowest-rated dimension, indicating …

When A Sum Of Cubes Equals The Square Of The Sum, Jessica M. Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This thesis investigates extensions and structural generalizations of the classical identity \[ \sum_{k=1}^{n} k^3 = \left( \sum_{k=1}^{n} k \right)^2, \] traditionally attributed to Nicomachus of Gerasa. Despite its simple look, this cube - square identity reveals connections between combinatorics, multiplicative number theory, and Diophantine equations.

We begin by presenting an expanded combinatorial proof of the identity based on Stein’s rectangle - counting argument, clarifying the geometric structure underlying the formula. We then establish a multiplicative analogue using Euler’s divisor-counting function \( \tau(n) \), proving that \[ \sum_{d \mid n} \tau(d)^3 = \left( \sum_{d \mid n} \tau(d) \right)^2, \] thereby extending …

The Missing Link: Strengthening College And Career Readiness For African American Males, Deniesha Nicole Culverson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine how supports in Linked Learning Pathways influence college and career readiness among African American males. This study explores how African American males describe their experiences in Linked Learning Pathways and how participation influenced their college and career readiness. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five African American male graduates who participated in Linked Learning Pathways. Findings indicate that participants generally perceived their pathway experiences as positive, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships, exposure to college and career opportunities, development of transferable skills, and access …

Mass Incarceration And The Psychological And Social Impacts On Black And Latino Families, Ofelia Godina, Tamara Winegardner, Erika Cabrera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mass incarceration will have profound and disproportionate effects on Black and Latino families in the United States, extending beyond the incarcerated individual to impact family functioning, emotional well-being, and access to support systems. Rooted in structural racism and inequitable criminal justice policies, mass incarceration will contribute to long-standing social and economic disparities that will continue to shape the lived experiences of marginalized communities. This study will explore the psychological and social impacts of incarceration on Black and Latino families, with particular attention to emotional distress, family relationships, stigma, and resilience. Using a qualitative research design, the study will employ semi-structured …

Female Victimization In Intimate Partner Violence, Phileine Phan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread issue that disproportionately affects women, causing significant physical, psychological, and economic harm. Although research has explored IPV prevalence and risk factors, fewer studies address how race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability intersect to shape women’s experiences and access to support. Generalizing survivors’ experiences often leads to overlooked services and policies for marginalized women. This study addresses that gap through a qualitative systematic review of peer-reviewed research on IPV victimization among women in the United States. A thematic analysis will be used to identify patterns related to systematic inequalities, help-seeking barriers, and the …

Impact Of Escitalopram On Postpartum Sleep/Wake Activity And Maternal Behaviors, Kimberly Guerrero Leon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The postpartum period is characterized by profound physiological and psychological changes, including disruptions in sleep and activity patterns, which may contribute to the onset of postpartum depression. If left untreated, postpartum depression can result in long-term consequences, including cognitive impairments, emotional dysregulation, impaired maternal-infant attachment, and the onset of sleep-related disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram, is prescribed for the treatment of postpartum depression due to its efficacy, favorable safety profile, and relatively low cost. While escitalopram is considered an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, far less is known about its impact on maternal behaviors during the postpartum …

Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Reentry Programs For Formerly Incarcerated Adults, William Lopez Jr, Falina Rose Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Reentry into society following incarceration represents a critical transition that significantly influences long-term stability and recidivism outcomes. Formerly incarcerated adults frequently encounter structural barriers related to housing, employment, behavioral health access, and social reintegration, highlighting the need for effective reentry programming. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine factors that contribute to the effectiveness of community-based reentry programs for formerly incarcerated adults and to understand how participants and service providers perceive successful reintegration outcomes. Guided by ecological systems theory and empowerment theory, this study employs a qualitative phenomenological design using semi-structured interviews with approximately 15 formerly incarcerated adults …

When Health Meets The Classroom: Diabetes, Depression, And Absenteeism, Megan Lindsay Meyer, Victor Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine how diabetes and depressive symptoms influence school attendance among students ages 10 to 17 in one school district. Students with diabetes who experience higher levels of depressive symptoms might be at increased risk for chronic absenteeism, which could negatively affect both academic performance and emotional well-being. Despite growing awareness of pediatric diabetes and school-based mental health needs, gaps would remain in understanding how diabetes self-management relates to depression and attendance outcomes. This proposed quantitative comparative study would include students with and without diabetes. Participants would complete standardized measures assessing diabetes self-management and depressive symptoms, and …

Trauma-Informed School Practices, Mental Health, And Academic Engagement Among High School Foster Youth, Ashley Avila, Vanessa Ramirez, Jaden Simmons

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Exposure to abuse, neglect, family separation, and violence can negatively affect foster youths’ well-being and their ability to succeed in school environments. Studies have shown that punitive disciplinary responses may contribute to retraumatization and school discouragement, while school settings are often one of the few stable environments in the lives of foster youth. Although trauma-informed school practices have been associated with improved school climate and student engagement, limited research has specifically examined how foster youths’ perceptions of these practices are associated with their mental well-being and academic engagement in high school settings. The purpose of this proposed study is to …

Examining Student Practices In A Technology-Mediated Math Classroom, Bradley T. Dodd

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

It is important for math educators to make sense of student thinking in the classroom. Without opportunities to practice this skill math educators struggle to improve, particularly when students are engaging in mathematics using technology. As such, there is a need for video artifacts of students engaging with mathematics using technology for use in professional development activities (Lovett 2020). In accordance with Lovett et al.'s (2020) design principles for examining student practices in a technology-mediated environment, I carried out a study to determine whether these artifacts of student work could be created working with college undergraduates as participants. Students engaged …

Farmworker Mental Health: Identifying Environmental And Occupational Factors, Lizette Alvarez, Lizette De Loera, Melissa Zambrano

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Farmworkers have an extensive history of contributing to the economic development of the United States. However, research has paid limited attention to this population. From the ecological systems theory approach the purpose of this study is to contribute to the limited amount of research literature available on the implications of farmworkers mental health due to the experiences they encounter in regards to their occupational, environmental, psychosocial and community factors they face. This study will use a mixed methods approach, because of the researcher’s interest in detailed information about farmworkers’ environmental and occupational factors that impact their mental health. One hundred …

What Kind Of Foster Care Parent Training Leads To A Reduction In Foster Care Maltreatment?, Itzel K. Alcaras

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal would identify the gaps in foster parent training and how caregiver maltreatment increases the risk of re-traumatization of foster children. While foster care is designed to promote safety, protection, and stability for children, existing literature continues to show that inadequate trauma-informed and evidence-based training may hinder caregivers' ability to respond to their complex needs, leading foster children to continue experiencing emotional and psychological harm. To further assess this concern, an exploratory qualitative study would be implemented utilizing a semi-structured interview that will include demographic questions then transition to open-ended questions format that will examine caregiver perceptions of …

Gaps In Therapeutic Services For Foster Youth In Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, Kaniqua Tainiaja Stewart, Maria Del Rosario Sanchez, Rachelle Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines rehabilitation outcomes among foster youth who are currently or were previously placed in Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs), also known as group homes. With more than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States, and approximately 39,000–57,000 residing in group homes, limited research has explored why rehabilitation efforts in these settings often fall short. Existing literature emphasizes policy reforms, compliance, and placement outcomes under California’s Continuum of Care Reform, but gives less attention to youths lived therapeutic experiences and the consistency and quality of mental health services delivered within STRTPs. This study addresses this gap …

The Effects Of Lgbtq+ Inclusive Education On High School Students, Cristal Dirzo, Lizzette A. Padilla

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Many schools across the United States exclude LGBTQ+ topics from required curriculum, which limits a student’s understanding of diverse identities and underrepresents marginalized communities in the world. The absence of LGBTQ+ topics in education may impact levels of inclusivity within school culture as well as student attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. While past research has focused on teacher perspectives and barriers to implementing LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms, little research has explored the student outcomes and perspectives on how LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum influences their attitudes and perceptions of inclusivity within school culture. This study examines how LGBTQ+ inclusive education affects 9th-grade high …

The Role Of Placement Experiences In Foster Youth Vulnerability To Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Viridiana Jauregui Estrada

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Youth involved in the child welfare system face a heightened risk of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), particularly those who experience placement instability or placement in congregate care settings. While existing research consistently documents the overrepresentation of foster youth among those impacted by CSEC, less attention has been given to how specific placement experiences function as mechanisms that shape vulnerability. Guided by the Complex Trauma Framework and the Socio-Ecological Theory, this study will examine how placement instability and placement type increase foster youths’ vulnerability to CSEC and explore the role of trauma-informed social work interventions in mitigating these risks. …

How Are Women Dealing With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?, Adrianna A. Brown

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: PCOS is one of the leading multisystem conditions among women of reproductive age. Dietary changes may help improve outcomes associated with PCOS and its comorbidities. While a lower carbohydrate, moderate protein diet is often recommended, those with PCOS often use temporary diets or dietary supplements instead of or in addition to prescription medications due to dissatisfaction with their treatment options. Additionally, studies examining the usefulness of supplements and their effects on PCOS symptoms are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use of temporary diets, prescription medications, and dietary supplements among women with PCOS.

Methods: An anonymous …

We Are Fundamental (Somos Fundamentales): Examining The Perceptions Of Dei Initiatives Among First- And Second-Generation Latino Migrant Workers, Hector Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Regarding organizational literature, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been a topic of considerable interest due to an abundance of minority groups in the workforce, who are typically targeted by DEI policies. Within minority groups are migrant populations which make up a great deal of the working population, with Hispanic workers also accounting for a significant portion of that workforce. Organizational literature has had a great underrepresentation of the Hispanic working population who are an imperative group to study to better understand their attitudes, behaviors, perceptions, and outcomes, based on organizational DEI approaches. This can help promote researchers and organizations …

Teacher's Efficacy In Fostering A Sense Of Belonging In Newcomer Adolescent Students, Brenda Melendrez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Schools are continuously serving a growing population of newcomer students that face unique social, cultural, and linguistic barriers (McCabe et al., 2024). Newcomer adolescent students experience additional challenges in high school contexts, due to the academic pressures, developmental changes, and social isolation hindering their sense of belonging (Fabris et al., 2024). Teachers play a central role in fostering belonging through teacher-student relationships, daily interactions, and academic and emotional support (Ozdemir & Ozdemir, 2020). However, teachers have reported limited teacher preparation on fostering belonging among newcomer students, impacting their confidence and ability to support their students (Motitswe, 2025). Teachers have specifically …

Impact Of Parental Immigration Status On Latino Adolescents’ Mental Health, Kassandra Gomez, Stephanie Montero, Odalys Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Latino adolescents in the United States face unique stressors related to family immigration status; however, this issue has not been paid much attention in the literature. Guided by the Ecological Systems theory, this quantitative study seeks to explore and describe how parents’ immigration status impacts adolescents’ mental health (Bronfenbrenner, 1979. Two hundred adolescents, who will be randomly sampled across seven different Colton Joint Unified Schools, will be engaged in a survey. Data will be collected from respondents using a self developed questionnaire, which captures variables including student demographics, parental immigration status, immigration related stressors in relation to depression and anxiety …

Towards The Publisher-Function Of The Independent Press: Authorship And Experimentation In The Semiotext(E) Oeuvre, Gilbert Aguirre

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project is a contribution to debates on authorship, expanding Foucault’s theorization of the author as a function of discourse into the field of creative production by proposing my theory of the publisher-function. Here, I highlight the role of the publisher in shaping literary discourse using avant-garde publishing house Semiotext(e). I analyze two experimental publications to illustrate how this publisher’s role in editing and curating their booklist—or, as I propose we call it, their oeuvre—compounds with the fact of publication to create a new kind of authorial role. This is done through emphasizing the paratexts, elements of design, and literary …

Centering Lgbtqia2s+ Voices: A Proposed Needs Assessment Of Unhoused Adults In California’S Inland Empire, Karina L. Martinez, Sade D. De La Espriella

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA2S+ homelessness remains a critical yet underexamined issue within California’s Inland Empire. While existing research has documented elevated rates of homelessness among LGBTQ+ populations in major urban centers, particularly among transition-age youth (TAY), there is limited understanding of the specific service needs of unhoused LGBTQIA2S+ adults, including older adults, within this region. This research proposal outlines a community-based needs assessment designed to address this gap. The proposed study will utilize trauma-informed, fully structured interviews with standardized, closed-ended questions administered to LGBTQIA2S+ adults who are currently experiencing or have recently experienced homelessness across the Inland Empire. The instrument will assess barriers …

The Left Behind: The Impact Of Community Program Cuts On Transition Age Foster Youth Without Family Support., Jessica J. Mcdowell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine how cuts to community-based programs affect housing stability among transition age foster youth in California. Youth aging out of foster care face disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing instability, which are often compounded by reductions in transitional housing, case management, and supportive services. The significance of this study lies in addressing a critical gap between policy intent and lived experience by centering the voices of former foster youth while also documenting measurable patterns of service access and housing outcomes. A mixed-methods research design would be used to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative …

Effectiveness Of Independent Living Programs On Preparing Transition-Age Foster Youth For Higher Education And Employment., Naomi Cailipan, Jasmine Nevarez, Emily Matias

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transition-age foster youth face significant barriers to higher education and stable employment, increasing their risk of housing instability, unemployment, and long-term economic hardship. Independent living programs (ILPs) aim to support the youth develop life skills and connect them to resources that prepare them for a successful transition into adulthood, however, there is limited research that explores the youth’s perspective on the effectiveness of ILPs. This study seeks to provide insight by interviewing current and former foster youth who participated in an ILP by conducting combined research, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data will be collected through a Likert-scale …

Trauma-Informed Care: Msw Students’ Perceptions Of Readiness And Factors Influencing Readiness, Naomi M. Jackson, Brittany Samperio, Kayla Broughton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Although social workers frequently engage with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, limited research has examined whether Master of Social Work (MSW) students feel prepared to apply trauma-informed principles in professional settings. Objective: This study examined MSW students perceived readiness to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) and identified factors that may influence their preparedness. Methods: This study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In Phase I, MSW students enrolled at CSUSB were invited to complete an anonymous online survey consisting of demographic questions, the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) scale, and the Readiness to …