Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Study Of Child Abuse: Race Gender And Family Structure, Linda Wyatt Faircloth

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

Using 1989-1994 data collected from the Portsmouth Department of Social Services in Portsmouth, Virginia, this study looked at severity and recidivism of child abuse in Portsmouth from 1989-1994. Analyses of data from the Portsmouth Department of Social Services indicated that children living in single parent families are more likely to be severely abused than children living in two parent families but no differences were observed for race and age.

A Historical Analysis Of Corporal Punishment In American Public Schools, Cathy A. Hanson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This historical thesis analyzed information about corporal punishment in American public schools from the early 1900's to the present. This historical research study examined economic, social and political trends and explored the relationship they have with corporal punishment. The study examined children's behavioral expressions to which corporal punishment was designed to respond and evaluated the effectiveness of corporal punishment. The study found a relationship between students who live in poverty and displayed difficult behavioral expressions at school and the use of corporal punishment. Students who live in poverty experience corporal punishment in their school more often than their peers who …

Social Work Perceptions Of Job Satisfaction In Host And Primary Settings: A Comparative Analysis, Lorrie A. Busche

Theses and Graduate Projects

Job satisfaction can have personal and professional effects on social workers as well as the quality of service provided to clients. Structural variables such as supervision or role ambiguity may effect job satisfaction, but the intensity to which it effects the social worker may be different from setting to setting. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the contribution of selected factors associated with job satisfaction in two different settings. The research design for this exploratory study, is a cross-sectional mailed survey. A random sample of 75 social workers in host settings and primary settings were sent surveys. A …

Crisis Intervention And The State Comprehensive Mental Health Service Plan Act Of 1986 (P.L. 99-660): An Historical Analysis, Thomas J. Barron

Theses and Graduate Projects

Despite numerous contributions by theorists and crisis service providers in the field of crisis intervention, few reports have examined underlying legislation. This study reviews policy trends in past mental health legislation and crisis programs between 1840 to 1996. It focuses on the State Comprehensive Mental Health Plan Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-660) and describes the response to such legislation in Minnesota. An incremental policy process illustrates how crisis intervention services have evolved to be part of the array of comprehensive mental health services.

Coping Mechanisms Used By Socially And Emotionally Isolated Older Adults, Paulla Dechmann

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory and descriptive qualitative study was undertaken to examine the nature of social and emotional isolation as it impacts older adults by examining the coping mechanisms they use. The participants (N=15), clients of Senior Community Services and CommonBond Communities, completed a structured interview consisting of nineteen primarily open-ended questions. The study looked at the issues of social and emotional isolation as it was identified by participants, the amount of support they received, and the methods they used to cope with any recognized feelings of isolation. The survey identified those persons involved in the senior's life, how frequently contact was …

Burnout In School Social Workers, Carol L. F Davis

Theses and Graduate Projects

This quantitative study used survey research to explore the burnout level or degree of burnout experienced by school social workers and school social worker's relationship to burnout, caseload size, and multibuilding assignment. A survey of 95 school social workers in Ramsey County showed that most had a sense of personal accomplishment, felt connected to their clients and were not emotionally exhausted. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and demographic information were used to determine the burnout significance. The variables of caseload size and multibuilding assignment had no relationship with the bunnout scores. In addition, no relationship was found between the three subscales …

The Relationship Between Tamoxifen And Depressive Symptoms In Women With Breast Cancer, Terry Marie Lynn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether women with breast cancer and the presence of the drug tamoxifen, are more severely depressed than women with breast cancer and the absence of tamoxifen. Average Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores did not differ between the two sub-groups; however, two significant group differences were found. First, 10 women in the tamoxifen group had scores of zero (versus 4 in the absence of prescribed tamoxifen group). Research has shown that scores of zero do not always reflect an absence of depression. Second, the most severely depressed women (BDI scores in the 25 …

The Establishment Of An Environmental Non-Governmental Organization (Engo) Support Center, Heba Aly El Meligy

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Long Term Implications On Male Children Who Witness Interparental Violence, Michelle M. Erlandson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The immediate effects of family violence on child witnesses are well documented. Even with this information children often do not receive any services particularly if they have not been physically harmed. What is less evident are the long term effects of, family violence on child witnesses. This study gathered data via a questionnaire from 25 males who were attending a domestic violence education program for assaulting their female partner. The questionnaire addressed childhood experiences such as the witnessing of parental violence, conflict resolution methods observed in childhood and discipline methods used in the home. Additionally, the questionnaire asked about current …

Self-Esteem Enhancement In Deaf And Hearing Women: Success Stories, Mary Catherine Holte

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explores the process of self-esteem enhancement in 23 women, nine Deaf and fourteen hearing, for purposes of both individual and group comparison. The qualitative design examines material from in-depth interviews to generate themes relating to the ways in which these women have described the concept of, and enhanced, their self-esteem.

It was found that, while both Deaf and hearing women described self-esteem in conceptually-equivalent terms, a distinction was noted in specific words used by each of the two groups. A contrast was also found between the number of Deaf women who reported education as a factor in self-esteem …

Interracial Adoption: In Whose Best Interest Is It?, Pamela L. Beyer

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study investigated the impact of interracial adoption on adjustment, self-esteem, and racial identity among Korean adoptees who were adopted into Euro-American families, as related by the adoptees. Twelve respondents between the ages of 18 and 22 answered survey questions relating to their self-concept, their involvement in cultural activities, problem areas as a result of their interracial adoption, adoptive parents' characteristics and responsibilities, and the roles of social workers. Respondents indicated that their adoptive parents' sensitivity as well as involvement and education in Korean culture was important and should be the focus of recruitment and training efforts by social workers.

Emerging Trends In Child Protective Work During The Progressive Era 1909-1929: Local Experience In A National Context, Michael J. Goldfarb

Theses and Graduate Projects

This historical analysis seeks to inform current

debate in child welfare practice through analysis of the

development of child protection work in the United States

during the Progressive Era. Analysis of case records and

social work debate suggests a shift occurred in the

intervention strategy used by social workers in their

approach to child protective work. Social workers shifted

from a social control model to a casework intervention

strategy in protective work. Case records from the

Children's Protective Society of Hennepin County in the

1920s depict a combination of both intervention strategies

being utilized simultaneously.

Farm Women's Roles And Their Experience Of Role Strain And Role Enhancement, Diane Dunn

Theses and Graduate Projects

Studies exploring farm women roles were limited to data of the 1980s utilizing the scarcity approach to role theory. This study expands on research by exploring farm women's roles today utilizing both the scarcity and expansion approaches. Random sampling of 81 farm women ages 26-78 were drawn from the Pipestone County Farm Service's mail-listing. Data was analyzed using JMP Statistical Data Analysis. The study revealed that farm women continued to fulfill roles involved with family, farming, and off-farm employment at rates similar/greater (employment) to those in the '80s. Findings also suggested that farm women experience both strains and enhancements from …

Adolescents' Perceptions Of Their Relationship With Family Members, John L. Upshaw

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory quantitative study examined adolescents' perceptions of their relationship, in terms of interpersonal boundaries, with family members. The literature review revealed different types of boundaries and boundary positions. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale was the instrument utilized for assessing the adaptability. (EACES II) The questions this study answers include how the adolescents' boundary position, in terms of cohesion, and boundary adaptability effects delinquency and school achievement? Also, how do religious activities of the adolescents effect delinquency and school achievement? Self-survey questionnaires and FACES II inventories were administered at two separate high schools. The findings revealed connected family cohesion …

The Relationship Between Recreational Activity And Dementia Behavior: An Exploratory Study, Nicole Schueller

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explores the effects recreational activity has on specific dementia behaviors such as wandering, pacing, agitation, calling out and repetitive verbal comments of 15 nursing home residents with dementia. Previous research indicated that too often a resident exhibiting a dementia behavior warranting the need for a restraint is treated with a physical or chemical restraint without careful consideration of the meaning of the behavior. The ethical dilemma of using restraints suggests the need to find alternatives to restraint usage. The study examines how activities affect agitation levels of the residents.

This research consisted of an observational study of 15 …

The Influence Of External Factors In The Overrepresentation Of African American Males In Minnesota Special Education Programs, Lynn K. Lewis

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nationally African American males are disproportionately represented in special education programs. The city of Minneapolis closely mirrors the national trend in this regard. According to the Minneapolis Board of Education black males represent 40 percent of the enrollees in the learning disability, and educational behavior disorder classrooms, even though they are only 21 percent of the total school population. Research in this area is important because if black males are inappropriately assessed for special education placements, it may lead to the following: 1) academic and social segregation from their mainstream peers; 2) inappropriate labeling and education of African American males; …

Grief And Loss Issues And Women's Drinking Patterns, Joyce M. Halstrom

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory, qualitative study was undertaken to explore the relationship of grief and loss and women's drinking patterns. The literature review focused on major contributors of grief work, theoretical frameworks of the grieving process, and an overview of alcoholism in women. Ten women who were recovering from alcoholism in a half-way house were interviewed using open-ended, semi-structured questions. The interviews focused on the respondents' drinking patterns, their grief and loss issues, and the treatment of those issues in their chemical dependency treatment program. Implications for social work practice is included. Results indicate the importance of prevention, intervention, and education of …

The Transition From Adolescence To Adulthood For People With Cystic Fibrosis, Marykay Lannon Palmer

Theses and Graduate Projects

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has long been thought of as a childhood disease due to the shortened life span of its victims. Due to advances in medical research, the life expectancy for those with CF has been steadily on the rise to the current median life expectancy of 30 years. There has been extensive medical research on CF in adulthood but little or no research on the impact of CF on becoming an adult. This exploratory, qualitative study examined the perceptions of adults with CF regarding the impact the disease has had on their lives, especially during the transition from adolescence …

The Salvation Army: A Study Of Organizational Culture And Type, Susan S. Gotzman

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study of The Salvation Army examined the relationship between the organizational character type and management style related to models of communication and decision making. The research statement of this study on the organizational character type of The Salvation Army indicates its capacity to involve personnel in communication and decision making processes. Carl Jung's psychological type theory provides the theoretical framework. Jung's theory explains human behavior in terms of individual preferences for acquiring information and making decisions. The Organizational Character Index, a Jungian typing instrument adapted to an organizational context, is used to determine the organizational character type. A sample …

Bereavement Support In Central And West-Central Minnesota Schools: An Exploratory Study, Brenda K. Wiese

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explored the need for services for school-aged children who have experienced the death of a close family member. Grieving parents and other adult caregivers may have difficulty supporting and assisting these children through the grief process. School social workers from fourteen school districts in central and west-central Minnesota were involved in this study. The results showed that the schools provide services which deal with children' s grief issues. Other needs as identified by the social workers included: 1) increased school social workers to support these students; 2) additional trainings in the area of working with grieving children; and …

A Descriptive Study Of Adolescent Truancy In Ramsey County, Minnesota, Ruth Merritt

Theses and Graduate Projects

Truancy is defined as the act of being absent from school without permission. The problem of inconsistent school attendance is often the first sign of trouble with students. Studies show a strong link between truancy, dropping out of school, and delinquent behavior. Excessive unexcused absences are present in varying degrees in all schools and across the country. Truancy is a complex problem that involves the student, the family, the school, and the community. The problem continues to increase year after year.

In this study, 50 subjects aged 12-15 are described using two different measures. Parent-completed intake forms provide information on …

Development And Implementation Of A Parent's Grief Support Group Concurrent With A Preexisting Children's Grief Support Group, Evelyn J. Swenson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Children who grieve need the support and understanding of their parent(s) in order to experience a grief reaction void of negative long-term effects. Parents experiencing grief are often exhausted from their own grief response having little energy to obtain support and information to provide a supportive atmosphere for their children. This study evaluates the efficacy of a parent grief support group in conjunction with a children grief group for ages 6-12 in response to the belief that the parent-child relationship undergoes extreme stress when a death is experienced in the family. A six session psycho-educational parent grief support group was …

Children Living In Poverty: Their Perception Of Career Opportunities, Susan Weinger

Social Work Faculty Publications

Growing up in poverty often diminishes a child's opportunity to pursue a rewarding career path. This qualitative study explored whether poor children are aware that their wealthier peers' chances for success may be greater than their own. Projective techniques employing photographs of two houses representing poor and middle-income families were used to interview twenty-four children between the ages of five and thirteen years, divided equally between white and African Americans. These respondents perceived that society provides better future job opportunities to non poor children while limiting those of the poor. Although respondents suggested that they and their friends could be …

Exposing And Reframing Welfare Dependency, Elizabeth Bartle

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Defining the phrase welfare dependency from a feminist perspective offers a way to understand how the rhetoric around the use of this phrase continues to legitimize current changes in Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) while simultaneously diverting the public's attention from the real issues of poverty of and discrimination against women. This article includes a detailed definition of welfare dependency, a brief history of its usage, and a reconceptualization of women's use of AFDC on a long-term basis. This reconceptualization expands on international dependency theory and reframes dependency as interdependency that builds on women's strengths, women's rights, and …

Poor Children "Know Their Place": Perceptions Of Poverty, Class, And Public Messages, Susan Weinger

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This qualitative study hears and clarifies some of the voices of children concerning how they feel their lives are circumscribed by living in poverty, by public messages about the poor, and by their views of their socioeconomic status. Twenty-four children between the ages of 5-12 years were interviewed using snapshots of different economic level homes in order to capture their uncensored responses. Findings reveal that the children view poverty as a deprivation, perceive societal messages as disparaging of the poor, and have some difficulty holding on to positive views of themselves. These children's thoughts about the realities of their lives …

Combating Child Abuse: International Perspectives And Trends. Neil Gilbert (Ed.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Neil Gilbert (Ed.), Combating Child Abuse: International Perspectives and Trends. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. $45.00 hardcover.

Rethinking Selectivism And Selectivity By Means Test, Chack-Kie Wong

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article casts doubt on conventional thinking about selectivism and its narrow focus on the selective process. It is argued that selectivity is fairly neutral; even universal access to welfare is not free from the attachment of social stigma to welfare beneficiaries. The increase in benefits standards, another common strategy advocated by egalitarians, may not produce the desirable de-stigmatized effect for beneficiaries. Our status ranking conception of social relations, reflecting the operation of the success ideology, holds the key to the transfer of social stigma in the social exchange of welfare benefits. In this regard, we need .to study the …

Review Of Who Will Care For Us: Aging And Long Term Care In Multicultural America. Ronald L. Angel And Jacqueline L. Angel. Reviewed By Martin Tracy, University Of Southern Illinois., Martin Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Ronald L. Angel and Jacqueline L. Angel, Who will Care for Us: Aging and Long-Term Care I Multicultural America. New York: New York University Press, 1997. $29.95 hardcover.

Escape From Poverty: What Makes A Difference For Children? P. Lindsay Chase-Lansdale And Jeanne Brooks-Gunn (Eds.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

P. Lindsay Chase-Lansdale and Jeanne Brooks-Gunn (Eds.), Escape from Poverty: What Makes a Difference for Children? Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press, 1997. $ 49.95 hardcover, $ 24.95 papercover.

Contested Workplace: The Case Of The Strike Of The United Food And Commercial Workers Union Versus Meijer, Barbara Thomas Coventry, Marietta Morrissey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper examines the struggle between labor and management at four, newly-opened supermarket/discount stores, culminating in a strike. It considers workplace control as an issue in the strike and its resolution. Edwards' typology of workplace control is reviewed, along with other indirect forms of control explored in recent literature. Workers complained most stridently about direct control mechanisms. Workers' objections to technical and bureaucratic control played only a minor part in workers' decision to strike and the work stoppage's outcome. Indirect controls, including customer and gender-specific control mechanisms, were seldom questioned or acknowledged by workers. On the other hand, both the …