Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

An Exploration Of The Relationship Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms And Traumatic Experiences In Adult Clients, Sasha Pansovoy

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative research study explored clinicians’ perspectives on the association between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and trauma in the treatment of adult clients. Using both content and narrative analysis, the study examined whether OCD symptoms are reminiscent of the clients’ traumas. Nine clinicians were interviewed and presented narratives of clients who have experienced traumatic events and OCD. Key findings revealed that (1) 10 out of the 12 clients presented were abused as children; (2) OCD symptoms were perceived as coping strategies; (3) the majority of discussed clients were cisgender males; and (4) OCD symptoms of the clients reflected past traumas. Treatment …

Filial Responsibility In The Family Of Origin Experiences Of Social Workers, Aphrodite Easton

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory quantitative study examined social workers’ family of origin experiences of filial responsibility, including emotional and instrumental caregiving. Additionally, this investigation explored the relationship between social workers’ past and current caregiving experiences, reported coping strategies, and the perceived fairness of their families of origin. This research was carried out through an anonymous, online survey of 46 part- and full-time MSW students and MSW graduates using self-report measures including a demographic survey, the Filial Responsibility Scale-Adult, and the Proactive Coping Inventory.

In support of the study’s main hypothesis, participants’ childhood experiences of filial responsibility were significantly correlated with adulthood experiences …

"I Own My T!" : The Experience Of Older Transgender People Of Color Regarding Personal Identity, Systems Of Support, And Desires For The Future, Venae N. Rodriguez

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

While it has been widely reported that transgender individuals experience mistreatment in all aspects of life, transgender people of color, who have rarely been the focus of studies, are faced with even higher incidents of bias (Auldridge, et al., 2012; Dunn & Moodie-Mills, 2012; Grant, et al., 2011). Especially absent is writing on older transgender people of color (Auldridge, et al., 2012; Cook-Daniels, 2015; Fredricksen-Goldsen, et al., 2013; Persson, 2009; Van Wagenen, Driskell & Bradford, 2013). Also missing is literature on the resiliency of transgender people of color and transgender elders. Finally, of the few studies that do exist, most …

Coping With Incarcerated-Related Stress : A Study Of Coping Responses By Women Romantically Involved With Incarcerated Men, Jaleesa I. Myers

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Research related to coping responses of women romantically involved with, or married to, incarcerated men has been unexamined in social work literature. This study examined how women romantically involved with, or married to, incarcerated men cope with economic, social and emotional stress associated with their partners ’ incarceration by examining their use of problem-focused, emotion-focused and avoidant-focused coping styles. The study answered to what extent do women romantically involved with, or married to, incarcerated men utilize adaptive coping responses, especially paying close attention to experiences of African American women. Using quantitative methods, the Brief COPE —a 28-item inventory—was administered to …

Self-Shock : The Experience Of Individuals Relocating Within The United States, Michelle Mieko Kaiulani Daggett

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explored the experience of relocation on self-identity. More specifically, this study focused on the concept of self-shock, the idea that being in a foreign environment impacts an individual’s ability to maintain a consistent identity. This research was based on 12 interviews that were conducted via video-conferencing call or in-person with individuals who have relocated domestically for the first time within the United States. The findings of this study suggest that individuals relocating domestically within the United States can and do experience self-shock. One reason for conducting this study is because relocating is commonplace within the United States …

Sleep With One Eye Open : Specific Safety Concerns That Homeless Males Face And How They Cope With Dangers, Rachel Sloane

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study attempts to understand the safety concerns that homeless males have and how they cope with dangers. In-person, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adult males who had been homeless after the age of 18. The interviews were conducted at an emergency men's shelter located in an urban East Coast city. This agency provided a safe space for individuals who fit the inclusionary criteria to participate in one on one interviews. Personal narratives were used in order to gain a more insightful, person centered understanding of specific dangers and coping skills used towards those dangers. Adult males was …

Childhood Experiences Of Introversion : An Exploration Of Navigating Social And Academic Spaces And Ways Of Coping, Leah S. Schwartz

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of introversion in childhood. This research seeks to understand how introverted children perceive themselves and how this impacts the way they interact with the world around them. The overarching research question is: how does the experience of being an introverted child impact one’s sense of self? Given the practical and ethical challenges of interviewing actual children, for this qualitative research I interviewed 12 adult self-identified introverts about their childhood experience of being introverted. The design for this research study is qualitative and exploratory. Findings included what being introverted meant to …

Therapeutic Aspects Of Dance For Dancers Experiencing Life Adjustment Issues, Khanhsong V. Nguyen

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The following qualitative-interview based study explored the therapeutic benefits of dance training classes (i.e. ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, etcetera) as reported by dancers who are currently in individual talk-therapy for life adjustment issues. Life adjustment issues are defined as, but are not limited to, loss of job, divorce, marital conflict, and gender issues. Using thematic coding, the researcher found that all participants reported that dance was therapeutic and/or mentally healing for life adjustment issues of mood disturbance (anxiety and depression), low selfesteem, eating disorders, medical diagnosis, and problems in personal relationships. Participants also reported that dance provided physical benefits, …

The Things They Carry : A Study Of Transitional Object Use Among U.S. Military Personnel During And After Deployment, Julia St. George

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore how transitional objects are used during and after combat, and whether their use promotes resilience, reduces the effects of combat-related stress, and helps service members with "coming home" from war. The research looked for possible ties between objects with emotional significance that were carried during deployment and the effect the items had on service members' mental health and wellbeing, Sixty-six combat veterans of World War II through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan completed an online survey consisting of multiple-choice, open-ended, and Likert scale questions that were used to capture their experiences …

Exploration Of Coping Styles Utilized By Students During Study Abroad Re-Entry, Michelle I. Thrasher

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This quantitative study asked the question: what are the coping styles utilized by study abroad students during the re-entry period? The exploratory nature of the study then examined the relationship of eight variables on coping styles; gender, age, previous travel experience, number of languages spoken, having other family members who studied abroad, how supported they felt by home institution, race and coping style in relationship to the biggest challenge they faced. This research was conducted using an anonymous online survey made available to any past study abroad students. The survey asked for information about family history, travel experience and demographic …

Ghosts Of The Past : Polio Survivors Confront Post Polio Syndrome, Arianna Louise Opsvig

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explores the experience, attitudes, and coping skills of polio survivors confronting post polio syndrome (PPS), the re-emergence of polio-related symptoms in older age. It asks the question, ""What are the experiences and attitudes among individuals experiencing PPS towards declining physical functioning and secondary disability, and what are the resiliencies and coping strategies they are drawing upon in confronting symptoms?" This study seeks to provide social workers with a more richly described narrative of the resiliencies, approaches to coping, and challenges confronted by those with PPS than has been provided by past literature. Furthermore, it seeks to provide …

Mujeres Cultivando Raices : The Experience Of Mexican Migrant Farmworking Women And How They Cope In Reaction To Stress, Joana Padilla Zapata

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study investigates the subjective experiences of Mexican migrant farmworking women in the South Texas region. This study will provide an understanding of how stress of the migrant farmwork lifestyle affects Mexican migrant farmworking women. Specifically, the line of inquiry is guided by one main research question: How do Mexican migrant farmworking women cope in reaction to stress? This study reviews a range of literature on migrant farmworkers and the significant stressors they are faced with. Through their own narratives, 12 female Mexican migrant farmworkers from the South Texas region reveal how they are confronted with the complex stressors …

Transition Home : An Exploratory Study Of The Transition From Military To Civilian Life Among Veterans Of Operation Enduring Freedom And Operation Iraqi Freedom, Jillian Madgel Early

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to explore the experience transitioning out of the military for veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The study paid particular attention to the role of meaning in life in this transition. Twelve veteran participants were recruited to participate in this qualitative study through posting of call for participants through veterans organizations, craigslist volunteer ads, and snowball sampling methods. The study collected demographic information, military service history, responses to the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and qualitative responses to a semi-structured interview consisting of six questions. The interview topics …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Self-Compassion And Burnout In Practicing Psychotherapists : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Jennifer Ann Thurlow

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Burnout is particularly a problem among people whose work involves responding to human suffering; therefore, without adequate personal resources to draw from, psychotherapists are especially at risk. Self-compassion is a powerful coping skill, thus therapists may be protected from burnout through the practice. The purpose of this study was to examine how self-compassion is related to burnout in practicing psychotherapists. It was hypothesized that higher total self-compassion scores would be associated with lower scores on the burnout subscales of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and that higher scores of total self-compassion would be associated with higher scores on the burnout subscale …

Clinicians' Understanding And Perception Of Coping Behaviors And Cultural Differences In Families Dealing With A Childhood Cancer Diagnosis : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Kara J. Rule

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research provides insight into social workers' understanding and perceptions of coping behaviors in families faced with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. The three research questions that guided this study were: (1) Do clinicians observe/perceive cultural distinctions in coping behaviors among families dealing with a pediatric cancer diagnosis? (2) How does a clinician's own culture impact his or her assessments of a family's coping abilities? and (3) How can clinicians gain better cultural sensitivity and cultural competence in working with diverse populations? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 social workers who were working in pediatric oncology centers across the United States. …

Navigating War And Reintegration Into Civilian Life : Clinicians' Perspectives On How Their Operation Enducing Freedom (Oef) And Operation Iraqi Freedom (Oif) Clients Cope : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Andrea Elizabeth Mitchell

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study examines the experiences of veterans and active duty service members who engaged in the current wars termed Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. The investigation is based on the perspectives of 11 mental health clinicians who work primarily with OEF and OIF veterans in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) medical facilities and Vet Centers. This study examines resiliency, risk factors, and coping methods utilized by warriors during deployment, in addition to specific questions regarding female service members and soldiers who have been deployed multiple times. The study investigates how …

Acting On Grief In The Aftermath Of Violent Loss : The Efficacy Of Social Action As A Mechanism For Psychic Healing, Miriam Shoshana Sadinsky

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This research examined the role of social activism as an adaptive coping mechanism for reestablishing internal congruence and restored equilibrium in the aftermath of traumatic loss. It also sought to determine whether engagement in public action offered therapeutic benefits to homicide survivors distinct from cognitive or traditional therapies and could therefore serve as an effective adjunct therapeutic modality for psychic repair. A single case study method was utilized as the study design: it served as an excellent framework for investigating if devastating loss becomes better integrated into the self and/or if a sense of wellbeing is regained when grief is …

Social Workers Helping To Put Out The Fire : How Do Combination Fire Department Employees Work Through Occupational Stress?, Lisa Anne Rudge

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This project was conducted to explore co-relational patterns between occupational stressors, coping skills, and self care practices among combination fire department employees. This population is defined as being one in which has minimal full-time coverage and relies on on-call groups during the evening and early hours of the day to respond to fire suppression and/or medically related 911 emergency calls. This qualitative study included ten participants from the New England area who all identified as being over the age of eighteen, identified as male, and could speak and read English fluently. Participants were asked to respond to demographic questions, and …

Having Our Say : Stressors And Readjustment Issues Of Veterans Of The Wars In Iraq And Afghanistan From The Perspective Of Loved Ones, Karen Davis Mcginty

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explores the stressors and readjustment issues experienced by veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, from the perspective of loved ones. A review of the literature on veterans' experiences is vast; however there is little literature that discusses the stressors from the perspective of a loved one. This study examines the "common" post-combat stressors, psychosocial issues, and mental illnesses impacting combat veterans in the words and observations of those closest to them. Twelve loved ones of veterans of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan participated in this study, providing narrative data based on their veterans' …