Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Comparison Of Serum And Cervical Cytokine Levels Throughout Pregnancy Between Preterm And Term Births, Kristin Ashford, Niraj R. Chavan, Amanda T. Wiggins, Molly Malany Sayre, Andrea Mccubbin, Agatha S. Critchfield, John O'Brien

Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Faculty Publications

Objective: To assess differences in cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and serum across trimesters between women with preterm births (PTBs) and full-term births.

Study Design: This multicenter study enrolled 302 women with a singleton gestation. CVF and serum cytokines, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, were measured. Women with at least one cytokine assessment and noted PTB status in their medical record were retained in the study (N ¼ 272). Data were analyzed using mixed modeling (main effects of PTBs and time/trimester).

Results: For the CVF values …

Assessing The Impact Of Meaningful Employment On The Self-Esteem Of Male Veterans, Gary Grimes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the relationship between meaningful employment and self-esteem in male veterans. Meaningful employment is an important element of reintegration, the process all veterans go through to transition from active duty military service back into society. Reintegration involves three major areas: physical and mental health, employment, and family and friend relationships. A sample of 30 male veterans were interviewed. After the interviews, two instruments were used to further examine the variables (meaningful employment and self-esteem). The instruments were administered to measure the individual's perception regarding meaningful employment and level of self-esteem. The interviews were the primary focus, with the …

Supporting Recruitment And Retention Of Young African-American And Hispanic Fathers In Community-Based Parenting Interventions Research, Cristina Mogro-Wilson, Crystal M. Hayes, Alysse Melville Loomis, Aubri Drake, Melanie Martin-Peele, Judith Fifield

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Few studies to date have provided strategies for maintaining low rates of attrition when conducting longitudinal, epidemiological, or community-based research with young, minority, urban fathers. This paper highlights lessons learned from a 5-year randomized controlled trial of a fatherhood intervention that designed and implemented state-of-the-art and culturally relevant recruitment and retention methods with 348 young fathers ages 15 to 25. Qualitative findings are drawn from interviews with fathers who had been enrolled in the fatherhood intervention (n=10). While traditional recruitment and retention methods, such as incentives, were employed in this study, non-traditional methods were used as well, such as intensive …

[Review Of The Book Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, And Punish The Poor By V. Eubanks], Dawn Betts-Green

STEMPS Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) With technological ubiquity and improvements comes the misguided notion that automated systems are more objective and less prone to error than the human element. While this may be true with calculations, when it comes to decisions involving the multilayered human experience, it becomes abundantly clear that this is not universally true. Increasingly, there has been a push for higher levels of automation and decreasing human involvement in the provision of government services such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and welfare. Automation provides a way to slash payroll spending and, ostensibly, improve services by making them more objective, and, …

Dreamweaver Foundation Impact Study: Fulfilling Lifelong Dreams For Terminally Ill Seniors In Need, Pamela Ashley, Natalie Scarpa

Reports

Dreamweaver Foundation describes their work as “...fulfill(ing) lifelong dreams for terminally ill seniors in need.” This impact study was designed to provide evidence of how the Foundation is making a difference in the lives of the dreamers and their families. This study applied a systematic and objective approach to understanding the impact of the Dreamweaver Foundation by conducting and analyzing interviews with a representative group of dreamers and their families. The richness of their experiences was captured through these interviews and analyzed to identify themes of impact. In order to provide a solid foundation for the interview process, the study …

Conceptualizing The Prevention Of Human Trafficking: Survivors Perspectives, Jessica James Donohue-Dioh

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

The following study seeks to conceptualize the prevention of human trafficking from the perspective of survivors. The study design was informed through a Public Health Framework and the application of Postmodernism, Social Constructionist Theory, Ecological Perspective and Empowerment Perspective. An integrative mixed-method, participatory research design was applied, namely Concept Mapping. Data was collected over approximately two-months, and included 35 survivors of human trafficking from 4 different states. Data collected from survivors resulted in a statement set (N = 108) and a 10-Cluster Final solution depicting the ways in which survivors conceptualized prevention. Additional outputs provide insight as to survivors’ perspectives …

“Dad, Do You Want To Play With Me?” The Impact Of Fathers Who Make Time For Play, Michael S. Sitton

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

With an increase in the pace of life in the United States, there comes a recognition of the importance of prioritizing time, especially for fathers. Of the two-thirds of children who live with their father, only a percentage of them have fathers who report regular play time with their children. However, literature in the field does not explain specifically whether or not this play between father and child influences the child’s later risk taking behaviors in high school. Using data from the 2003 Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), waves 3, 4, and 6, this quantitative study sought to …

Self-Care Practices Among Geriatric Social Workers, Melissa Lozito

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Within the social work profession, there is a lack of understanding about self-care practices of social workers working with older adults. This lack of knowledge is a concern for the profession because as the older adult population continues to grow, so will the need for social workers to address their needs. Using action research, a focus group of 7 female social workers working with older adults in the Pacific Northwest discussed the research questions related to their use of self-care practices and identifying strategies to increase the use of self-care. Self-compassion theory enhanced understanding the relationship between social workers' experiences …

Challenges In Discharge Planning With Adolescents Receiving Recurring Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment, Chastity Richey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health is a growing concern for adolescents. Billions of dollars are spent annually on mental services for youth. Many adolescents experience abuse, suicidal ideations, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and other challenges. Recurring inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations are increasing among adolescents. The recurring admissions impact adolescents significantly socially, psychologically, and financially. Social workers are a vital part of this treatment process from admission to discharge. The research question asked what were the issues and challenges social workers encounter when conducting discharge planning with adolescents receiving recurring inpatient psychiatric treatment. The purpose for this doctoral project was to carefully examine the discharge …

Examining Trauma Exposure, Organizational Climate, And Job Outcomes In Child Welfare, Shano Rodgers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exposure to traumatic situations is routine for child welfare workers in California, and the attrition rate for newly hired social workers in some states is estimated to be nearly 50% in the 1st year of employment. Prior research has indicated that reasons for dissatisfaction included dysfunctional organizational climate and culture. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which trauma exposure contributed to secondary traumatic stress and intent to quit and to examine the degree to which organizational climate moderated the exposure among direct service child welfare employees. Kurt Lewin's field theory, Figley's theory of secondary traumatic …

Assessing The Meaningful Inclusion Of Youth Voice In Policy And Practice: State Of The Science, Jennifer E. Blakeslee, Janet S. Walker

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Despite current prioritization of the inclusion of young people's voices in the design and delivery of services for youth and young adults, few up-to-date tools or frameworks have emerged to assist service-providing programs, agencies, or systems in evaluating their efforts. Further, though stakeholders may be on board with the general purpose and principles for including youth and young adult voice in organizations and systems, they may lack awareness of the policies and practices that need to be developed to ensure the consistent and meaningful engagement of youth as participants in decision-making processes. This review synthesizes the state-of-the-science regarding how to …

Peer Support For Youth And Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Conditions: State Of The Science, Janet S. Walker, Caitlin Baird, Mary Beth Welch

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Peer support for youth and young adults who experience serious mental health conditions (SMHCs) is rapidly growing in popularity as an addition to the mental health service array in communities around the United States. Research focusing on various aspects of the youth/young adult peer support role has been accruing in recent years; however, many questions remain regarding how the role is defined and supported, and what sort of outcomes can and should be expected once peer support is implemented as a service. This brief reviews the research literature that bears on these topics, describes how current work at Pathways RTC …

Social Network Enhancement Strategies To Address Limited Support Networks In Young Adulthood: State Of The Science, Jennifer E. Blakeslee

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This review focuses on populations where systems involvement is presumed to impact the size, strength, and supportiveness of social networks, including young people who have experienced out-of-home placement in foster care, juvenile justice, or residential treatment.

Veteran Patient Perspectives And Experiences During Implementation Of A Patient-Centered Medical Home Model, Anaïs Tuepker, Summer Newell, Christina Nicolaidis, Marie-Elena Reyes, Carolina Castillo, Maria Carolina Gonzalez-Prats, Elini Skaperdas

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VA) has implemented the largest shift to a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of care in the United States to date. Objective: We interviewed veterans about their experiences of primary care to understand whether they observed changes in care during this period as well as to learn which characteristics of care mattered most to their experiences. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 veterans receiving primary care at 1 of 8 VA clinics in the northwest United States. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive–deductive hybrid approach by an interdisciplinary team that included a veteran patient. …

Editorial: Children And Youth In The Era Of Climate Change, Kiaras Gharabaghi, Ben Anderson-Nathe

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Editorial. An editorial is presented on the impact of global warming and climate change on human life, social relations, economic prospects, and ecological health. It expresses the view that young people is changing rapidly as climate change increasingly transitions from a scientific observation. An overview of the challenge of climate change to child and youth serving communities.

Common Law, Charity, And Human Rights As Responses To The Socio-Economic Crisis In Galicia, Spain, Francisco Xabier Aguiar Fernández, Santiago Prado Conde Universidad Internacional De La Rioja, Carmen Verde Diego

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article presents the findings of a research project analyzing the effects of the Spanish socio-economic crisis on rural areas. It describes the perceptions of social workers in the public sector engaged in community practice and the perceptions of social leaders working for public and private human service organizations within the province of Ourense, Spain. It explores how the current economic crisis has affected people, health care units and the social workers’ scope of action. The study relied on secondary data, surveys and qualitative interviews. Study findings suggest that the adopted measures for responding to the effects of the crisis …

Global Interdependence And Its Effects On Social Work Education In The United States, Mioara Diaconu, Laura Racovita-Szilagyi, Samantha Graham

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social workers in the United States are confronted on a daily basis with challenges reflecting the imprint of globalization. Nevertheless, research shows that most of them are not trained to deal with the global realities of the 21st century, including how to use a rights-based sustainable development approach. This article proposes the use of a rights-based development model as opposed to a charity-based approach. It provides a rationale for implementing a global perspective in social work education that addresses sustainable development consistent with social work values and unique mission. Furthermore, it proposes that it is paramount to adhere to a …

Living Well In The Lives Of African American Women With Chronic Illness, Gabrilla Ballard

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Finding support for African American women with chronic illnesses is challenging. It often requires these women to identify, cultivate, and nurture practice structures that go beyond medical structures already in place to aid in the maintenance of their health conditions. Outside of these structures, the resources needed to support the women are limited. They do not include the scope of modalities necessary to address their unique health presentations and holistic need for medical, emotional and spiritual health. Additionally, intersecting systems of oppression pose challenges to African American women when trying to access resources that could support their overall well-being. This …

Caregiver Experiences Of A Therapeutic Nursery Program : An Exploratory Study, Jaimie Tyler

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to increase our understanding of caregiver experiences whose children use the services of early-intervention programs. The primary value of this study is a better understanding of caregiver perceptions of program aims (how they understand the program), program impact (what they feel or believe it has done/ is doing for them), and program relationships (how they view their family’s relationships with staff). The goal was to add to the limited body of literature on the therapeutic nursery programs by seeking to better understand overall caregiver perceptions and experiences of one such program located …

Program Evaluation Of A Transitional Age Youth Program : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Servicenet, Northampton, Massachusetts, Andrea Carnegie Chester

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was designed to survey participants of ServiceNet’s Transitional Age Youth (TAY) program to solicit feedback regarding program effectiveness in meeting their needs. Surveys were designed with ServiceNet staff to solicit participant perspectives on the importance of program goals, and satisfaction with program services in meeting those goals. Surveys included quantitative and qualitative questions, and were distributed to all active TAY program participants. Respondents placed the greatest emphasis on TAY program goals regarding living independently and housing. Subjects were somewhat less satisfied with program services geared towards employment services. Overall, subjects were very positive about TAY staff, particularly regarding …

Socioeconomic Status And Autism Spectrum Disorder : Caregivers' Solutions To Overcoming Service Barriers, Rachel Rodriguez

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study attempted to remedy the existing research gaps by asking: How does SES of caregivers for children with ASD influence their ideas of service barrier solutions? The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers’ perspectives of service barrier solutions and how SES influences their ideas of solutions. It was hypothesized that high SES caregivers would report experiencing less service barriers than low SES caregivers; therefore, there would be a difference in their ideas of solutions. This study explored sources of information, service barriers, ideas of solutions to barriers, and how solutions may improve caregivers’ abilities to care for …

It Takes A Village-Schooling Out Of Place: School Experiences Of Black African Youth In Waterloo Region, Olufunke Oba 5726040

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This dissertation examined experiences of alienation among Black African youth in Waterloo region schools. This study is timely and relevant considering the rapid influx of Black Africans into the region in response to government initiatives to redirect immigrants to smaller communities. The research addressed the dearth of scholarship on experiences of Black Africans outside the major metropolitan areas by employing Afrocentric and critical race theories to explore relationships between race and youth experiences of alienation. The dissertation study utilized elder facilitated youth dialogue forum (adaptation of focus group) and in-depth storytelling (which honours African orality) to access the meanings seventeen …

Exploring The Discourses Of Compulsive Hair-Pulling: A Body-Mapping Study, Julia Mason

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Compulsive hair-pulling (which is sometimes diagnosed as the OCD-Related Disorder, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviour, "Trichotillomania)" is an understudied experience that has significant social and emotional impacts on the women that it affects. This study focused on the meanings that are derived from the interactions that women with compulsive hair-pulling experience with social discourses surrounding mental illness, physical appearance, and behaviour. Guided by relativist ontology and the co-creation of understanding between researcher and participants, this qualitative exploration was guided by anti-oppressive practice and used an arts-based research method called Body-Map Storytelling. In group format, four women were invited to describe their knowledge, …

Professional Relationships: Bifurcations, Threshold Concepts, And Msw Student Voices., Todd Adamowich

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This qualitative study explored MSW student perceptions of the concept of professional relationships. The research question was: “What does the concept of professional relationships mean to MSW students?” The study was epistemologically rooted in social constructionism and Foucauldian theories, which inform how meaning is created and the notion of “professionalism” is deconstructed, while two-person psychologies were utilized to conceptualize the worker/client relationship to which I refer. Utilizing a constructivist grounded theory modality, 15 participants were recruited from the student body at Wilfrid Laurier University in Kitchener, ON. Through the analysis of individual interview data, two overarching categories emerged: (a) the …

Good Works And The Great Commission: An Exploration Of Religious Influence In Evangelical Faith-Based Organisations In Canada And India, Ravi Gokani

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

By the mid-1990s, the post-war, Keynesian welfare state that had typified much the landscape of service provision in North America had already begun seriously to corrode in the presence of a resurgent classical liberalism. This meant, among other things, an increased role for civil society organisations in the provision of social welfare to citizens in need. As part of this restructuring of the welfare state, faith-based organisations found a renewed place, bolstered in part by favourable legislation, political support, and the revival of a once-recluse evangelicalism. Today, with decades of maturity and the aide of technology, evangelical faith-based organisations are …

Participative Approach To Professional Development, Peer Learning And Evaluation In Youth Work: Summary Report, Trudi Cooper, Miriam Rose Brooker, Orietta Simons

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Youth work evaluation is frequently driven by funders’ requirements, which usually focus on quantitative data about outputs that are easy to measure (Jeffs & Smith, 2005). This approach to evaluation is incomplete and excludes information that would permit a more rounded assessment of the impact of youth work (Cooper, 2014). Missing from funder-driven evaluations are young people’s perspectives on what they have gained from youth work, and youth workers evaluations of how youth work processes have operated to achieve the results presented...

Social Work Education And Mental Health Stigma, Dana K. Prisloe

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

In The Wake Of Vicarious Traumatization : Making Meaning Through Jungian Theory And Engaged Buddhism, Angel Haydn Reed

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

No abstract provided.

Understanding E-Learning As Professional Development For Rural Child Welfare Professionals, Linda S. Kingery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ongoing professional development is an integral part of a child welfare agency's strategy toward the provision of services to children and families involved with a child welfare intervention. Electronic learning (E-Learning) is popular as a fiscally responsible and flexible way to deliver such trainings. There is a gap in the research addressing the problem of how child welfare professionals are motivated to engage in the E-learning process. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of child welfare professionals regarding their motivation to use an agency provided E-learning program. Eight child welfare professionals employed by a …

Muslim Veiled Women And Religious Discrimination: A Strength Perspective, Aishath Shizleen

Theses : Honours

The word ‘Islamophobia’ has gained and continues to gain wider currency in both the academic and public sphere. In the recent years, there has been an increase in literature focusing on Muslims and their experiences living in Western societies. It has been established that religious discrimination impacts negatively on self-esteem, mental wellbeing and one’s sense of identity. However, there is little research focusing on Muslim veiled women in particular even though it has been established that people who are visibly Muslim are more vulnerable to religious discrimination. This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of Muslim veiled women from South …