Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Examination Of The Impact Traumatic Events Has On Psychosocial Impairment In Eating Disorder Patients, Jennifer Parker Hackett

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research suggests that trauma has an impact on eating disorders. While prior research has demonstrated that the trauma from abuse has a significant impact on eating disorders, research has failed to explore other types of trauma. In addition, previous studies have stopped short of examining the impact trauma has on functioning among individuals with an eating disorder. This study aimed to address that gap in the literature. The purpose of this study is to examine whether traumatic life events impact psychosocial functioning among individuals living with an eating disorder. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify which traumas are shown to …

Understanding The Link Between Substance Abuse And Mental Health, Crystal Ann Horton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Treating people with co-occurring or dual diagnosis disorders requires an integrated treatment approach due to the complex health and social needs of people who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction. An integrated approach is not only necessary but crucial to treat both the drug addiction and mental illness concurrently. The aim of this study is to explore the impact that non- integrated care can have on the number of relapses that dually diagnosed people can have. The study found that there is no correlation between concurrent treatment and the number of relapses that dually diagnosed people may have. Social …

A Descriptive Study Of The Elderly In California Substance Abuse Treatment Programs, David Berenschot

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As gerontologists may know, there are a great deal of studies and a variety of academic literature on the misuse of alcohol and prescription medication amongst the elderly population. While there is a plethora of information on alcohol and prescription misuse, there is little reported data about the prevalence of other substance misuse experienced by this population. This study aims to help to fill that gap in the data by using quantitative methods to describe the scope of substance abuse of individuals 55-years or older. This study utilizes data from the Treatment Data Set Admission (TEDS-A). The TEDS-A is a …

Exploring The Relationship Between Occupational Burnout And The Behavioral Well-Being Of Social Workers, Damian A. Pisapia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between occupational burnout and the behavioral well-being of social workers. Burnout is a multidimensional syndrome where workers experience feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment as a consequence of work related stress and overwhelming job demands. Burnout can negatively affect organizational functioning, work performance, and pose significant health risks to workers. There are a limited number of studies focusing on the impact of occupational burnout on the behavioral well-being of workers. The findings of this study indicated that there was a significant relationship between burnout …

Clinical Social Workers’ Perspectives On Illicit Drug Use And The Development Of Psychotic Disorders, Asma Naseer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to explore social workers’ perspectives of drug-induced psychosis. More specifically, it sought to determine how knowledgeable clinical social workers are on the impact illicit drug use on the development of psychotic disorders. The study also aimed to discover clinical social workers’ perspectives regarding the influence of illicit drug use on the development of psychotic illnesses. This study used mixed methods approach in attempt to solve the research question. The quantitative portion of the research, an anonymous survey, allowed for the assessment of social workers’ knowledge of drug-induced psychosis. The qualitative portion of the research, …

Perceived Life Satisfaction Among Gay Males: The Coming-Out Process, Kimberly D. Carter

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project was a mixed method of both a quantitative and qualitative design to examine the perception of 38 gay male’s life satisfaction post coming out. In the past few years, laws affecting the gay community have been at the forefront of policies and debates, given all communities an insight into the specific challenges that are endured. As the gay community starts to openly live their lives as a gay man, there has been a need to accept and understand not only the challenges, but to give acceptance.

Additionally, this project sought out to determine if the gay community …

Preserving, Interpreting, And Displaying Mental Health History: Establishing The Patton State Hospital Museum And Archive, Shannon Rene Long

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

There are few museums in the western half of the United States that provide an opportunity to educate the public about the history of mental health care. Recently, a mental health museum and archive of artifacts, photographs, and documents was established on the grounds of Patton State Hospital in Highland, California. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the establishment of this museum and archive and to provide an account of the 125 year history of Patton State Hospital. Understanding the history of Patton provides an opportunity to understand the history of mental health care in the United …

Substance Abuse Among The Elderly: What Works In Treatment, Sophia Morelli

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Social workers are trained during the course of their education to work with the elderly and to understand the various dynamics of aging. These professionals also receive education on substance abuse and how to assess clients as well as link them to appropriate supportive services. How can social workers be more inclined to effectively treat the elderly substance abuser? What are, if any, special considerations a social worker should be aware of when working with the geriatric population? What treatment modalities seem to be more effective with the elderly client? This study utilized a qualitative analysis consisting of interviews with …

The Relationship Between Self-Determination And Client Outcomes Among The Homeless, Samuel M. Hanna

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This paper has attempted to determine if there is a significant relationship between self-determination and client outcomes among the homeless. The study has been based upon the conceptual framework set forth in Self-Determination Theory. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between self-determination and client outcomes among the homeless. Using a data collection instrument, based on empirically validated instrumentation, clients from several homeless service providers in the City of San Bernardino were assessed for the level of self-determination and autonomy support they experience within these agencies. Outcome measures included such things as whether the client was going …

The Influences On Job Search Behaviors Among Convicted Felons With Substance Abuse Disorders, Anthony Raymond Saldana

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined job search intensity among felony-convicted, substance-abusing individuals who have been court mandated to attend community based treatment. Drug courts provide counseling and other services to help convicted felons become productive members of society. Studies show that if released prisoners become employed, they are less likely to return to prison.

Needs Of Transitional Age Youth, Evelyn Kelli Ensman

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into needs of transitional age youth by interviewing experts in this field. The study participants for this research study are the employees that work with the transitional age youth population. The study participants consisted of: Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Masters level Social Workers (MSW), and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT). The research site for this study was Bilingual Family Counseling Service, INC located in Ontario, California. It is a non-profit behavioral health-care organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals and families. This study used a post positivist methodology. …

Adolescent And Adult Nicotine Exposure On The Acquisition Of Methamphetamine Self-Administration And The Reinstatement Of Extinguished Methamphetamine-Seeking In Male Rats, Joseph Allan Pipkin

Theses Digitization Project

This study sought to determine the individual and combined contribution of adolescent and adult nicotine exposure on METH self-administration and METH-seeking behavior in male rats. Nicotine is a commonly abused substance among adolescents and is believed to be a "gateway" to other drugs of abuse. In support of the gateway hypothesis, cigarette smoking during adolescence is related to increased methamphetamine (METH) use in adulthood.

A Path Analysis On The Acquisition Of Mental Health Treatment And The Effect Of That Treatment On Subsequent Offending, Gabriel Jude Saucedo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to determine how various demographic and systemic factors interacted to either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of mental health treatment, and if once acquired, what effect did that treatment have on subsequent offending. Mental health treatment is viewed as an effective and cost effective way of reducing offending in this population. Unfortunately, research also indicates that many juveniles due to various demographic and systemic impediments, do not acquire the mental health treatment they need. Consequently, their symptoms deteriorate to the point they manifest as delinquent.

Preweanling Exposure To Selective Catecholamine Transporter Inhibitors Differentially Effects Morphine-Induced Antinociception In Adulthood, Joseph Marco Valentine

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to determine how early methylphenidate exposure alters opioid receptor functioning in adulthood. To this end, we will administer selective monoamine transporter inhibitors for dopamine and norepinephrine (GBR-12904 and atomoxetine) during preweanling period and assess opioid function in adult rats by testing morphine-induced antinociception using the hot-plate and tail-flick tasks. In order to assess the effects of methylphenidate use on brain functions during development, investigations have been conducted in rats using ages roughly analogous to early and late childhood.

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Psychotropic Medication Use On Children And Adolescents In Foster Care, Tina Latrice Johnson Hollman, Dominic Marcus Ruffin

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of social workers' regarding psychotropic medication use on children in foster care. This study also addressed any prospective concerns that social workers may have had as they relate to psychotropic medications being administered to children in foster care.

Evaluation Of Support Groups For Adults With Diabetes, Julie Angelita Gonzalez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study is to evaluate support groups for people with diabetes to find out information about the facilitators, social workers involvement, if any, details of how the groups are facilitated, resources used and the way in which behavioral change is addressed.

Predictors Of Treatment Outcome For Contingency Management Of Stimulant Abstinence In Severely Mentally Ill Outpatients, Frank Albert Nowland Angelo

Theses Digitization Project

This study will investigate the impact of client variables on in-treatment performance, in a contingency management intervention. Co-occurring disorders (COD) is a prolific problem with the severely mentally ill (SMI) population. People with both severe mental illness and substance abuse disorder suffer greater negative consequences of drug use than do populations with only one of these issues. This can be seen in greater levels of psychiatric symptoms, higher levels of interpersonal violence, and increased homelessness. Drug use has been found to exacerbate psychotic symptoms and relapses in schizophrenic patients, when compared to schizophrenic persons without drug use.

Attitudes Of Social Workers Towards The Use Of Canine Therapeutic Intervention With Traumatized Children Within Child Welfare Services, Cristi Maria Page

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of social workers towards the use of canine therapeutic intervention with traumatized children within child welfare services.

Organizational Behavior In Mental Health Services: A Needs Assessment, Geovana Varela

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to know the needs of non-profit organizations that will help increase their effectiveness and enhance the delivery of mental health services.

Medical Practitioners' Death Anxiety And The Advance Directive, Daisy Macias, Natalie Macias

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined whether there is a correlation between medical practitioner's level of death anxiety and communication about the advance directive. Even though there is a lot of common sense in stating the obvious complexity of issues surrounding end of life, there is also a clear discomfort with accepting the advance directive and the patient's wishes at face value and the underlying reasons for that may lie in the physician's own feelings over death.

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Self-Determination In The Mentally Ill, Tristin Dawn Alfred

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to add to existing literature regarding social worker's perceptions of and attitudes about self-determination in the mentally ill population. In addition, the study looked at how these biases affect the mentally ill population. A total of 51 social workers were asked to participate in this study.

The Impact Of Treatment On Parental Substance Misuse And Parenting Capacity, Dommonique Juanita Nichol Knox, Jennifer Leah Miller

Theses Digitization Project

This study assessed the parenting capacity of parents who have received various forms of substance abuse treatment and interventions throughout San Bernardino County. The study hoped to attain useful data on how these services have contributed to the parents' parenting capacity now that they are free from substance abuse and/or misuse.

The Effects Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder On Family Relationships, Melissa Leigh Weissmiller

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to explore the impacts that a loved one's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has on family relationships. With the majority of resources focused on the afflicted, the impacts on the family member and the relationship have implications for further programs and resources that should be focused on the family.

Clients' Perceptions Of Protective And Risk Factors Influencing Substance Abuse Recovery, Bev Nora-Lea Scott

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify client perceptions of protective and risk factors that might influence recovery from substance abuse. Fifty clients in an outpatient drug treatment program in San Bernardino, California completed a survey containing both multiple choice and open-ended questions related to protective and risk factors the literature suggested might be related to recovery.

Local Policy Stakeholder Attitudes About Implementing And Sustaining Needle Exchange Programs In The Inland Empire, Katarina Kucavikova-Fillippelli

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes of local policy stakeholders in regards to needle exchange programs (NEPs), focusing on Riverside Council Members to conduct face-to-face interviews using nine closed and open-ended questions. The majority are opposed to implenting NEP's in their ward. Additionally, the majority of participants are opposed to the idea of harm reduction approach with intravenous drug users. This study may be helpful to anyone attempting to establish NEPs in Riverside in designing a public relations campaign that would effectively address the stigma associated with intravenous drug use, HIV/AIDS and needle exchange services.

What Are The Characteristics Of Families With Three Or More Referrals To Children And Family Services Within A Twelve Month Period?, Elizabeth Irene Valenzuela

Theses Digitization Project

In order to better serve those famailies that are chronically involved with Children and Family Services and prevent their future involvement with the system, social service workers should be able to identify and understand what characteristics are causing referral. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of families with three or more referrals within a twelve month period that significantly impact the number of referrals a family receives.

Assessing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Attitudes Among African Immigrants, Hazel Namona Nachembe

Theses Digitization Project

This study attempted to assess and explore the attitudes of African immigrants towards HIV testing and seeking HIV services in the U.S. The pool of HIV/AIDS cases among blacks at risk in the United States does not clearly distinguish between African Americans and Black African immigrants in regard to attitudes on HIV testing. A closer exploration of African immigrants as specific black sub-groups within the larger group of blacks or African Americans infected with HIV may help distinguish and explain the increase in incidents and high risk behaviors among blacks.

Psychosocial Needs Of Family Caregivers Of Cancer Patients, Graziano Mario Mauriz

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' psychosocial needs in order to develop supportive programs and implement proper interventions intending to improve their quality of life and quality of care for their loved one's affected by cancer.

Substance Abuse Services And Their Effects On Parental Reunification With Children Within The Child Welfare System, Jacqueline Ann Myers

Theses Digitization Project

This study explained the affect of the parental substance abuse services on the reuniting of the parents with their children. Understanding the significance of parental substance abuse treatment services in regards to reunification with children within the child welfare system is necessary in providing children with a healthy and safe environment.

Effects Of Substance Abuse Services On Child Reunification, Peter Charles Shorts

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive and inferential analysis of the effect of substance abuse treatment upon the family reunification process. The research revealed a significant relationship between the median age of custodial parents whose parental rights were terminated and the median age of parents whose parental rights were not terminated.