Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Social Workers' Knowledge And Attitudes About Treating Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Angelah Dawn Gomez

Wayne State University Theses

The current research seeks to understand how social work students and social work professionals increase their knowledge about AD/HD and how they formulate their attitudes about the disorder. The literature provided illustrates the many components of AD/HD risks, etiology, treatments, and professional opinions about the disorder. AD/HD is one of the most studied childhood mental health disorders in the nation. However, there is little research providing insight to social workers' knowledge and attitudes about the disorder. This is especially alarming because social workers are one of the largest professional populations to provide mental health services to children and their families. …

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.

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.

The Relationship Of Self-Care To Burnout Among Social Workers In Health Care Settings, Jennifer D. Weekes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Self-care is critical in minimizing the symptoms of burnout among human services professionals, but specific information on the role of self-care among social workers in healthcare settings is limited. This correlational study was designed provide a fuller understanding of this relationship. Orem's theory of self-care and the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior served as the theoretical foundations of this study. The sample included 185 members of the National Association of Social Workers, who volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed online versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Self-Care Assessment Work Sheet. Correlation and analysis of variance …

Factors That Contribute To Patient Length Of Stay At St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, Brenda Karch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research project employed a quantitative review of archived data comprised of patients that had been discharged from St. Peter Regional Treatment Center between 2002-2010. These patients were admitted to Minnesota Security Hospital for treatment and progressed through the program to Forensic Transition Services and eventually discharged to the community.

Court Mandated Treatments: Participation In Alcoholics Anonymous, Ruth Sophia Guerrero

Theses Digitization Project

This study provides a building block for future studies to further explore the meanings of Alcholics Anonymous (A.A.) and what makes it work. It specfically focused on the effects of A.A. on court mandated substance abuse treatment programs. Social workers may not always understand A.A.'s impact because there are no 'experts' providing services, yet it works because of the peer support system within the group and Social Workers need to encourage clients to participate in the court mandated treatment as part of their recovery.

Gratitude Intervention And Its Effect On Substance Abusers, Patricia Kelleen Mcclanahan

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of an intervention seen to increase life satisfaction in substance abuse treatment. While treatment models have improved, results remain low for long-term abstinence. The study participants were substance-abuse treatment clients at Mental Health Systems (MHS). This study will measure, in terms of increased life satisfaction, the effectiveness of a daily gratitude list on the negative mindset of substance abusers in treatment. The focus of this study will be the use of intervention that has been seen as beneficial in enhancing personal well-being.

The Stigmatization Of Methadone Maintenance Treatment And Its Effect On Social Support, Kenia Gabriela Rivas, Franceen Mary Rosales

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between perceived stigmatization from family as well as friends and its probable effects on social support from the same. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is a treatment modality that has been proven to help achieve abstinence. However, due to controversy over MMT, this has brought stigmatization, social injustice and powerlessness to those who seek out treatment.

Best Practices For Working With Undocumented Latino Youth, Elizabeth J. Braun

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Research Question: What are evidence supported individual, group and community practices to address the needs of Latino youth experiencing mental health issues related to undocumented legal status and risk of deportation?

Needs Assessment For A Multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Outpatient Services, Mary Beth Patterson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Research has indicated there is limited specialist multidisciplinary care in non-metropolitan regions and rural communities for eating disorder treatment, leaving patients and professionals dissatisfied with quality of care. The purpose of this project was to assess the need for multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment service in South-Central Minnesota, and if so, to obtain information about the current patient population and treatment of such patients.

Computer-Based Training: Understanding Mental Health Civil Commitment, Tiffany Sandbo

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this training is to enhance health and mental health professionals’ knowledge about the mental health civil commitment law and process in Minnesota. The goal is upon completion of this training: 1)Trainees will understand the mental health civil commitment law and process in Minnesota. 2)Trainees will understand your role in the mental health civil commitment process.

Shelter Program For Homeless Males With Substance Use And Mental Illness: A Strength And Effectiveness Based Approach, Kotatee Tamba

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Homelessness represents one of the United States most pressing and complex problems. Approximately, nine percent of the nation’s homeless are considered to be rural. Locally, homelessness in Steele County continues to be a problem. A one night survey of homeless individuals in southeastern Minnesota revealed that there are 217 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Homeless males have been found to be at greater risk of becoming homeless and tend to remain homeless for longer periods of time. The high risks associated with substance use, lack of adequate shelters and limited access to health care services in rural communities …

Housing With Support Marketing Study Tool, Gary M. Travis

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Housing for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) that is permanent, affordable, and supportive is very limited because the availability of these resources is inadequate and subject to significant demand by persons that are disabled or on a limited income. The limited access to housing for persons with SMI is contributing to homelessness and Minnesota has seen a steady rise since 1994 in the rate and number of people that are homeless and coping with mental illness (Wilder Research, 2010a). While some of the impact of disability, homelessness, and limited affordable housing access is known, what remains uncertain is a …

Best Practices Of A Social Worker's Role In Supporting Family Caregivers Enrolled In Hospice Care, Jessie Wolf

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to explore best practices are for hospice social worker’s providing care to family caregivers enrolled in hospice. This project explored processes and assessment tools that other hospice agencies in rural Minnesota utilized while caring for the family members of hospice patients. The information obtained was used to provide recommendations to Mayo Clinic Health System- Mankato Hospice program to further improve the hospice programming and the social worker’s role.

Best Practice In Working With The Somali Population, Ilhan Duale

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Since the early 1990s, the state of Minnesota has had an unprecedented increase in refugees from Somalia. These individuals have emigrated from a war-zone country and arrived in the United States with a range of trauma-related injuries and mental health issues. As a result, Somali individuals and families who have migrated to the United States will require physical and mental health support. There is, however, a lack of research on effective interventions with Somali individuals and families. With the stigma that surrounds mental health and negative cultural views of mental health in the Somali population, practitioners at Comunidades Latinas Unidas …

The Power Of Service Work: Developing A Consumer Volunteer Program For The House Of Hope, Inc., Darcy Wennes

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

House of Hope, Inc. (HOH) is a rural residential chemical dependency treatment center serving adults over the age of 18. HOH is a non-profit non-sectarian agency. Many clients at HOH have a dual diagnosis of chemical dependency and mental illness. Consumers at HOH are encouraged to volunteer, but are given limited support to do so. They have several hours in their day where there is no programming, and many consumers feel bored and unproductive. The literature suggests that there is a relationship between volunteer work carried out by consumers and their personal feelings of empowerment (Cohen, 2009) . Consumers’ feelings …

Effective Trauma Assessment Tools For Women With Severe Mental Illness, Heather A. Bangu

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Minnesota Security Hospital (MSH) serves individuals under civil commitment as Mentally Ill and Dangerous by the State of Minnesota. MSH is evaluating its practices to ensure the treatment environment encompasses a recovery oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed program. Understanding and assessing trauma will assist clinicians in providing patients with the most effective and efficient treatment (Carlson, 1997). Long term negative outcomes exists for individuals with severe mental illness who have experienced trauma including more severe psychiatric symptoms, substance abuse, and homelessness (Mueser, Salyers, Rosenberg, Ford, Fox, & Carty, 2001). The purpose of this Capstone project was to identify and recommend evidence-based …

Evidence-Based Strategies For Working With Veterans, Bethany Fopma

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

According to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), 3.3 million veterans (41%) live in rural areas. Due to geographical barriers, these veterans often lack access to needed services and providers. This research project analyzed studies that utilized telehealth in delivering services to veterans with PTSD. While more research in this area needs to be conducted, telehealth technology shows promising results for improving veterans’ symptoms and providing veterans with satisfactory services. Research Question: Is telehealth medicine an effective intervention in treating veterans with PTSD?

Understanding The Role Of Attachments And Schemas: A Model For Working With Sex Offenders, Carol J. Ries

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project is to research, develop, present, and evaluate a training module to increase knowledge of the role of attachments and schemas in working with sex offenders and to provide a model for working with sex offenders. Research Questions: 1. To what extent will a training module on the role of attachments and schemas increase attendees’ understanding of these topics? 2. Will a training module increase the likelihood that attendees will apply this knowledge of attachments and schemas in their work with clients?

Characteristics Of Patients Admitted With Alcohol Related Traumatic Injuries, Jessica Wolf

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Alcohol use is well recognized as a contributor to traumatic injury. The purpose of this review was to describe the demographics of patients admitted to a regional trauma center with alcohol related traumatic injuries in order to improve service to this population and provide injury prevention programs directed towards this population.

Research Question: What are the characteristics of patients admitted to St. Marys Hospital with an alcohol related traumatic injury?

Natural Connections: A Recommendation To Implement An Animal Assisted Therapy (Aat) Program Within The Shakopee Mdewakantonsioux Community, Heidi Simon

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Currently the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community does not have an Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program. The purpose of this project was to research AAT programs that exist in First Nation Communities. The ultimate goal was to present evidence to support the implementation of a culturally based AAT program into the current mental health model within the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The Animal Assisted Therapeutic Learning (ATTL) program would incorporate traditional beliefs with contemporary ways of life in regard to healing and mental health.

Best Practices For Treating Co-Occuring Disorders In A Chemical Dependency Treatment Setting, Michelle Dick

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to identify best practices for treating co-occurring disorders that could be utilized with adult males being treated for chemical dependency at the House of Hope, Inc. Identification of these practices will more effectively meet the needs of the clients served at House of Hope, Inc. and allow the agency to increase their capacity to better service clients with co-occurring disorders.

The Mediating Role Of Social Support And Fulfillment Of Spiritual Needs In End Of Life Care, Kimberley A. Gryglewicz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

End of life (EOL) caregiving can be a daunting and challenging endeavor as caregivers adjust to the ever-changing care demands associated with dying. Increased personal care, assisting with symptom and medication management, and attending to the emotional and spiritual needs of the dying person require caregivers to learn new tasks and to assume new roles such as social worker, nurse, and chaplain. As families continue to play an essential role in meeting the health care needs of their dying loved ones, it is imperative for social workers to understand the complexities of the end of life caregiving experience in order …

Living With Bipolar Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation, Richard P. Freedberg

Dissertations

The specific aims of this study were to gain a broader understanding of the lived experience of adults with bipolar disorder and to explore how people diagnosed with bipolar disorder used cognitively, affectively, and spiritually oriented strategies to cope with life stressors and circumstances. The cognitive domain in this investigation was defined as those activities related to how one knows, thinks, or perceives phenomena in a way distinct from emotion. The affective domain referred to the feelings and emotions associated with phenomena that are distinct from cognitive reasoning or knowledge. The spiritual domain was defined as values, attitudes, and beliefs …

Social Workers' Perceptions Regarding "At Risk" And Delinquent Foster Care Youth, Laura June Deluca, Mallory Michelle Flores

Theses Digitization Project

This thesis explores the experiences of social workers within San Bernardino County's Children and Family Services who are working with delinquent and high-risk youth within foster care. Social workers were asked to describe services that are available and the potential protective risk factors that may exist. It is imperative to understand this population and the services that exist in order to address this problem and better meet the needs of youth.

The Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Women In Recovery For Substance Abuse, Barbara Eileen Egan

Theses Digitization Project

This study assessed if women who are survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and receive treatment for this issue, when they were in treatment for substance abuse, stayed sober longer and thus experienced a healthier and happier recovery. The benefit of this research is two-fold as it not only leads to better treatment programs for women who have this co-occurring condition, it also allows for better treatment outcomes and as a result is more cost effective for treatment agencies. The data was collected confidentially through surveys that were distributed at 10 local Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings in the Inland Empire area.

Quality Of Service And Treatment Adherence In Individuals With End Stage Renal Disease, Kyle Joseph Fraga

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study will focus on the patient's attitudes about their treatment. There is a certain stigma attached to dialysis that makes it an undesirable form of treatment. Individuals on dialysis may feel dependent and vulnerable. In addition, hospitals and dialysis clinics can be an unwelcoming and intimidating place. A person's belief about their treatment will influence how well they adhere to it.