Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Discrimination Vs. Acceptance Of Homosexuality At Valparaiso University, Jennifer Johnson, Jennifer Pokorny, Brittany Smiejek

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Views of homosexuality have been a major issue for many years and still are to this day. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, all citizens should be granted equal rights and respect. However, many still are struggling to offer their acceptance to those of diverse populations, especially to those who identify themselves as members of the GLBTQ community. This lack of equality has escalated to a nation full of discriminating views, attitudes, and stereotypes. While all ages have portrayed negative attitudes towards members of the GLBTQ population, it is most visually prevalent among students at college campuses. Because of …

Facebook: Friend Or Foe?, Lizz Mook, Cate Valentine

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Online social networks have been a presence in our society since the first notable sites were developed in 1995 and have now attracted more than 90% of American teens and young adults. This study measures the effect that social networks have on Valparaiso University students’ real life connectivity through social connections and on campus involvement. The study uses a sample of 1994 VU graduates as the control group and current VU students. Through an online survey, participants were asked questions regarding their Facebook and Internet use, their on-campus involvement, and how they saw Facebook being utilized by student organizations. The …

Religious Affiliation And Its Influence On Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence, Christiana Redman, Angela Robertson

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been recognized as a serious social problem since the 1970s. Research has investigated how race, socioeconomic class, and other factors are related to levels of IPV, but little research has been done about how religious beliefs and IPV are related. The few studies that have been done have not been conclusive. Some research has shown a correlation between the amount of religious services attended per week and a decrease in likelihood of perpetrating IPV. In this study, the researchers sought to gain more information on the relationship between IPV and religious affiliation by surveying 100 …

Understanding Geographic Variations In Bmi In India, Ravikumar Chockalingham, Ramesh Raghavan, Jyotsna Agrawal, Gyanesh Lama, Hor Yan Angel Lai, Guatam Yadama

Center for Social Development Research

Comparison of Body Mass Index is a useful marker for energy imbalance and associated variations across populations. High BMI is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, whereas low BMI is associated with increased mortality. BMI comparisons across geographical locations may give us indication as to which direction the public health policies should head and what could be the corrective approach towards a more balanced and healthier energy level. The current study uses Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) data for women from 2005-06 to develop state-specific models of BMI and do inter-state comparisons. We also examined the individual versus contextual …

Signs And Symbols: Art And Language In Art Therapy, Malissa Morrell

Journal of Clinical Art Therapy

This paper is a preliminary attempt at theory building by exploring the use of art and language in art therapy through a theoretical inquiry model. Inductive and deductive processes are used to explore literature from the fields of psychology, art philosophy (particularly aesthetics), and linguistics. Concepts common to each of these disciplines are then further explored through the lens of bilingual therapy. Practical applications are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.

An Art Therapy Domestic Violence Prevention Group In Mexico, Naomi Tucker, Ana Laura Treviño

Journal of Clinical Art Therapy

This paper explores the implementation, course of treatment, achievements and limitations of an art therapy domestic violence prevention group in Mexico. The group was part of a Mexican pilot program utilizing a solution-focused model developed by Stith, McCollum, and Rosen (2007) in the U.S. The art therapy group served Otomí clients, who are members of a unique indigenous sub-culture within Mexican society.  A brief literature review discusses domestic violence, solution-focused treatment, couples groups, and the particular complexities of working inter-culturally.  The course of treatment is presented and the achievements and limitations of the program are briefly evaluated within the context …

Understanding Client Imagery In Art Therapy, Erica K.M. Curtis

Journal of Clinical Art Therapy

This study offers a preliminary investigation into the question: How do art therapists make meaning from viewing client-made art? Art therapy literature on making meaning from client art is reviewed. The Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) model used in art education and museum education is also briefly discussed for its parallels to this study’s findings. An adapted form of grounded theory for data collection and analysis was used, leading to emergent themes that suggest that understanding client art requires more than analyzing content and aesthetic elements. More specifically, this inquiry offers the consideration that viewing client art is a dynamic practice …

The Milk And Medicine Program Evaluation: Lusaka, Zambia, Lindsey Boeve

10th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Performance (2011)

The HIV and AIDS epidemic is sweeping through Zambia, Africa at an unsettling rate. This epidemic plays a dramatic part in the increase of orphans and vulnerable children. The Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia (CACZ), a faith-based, non-governmental organization implemented its Milk and Medicine Program in 2004. CACZ’s goal is, “to improve child health and strengthen families to prevent child abandonment and institutionalization.” The program distributes nutritional supplements, medicine and limited social work support for those involved in the program. It has served approximately 300 children since its inception. This research seeks to understand the efficacy of the Milk …

Organizational Culture And Partnership Process: A Grounded Theory Study Of Community-Campus Partnerships, Kready Sharon Foreman

Theses and Dissertations

Community engagement initiatives have experienced an increase in attention, appreciation, and participation among those in academic, nonprofit, and other community-based organizations over the past two decades. The purpose of this study is to explore the meanings of community-campus partnerships among stakeholders in the community and in academia towards the goal of generating a theory grounded in these data that will concomitantly contribute to the social work profession and the community engagement movement. Using as its foundation the shared interest among the social work profession and the community engagement movement on values and ethics, this study utilizes a traditional grounded theory …

Rural Poverty: Homelessness, Terra M. Oden

Undergraduate Research Conference

The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of poverty and homelessness in rural communities in East Texas.

Experience Corps: Pathway To New Engagement, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Stacey Mccrary, Yung Soo Lee, Amanda Mcbride

Center for Social Development Research

Experience Corps: Pathway to New Engagement

Bringing The Harlem Children's Zone To Georgia: Making The Program Work In Small-Town America, Andrea L. Dennis, Tim Johnson, Rasuli Lewis, Robin Shearer

Working in the Public Interest Conferences

Explains how the Harlem Children's Zone helps students graduate from post-secondary schools despite some legal and political barriers, and explores the program's potential in Athens, Georgia.

The Effects Of Permanency On Youth In Foster Care: The Successes They Achieve After Exiting The System, Megan Foster

Social Work Theses

This study reported on the connection between the permanency a youth in the foster care system experienced and the success they achieved as they transitioned out of the system. Housing, education, and employment were factors addressed. Data was gathered through four interviews with youth who had recently transitioned out of the foster care system and 435 surveys were collected in the months of April and October 2010. Results revealed that youth often use state programs to supplement their needs during the treatment process. Youth that attained success created and maintained relationships with workers who become adult supporters for them. Implications …

Sex Education And Its Influences On College Sex Practices, Matthew Yetsko

Social Work Theses

This was a relational study to examine the possibly of a correlation between type of high school sex education and types of attitudes and behaviors towards sex within the context of the college social environment. A review of the literature shows that comprehensive sex education has been more effective than no sex education or abstinence only sex education in delaying sexual activity, more effective in providing students information on using contraceptives for safe-sex practices, and more effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and the HIV virus. The literature lacked any substantial information on the …

Self-Awareness Of Food Choice And Body Image: A Relational Study In The Undergraduate Female Population, Cassandra Lenza

Social Work Theses

The present study has measured, by self-report, factors that affect food choice in the college-aged female population and the relationship between these factors and perceived body image. A review of the literature reveals that health, appearance, cost, time and availability all serve as influential factors in this population’s food choices, but the literature does not investigate the relationship between comparing the variables of food choice and body image. This correlational study employed a survey research design with Likert-scaled questions to gain insight regarding food choice in seventy-five undergraduate students. The main findings suggest that the target population based food consumption …

Safe Voluntary Exit Plans For Gang Involved Youth In Rhode Island: A Qualitative Study, Patricia Foley

Social Work Theses

This study was conducted with the intent of understanding safe exit plans for gang involved youth. There is limited literature around the existence of exit planning in the State of Rhode Island. Three interviews were conducted with four local stakeholders in the Rhode Island community. These interviews revealed that at risk youth can be safely guided out of gang life with the proper support systems and access to new life experiences. Social work practice, policy and research implications were addressed.

The Sensory Treatment Approach In Dealing With Trauma In Children: Does It Work?, Kathy L. Da Silva

Social Work Theses

This study focused on the sensory treatment approach for children with histories of trauma. It was an exploratory, qualitative study where four licensed social workers were interviewed at a small agency in Rhode Island that uses the sensory treatment approach. Each participant had attended a day long training on this approach for use in their agency setting. The findings revealed that each participant highly rated this method of treatment and found it to be effective. All participants used the sensory treatment approach differently and in combination with different treatment modalities and models. Implications for social work practice, policy, and research …

Personal History Of Violence And Response To Violence: A Quantitative And Free-Response Study Focusing On College-Age Students, Margaret Haswell

Social Work Theses

This study examined the relationship between people’s history with violence and how they responded to a graphically violent real-life video. A review of the literature revealed there had been extensive research done about the effects of media and violence on individuals, yet there is a lack of evidence about the effect that violent home footage can have on college-aged students. This relational study utilized a questionnaire that included both a Likert scale and a free-response portion with 25 undergraduate students rating their relationship with violence in the past and their response to a violent video. Greater prior exposure to violence …

Narrative Analysis Of Students’ Of Color Experiences At Predominantly White Institutions And The Implications Of Support Systems, Stephanie Blake

Social Work Theses

This study will look at support systems for students of color at predominantly White institutions. A review of the literature reveals that the supports that are needed for this population of students to ensure a positive experience are their family and peers from home and on campus and faculty/staff and on-campus services. A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted through interviewing seventeen participants who describe themselves as minorities within a predominantly White institution. The findings from this study revealed that the above aspects were seen as supports while at this institution and that there was also the underlying theme of perceptions …

Green-Eyed Facebook Monster: Social Network Use And Relationship Disruption, Theresa Hurton

Social Work Theses

This study looks at the relationship between the social network site Facebook and how it impacts college romantic relationships. A review of the literature reveals that Facebook can be a direct cause of jealousy and a negative impact on romantic and sexual relationships and can be responsible for creating suspicion between romantic partners, but there is still need for more research to be done in the future. This correlational study used a questionnaire with Likert style items administered to one hundred undergraduates having them rate frequency of Facebook use and jealousy in past and present relationships. The findings reveal that …

Childhood Social Factors And Their Impact On Young Adulthood Obesity, Sarah Burke

Social Work Theses

Obesity is a growing concern in the United States, particularly among children and adolescents. This study aimed to ascertain what factors including school/peer influences, culture, family lifestyle, and neighborhood environment, during individuals’ adolescence, impact their weight as young adults. The researcher conducted a survey that was given to students at a private catholic college in southern New England. A survey instrument was developed and distributed as a Facebook event restricted to college students at the specific institution, and additionally was distributed to one social work undergraduate course. The findings indicated that participant’s weight was most influenced by family lifestyle and …

Burnout Prevalence And Prevention In A State Child Welfare Agency, Molly Heverling

Social Work Theses

This study addressed the prevalence of burnout and coping strategies within a sample of forty child welfare direct service workers. Although social work can be an extremely gratifying profession, the difficulties inherent in the social work field cause added stress to the worker. Surveys were distributed and measured participants’ levels of burnout in three areas to include: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Results revealed a group of dedicated workers that are under stress due to the urgency of their work. Workers described a wide array of positive and negative coping methods as means to address work related stress. Practice, …

The Pragmatics Of Transracial Adoption: A Parents’ Perspective, Ashley Chuha

Social Work Theses

This study examines the relationship between transracial adoption and racial and ethnic identity development from a parent’s perspective. By listening to stories and hearing experiences of these parents, the writer was able to obtain an idea regarding how the family as a whole views race and how the child expresses his or her differences within the family context. A review of the literature indicates that transracial adoption is an ongoing debate because of the importance of finding a permanent placement for a child and the potential loss of a cultural heritage by not living with a family of the same …

The “Double Loss” Effect: Exploring How People React To Another Person’S Loss – The Griever’S Perspective, Laura Bienashski

Social Work Theses

This study intended to explore the “double loss” effect and people’s reactions to another person’s loss. When individuals negative react to a person who is in grief there is a common tendency to avoid, provide pseudo care, and/or stiff-arm. Five interviews were conducted with college students who experienced losing a loved one. These interviews addressed the phenomenon of the “double loss” effect and other people’s reactions to another person’s loss through the perception of the grievers. Practice, policy and research implications resulted from this research and are discussed within paper.

Understanding College Students Perceptions Of Unhealthy Dating Relationships, Kristina M. Cofone

Social Work Theses

This study addresses the prevalence and perceptions of unhealthy relationships at a medium size catholic college campus. An online voluntary survey measured student’s perceptions and understanding of unhealthy relationships through the use of silhouettes. Additionally, participants were asked to define psychological abuse. Results revealed that many of the college students were able to correctly identify types of abuse in relationships. Participants defined psychological abuse to include manipulation, control and guilt. Practice and policy implications were addressed as well.

Bullying At The Middle School Level: A Descriptive Study, Sara C. Johnson

Social Work Theses

Bullying within schools has been a topic of great interest in recent years. Due to various factors, bullying is a particularly large problem at middle schools. In order to obtain further research on this topic, a study was conducted at a small suburban middle school in Connecticut. Teachers were given surveys to complete to address their thoughts on bullying. Additionally, a smaller subsample of teachers and the school social worker were interviewed. The data gathered from the surveys and interviews revealed that bullying was in fact present at the school. Participants expressed that students tend to bully one another in …

Surviving As A Runaway: Services For This Population, Noelia Sanchez

Theses Digitization Project

There are thousands of children who run away from their homes each year for a variety of reasons. These children involved themselves in risky behaviors to survive while on the streets. This has been an ongoing problem that many have tried to alleviate by providing- different types of resources throughout the United States. However, there is more that could be done to help our youth stay safe. This population should be of great concern to society because they are part of the future.

This study looked into what runaways have to do to survive while on the streets by interviewing …

Susan Weinger, Nate Coe

International Faculty Researchers

Advancing the knowledge of rural Bangladeshi women about gardening and nutrition and increasing access to basic health care services and information for Cambodian school children was the foci of Dr. Susan Weinger’s research and volunteerism on a three-month overseas trip in summer 2010.

Susan Weinger's website

Like Crazy: A Writer’S Search For Information And Inspiration, Sarah Lawrence

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

I began this project with the sole aim of learning about the experience of the mentally handicapped in Morocco and the treatment and care options available to their families. However, with my independent study project on hold until I could find an advisor, I began brainstorming a Moroccan-themed fantasy story. Once I started my field research, many of my findings and observations about modern and traditional healing practices for the mentally disabled in the context of the Moroccan family enriched my developing world.

Building Stories Of Resilience In The Face Of Childhood Cancer: Exploring The Experiences Of Childhood Cancer Survivors, Gabrielle Lemarier

Social Work Theses

This qualitative study addressed the personal stories, characteristics, influences, and factors which assisted childhood survivors of cancer to be resilient and thrive. Six childhood cancer survivors told stories of coping with the hardships of a cancer diagnosis and eight common themes uniquely experienced by each survivor were revealed. Results of this study indicated that professionals should address a cancer diagnosis as a family diagnosis, constantly facilitating communication within the family system. Health promotion should also be a common professional practice, supporting the individual in self-advocacy. Professionals should also support survivors in the process of making meaning out of his/her cancer …