Examining The Influence Of Race, Gender Identity, And Sexual Orientation On Homelessness Among Lgbtq+ Youth, Francisco J. Trujillo Jr., Lauren E. Flynn

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this proposed study is to examine how race, gender identity, and sexual orientation influence the experiences of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 18 and 24. Existing research shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of homelessness compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, with even greater disparities among youth of color. While previous studies have identified increased risks related to discrimination, family rejection, and mental health challenges, there is a need to further examine how intersecting identity factors relate to housing instability outcomes.

This proposed study would use a quantitative research design and …

Exploring Mental Health Service Disparities Among First-Generation Latino College Students, Diane Zepeda-Rodriguez, Samantha Ramirez, Desiree Robledo, Merina Leo-Urroz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

First-generation Latino college students experience barriers to mental health in the form of cultural stigmas and systemic disadvantages, which prevent them from obtaining support and cause disparities within mental health services within their community. Existing research addresses how cultural factors, such as religion, gender roles, and stigma, play a part in their willingness to obtain services. However, despite the limited literature found regarding research addressing barriers to Latinos receiving mental health support, little to no research addresses the specific population of first-generation Latino college students. This study will aim to explore how systemic barriers and cultural stigmas impact help-seeking behaviors …

Assessing Family Burden In Borderline Personality Disorder: Family Functioning, Relationship Dynamics, And Emotional Well-Being, Alina Palomino, Gabriela Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the impacts of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) on the family system, specifically in the areas of family functioning, relationship dynamics, and emotional well-being through the assessment of burden. The proposed study would employ a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of how families adapt to the behavioral and emotional patterns of this mental health condition. Quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews would be incorporated to enhance understanding of this dynamic. Semi-structured interviews would provide deeper insight into emotional dynamics, communication patterns, caregiving roles, and coping strategies, while the Burden Assessment …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Foster Youth Success In Higher Education, Brianna Mosqueda, Ana Gutierrez Perez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study explores the topic of foster youth and their personal experiences, identifying influential factors in career choice at higher levels of education. Emphasized factors include overall motivation levels, personal experiences, financial factors, support, and potential challenges. Results of this proposed study could identify resources to better understand current gaps in educational success using two theories, such as Social Cognitive Career Theory and Self-Determination Theory. Study data would be analyzed using a quantitative approach, implementing non-probability sampling, specifically quota sampling, to identify and recruit foster care youth participants. Survey responses collected via scaling questions would be transferred from the …

Foster Youth Perspectives On The Effectiveness Of School-Based Academic Support, Stephanie Monroy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research aims to explore how foster youth perceive the effectiveness of various evidence-based interventions that have previously been used to support their education. Due to the various barriers that foster youth face, they often experience significantly lower academic performance than their non-foster youth peers. Consequently, high school graduation rates among foster youth remain significantly lower than those of their non-foster youth peers. Much of the existing literature is outdated and does not adequately reflect current educational realities for foster youth. Additionally, existing literature primarily focuses on measurable outcomes and program evaluations, with less emphasis on ensuring the lived experiences …

Parental Rejection, Identity Development, And Mental Health Among Lgbtqia+ Youth, Litzy Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, LGBTQIA+ youth continue to experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidality, and identity development distress. Parental rejection has been identified as the central impact of these outcomes. However, limited research has examined the influence of parental responses on identity development and the role of micro-level supports, such as counseling and support groups, and macro-level supports, such as inclusive policies and community protections. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine the relationship between early parental rejection or acceptance and LGBTQIA+ youth’s mental health outcomes, identity development, and perceived effectiveness of support systems. …

Mental Health Outcome Disparities In Children With A History Of Maltreatment: A Qualitative Study, Anna V. Echaury

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Child maltreatment is a widespread social issue that leads to lasting effects that include perpetuating cycles of violence and can lead to long term problems in adulthood. The presented study aims to focus on describing the mental health outcome disparities in children who have experienced child maltreatment. Although existing studies have addressed mental health outcomes, previous work has overlooked the disparities between children who have experienced maltreatment and children who have not. This qualitative study will collect data using interviews and utilize thematic analysis to analyze the collected data. This research will enhance understanding of the impact of child maltreatment …

Human Trafficking Of Children Efficacy Of Counter Trafficking Programs For Youth, Alma Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Human trafficking is a global problem, and it is a significant problem within the United States. Children are a vulnerable group that become victims of human trafficking operations. Human trafficking prevention programs are available to address this issue, but there is much needed research to test the effectiveness of the countertrafficking programs for high-risk children. This study is a systematic review of studies on countertrafficking programs. This study will use a mixed methods approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative data from selected studies. This study hopes to find if current counter-trafficking programs are effective in preventing at-risk youth from becoming …

The Role Of Commuting Stress On Job Satisfaction: Burnout As Mediator, Andreas Ari Kristiyanto, P. Tommy Y. S. Suyasa

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Abstract

This study examines the role of commuting stress on job satisfaction, with burnout as a mediating variable. Data were collected from 113 commuting employees in urban areas, primarily within Greater Jakarta, an area known for severe traffic congestion, using a quantitative approach. Participants completed three validated questionnaires: the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) for job satisfaction, the Multimodal Commuting Stress Scale (MCSS) for commuting stress, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) for burnout. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS and processed using SmartPLS 4.0. The results indicate that CS has a direct negative effect on job satisfaction and is positively associated …

Between Care And Compliance: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Social Workers' Perspectives On Behavior Contracts In Healthcare, Katelyn E. Murphy

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Behavior contracts are frequently used in healthcare environments to manage behaviors labeled as disruptive; however, their use presents many ethical, legal, and practical concerns. This mixed-methods study examined behavior contracts through a social work lens, with particular attention to their impact on patient-centered care, professional ethics, and the patient–provider relationship. Based on the Person-in-Environment theory and core bioethical principles, the quantitative aspect of the study assessed healthcare social workers’ attitudes regarding the ethical implications of behavior contracts and their alignment with patient-centered care. The study looked further at how these perceptions differed based on years of professional experience as a …

Disrupting The Link Between Exposure To Violence And Adolescent Delinquency: The Protective Role Of Expectations About The Future, Eunbyeor Sophie Yang, Seohyun Kim, Su-Kyung Oh, Hyeyoung Kang, Ick-Joong Chung

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Exposure to violence significantly influences adolescent delinquency, posing a critical public health concern. We examine the moderating role of expectations about the future in this context, particularly whether their impact differs between minor and severe delinquency. Analyzing data from the fifth wave of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (n=1,272), we employed hierarchical linear regression and the PROCESS macro. Our findings reveal that exposure to violence is positively associated with delinquency; meanwhile, expectations about the future are negatively associated with adolescent delinquency. Positive expectations about the future significantly mitigate the impact of exposure to violence on adolescent delinquency …

A Grounded Theory Approach To Explaining Leadership And Leadership Processes Among Oncology Social Workers, Larmender Amia Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The absence of comprehensive field-specific leadership theories leaves oncology social work leaders insufficiently equipped to navigate organizational challenges such as policy shifts, financial pressures, and workforce dynamics. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to generate an explanatory theory of leadership grounded in the experiences of social work leaders practicing in oncology settings. The grounded theory and a conceptual framework on leadership processes, ethical identity, and organizational context guided this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 oncology social work leaders in the United States. Five categories emerged and were analyzed using the constant comparative method: …

Perceived Influence Of Childhood Domestic Violence Exposure On Intimate Relationships Among Heterosexual African American Men, Ronnie Lyman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood exposure to domestic violence (DV) remains a significant and underexplored issue within clinical social work, particularly as it pertains to African American men. This doctoral project involved addressing limited understanding of how heterosexual African American men who were exposed to DV in childhood perceived these early experiences in terms of shaping their emotional wellbeing and intimate partner relationships in adulthood. Guided by the intergenerational transmission of violence theory, this study involved exploring reflective narratives of men who experienced such exposure. Via a basic qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven purposefully selected participants who were …

Arts Integration: Teaching Through The Senses Just Makes Sense!, Isabella Shenouda, Noah Karnafel, Hongming Xu

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Arts Integration is a high-impact teaching practice for both higher education and K-12 settings. Because students bring diverse backgrounds, learning preferences, and ways of making meaning, the arts offer flexible, multi-sensory pathways to content comprehension that traditional lecture-based and text-based instruction often cannot. Drawing on classroom evidence from an Honors First-Year Seminar at UNLV in which students identified an arts-based workshop as their favorite lesson, we argue that creative, hands-on activities deepen knowledge retention and foster genuine intellectual engagement. Arts Integration is inherently an asset-based and inclusive practice, as it encourages students to connect through various sensory learning experiences, whether …

Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Christian Women’S Response To Their Spouses’ Pornography Use, Margaret Harris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study explored the emotional responses Christian women experience upon discovering their spouse’s pornography use and how they perceive their spouse’s openness during and after disclosure. Guided by Husserl’s descriptive philosophy, the study used confidential Zoom interviews and a focus group with Christian women aged 18 and older to gather first‑person accounts of the phenomenon. Through phenomenological reduction, repeated readings, and the refinement and synthesis of meaning units, six superordinate themes emerged: faith as an Interpretive lens; pornography as a violation of relational, emotional, and moral boundaries; discovery as an emotional and relational turning point; communication as a …

Center For Social Development Report To The Community: 2026, Center For Social Development, Washington University In St. Louis

Center for Social Development Research

For more than 30 years, the Center for Social Development (CSD) has been a hub for implementing and testing applied social innovations. As the 2026 "Report to the Community" underscores, we remain dedicated to our mission to advance policies and practices that support individuals, families, and communities in achieving their goals and contributing to society and the economy.

Human Service Professionals’ Perceptions Culturally Competent Resources For Transracial Adoption, Rachelle Tau-Stewart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Transracial adoption continues to increase in the United States, particularly in states with predominantly White populations; yet, culturally competent preparation and postadoption resources remain limited. The lack of structured cultural socialization and race-responsive supports places transracially adopted youth at increased risk for identity disruption, mental health challenges, and experiences of racism and microaggressions. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore human service professionals’ perceptions of the services needed to provide culturally competent resources for transracial adoption in Washington State. Guided by the Transracial Adoption Parenting Series framework developed by the Coalition for Children, Youth, and Families, …

Service Providers’ Perceptions Of Mckinney-Vento Implementation: Supporting Academic Performance And Attendance In K-12 Students’ Experiencing Homelessness, Darci Mcrae

Honors Projects

In Wood, Lucas, and Ottawa County, Ohio, approximately 2,508 students or 2.6% of total enrollment experience homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act (MVA, 1987) aims to reduce educational barriers for these students by ensuring access to transportation, school enrollment, school supplies, and additional educational support. Despite these provisions, the effectiveness of MVA implementation varies among school districts due to differences in staff training, funding, procedures, and the diverse needs of students experiencing homelessness. This study examines service providers’ perceptions of how the MVA is implemented in public school districts and how it affects attendance and academic performance among K–12 students’ experiencing homelessness. …

Should There Be International Standards For Qualitative Social Work Research? A Commentary On Utility, Contradictions, And Reframing To Principles, Margaret Janse Van Rensburg

Faculty and Staff Publications

This commentary critically examines the promise and contradictions inherent in developing international standards for qualitative social work research. It contributes by proposing that ethics guided by epistemic freedom and epistemic justice can act as a foundation for flexible principles enhancing qualitative social work research on an international level.

Stability Without Support: Kinship Care And The Reproduction Of Inequality In Child Protection, Kiera Fischer

Senior Seminars and Capstones

This project examines child protection outcomes in Minnesota through a structural and inequality focused lens, analyzing how poverty, housing instability, racism, and system overlap shape family involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS). This literature review draws from sociology, anthropology, social work, and child welfare research, to examine how child protection systems disproportionately surveil and penalize low-income families and families of color, often framing structural disadvantage as an individual parental failure rather than a systemic or institutional issue. I specifically consider placement outcomes following child removal, with particular attention to differences between kinship care and non-relative foster care. Kinship placements are …

An Empirical Case Study Of Substance Abuse Treatment Retention For Black Women In Boston, Melinda Asiamah

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This research investigates the disproportionate impact of substance use disorders (SUD) on Black women, a population facing critically low treatment retention rates, evidenced by outpatient dropout rates averaging 55%. Despite the efficacy of sustained treatment, Black women consistently underutilize and prematurely exit services compared to other demographics. This study asserts that identifying the drivers behind these disparities requires a shift from traditional public health lenses toward a framework that centers racial oppression, systemic barriers, and cultural obstacles.

By integrating Critical Race Theory (CRT), Black Feminist Theory, Social Determinants of Mental Health, and Biopsychosocial Theory, this research explores the impact of …

Food Reintroduction After Negative Ofcs In Pediatrics: Dietary Frequency And Caregiver Attitudes, Olivia Pietrantozzi

Honors Projects

Food allergies in pediatric populations have been gradually increasing in prevalence and present significant nutritional risks requiring strict dietary management and psychosocial challenges. Oral food challenges (OFCs) serve as a gold standard in diagnosing food allergies and determining whether allergenic foods can be safely reintroduced to an individual's diet. However, caregivers of children may still experience anxiety and barriers that delay the reintroduction of foods, which can limit diet diversity and increase the child's risk of future allergy development. This study looked to evaluate the dietary frequency of allergenic food reintroduction following negative OFCs, as well as to assess changes …

Analyzing 24-Hour Diet Recalls To Assess Dietary Changes Among Children Who Complete Oral Food Challenges (Ofcs), Hannah Plank, Wan Shen, Heesoon Lee

Honors Projects

Pediatric food allergies are a growing public health concern in America due to their potential association with long-term nutritional impacts and reduced quality of life in those affected. Oral food challenges (OFCs) are considered the gold standard for clinical food allergy diagnosis, but few studies have examined if passing or failing an OFC affects overall diet quality in infants. This clinical observational study examined differences in diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), among 39 children aged 0–6 years who participated in OFCs at ProMedica Allergy and Immunology Clinic in Perrysburg, Ohio. Parents and caregivers reported daily dietary …