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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Working With Latinx Immigrant Families In The United States: A Culturally Informed Structural Family Therapy Approach, Bailey Brown, Rebecca Los Dec 2023

Working With Latinx Immigrant Families In The United States: A Culturally Informed Structural Family Therapy Approach, Bailey Brown, Rebecca Los

Student Projects

As the Latinx population in the United States steadily grows, it is imperative that mental health practitioners grow their understanding of this population to be able to provide culturally competent services. There is a unique set of stressors faced by Latinx immigrants in the United States, especially Latinx immigrant youth. These stressors pose a disruption to Latinx immigrant family systems, leading to internalizing and externalizing symptoms. To better understand the stressors Latinx immigrants face and their impact on families, research was conducted on this population's statistics, characteristics, common issues, problems, and risk factors. In addition, research was conducted on approaches …


Domestic Violence In Sioux County: Raising Awareness And Stimulating Empathy, Jenna Aalbers, Bailey Brown, Kenzie Kurtz, Linden Sutton Dec 2023

Domestic Violence In Sioux County: Raising Awareness And Stimulating Empathy, Jenna Aalbers, Bailey Brown, Kenzie Kurtz, Linden Sutton

Student Projects

Domestic violence is a pertinent problem in Sioux County, Iowa, yet community members tend to be unaware of its existence and relevance. That is because it operates in a sly cycle, largely undetected by those outside the family. There is a general lack of public discussion and understanding about domestic violence, which tends to be viewed as a private, family matter. Despite this, the impacts of domestic violence extend beyond the family, and there are systemic factors that serve as barriers and risk factors for domestic violence survivors. This paper highlights the conditions of domestic violence in general as well …


Families With Fathers In Minimum Security Prison: A Family Treatment Approach To Treating Families With Fathers In Prison, Alexandria Davis, Madison Schrack Dec 2023

Families With Fathers In Minimum Security Prison: A Family Treatment Approach To Treating Families With Fathers In Prison, Alexandria Davis, Madison Schrack

Student Projects

The population of those in prison is increasing, and many of those who are in prison have families. Much research has been done on the effect prison has on prisoners, but not as much has looked at the children and what the effect is of having a parent, specifically their father, who is absent in prison. It is important to understand the possible behaviors, risks, and challenges that children face. This research essay looks at what it is like for children between the ages of 5 and 10 to have a father in minimum security prison while also examining the …


Model Of Evidence-Based Practice: Children Experiencing Domestic Violence In Rural Areas, Linden Sutton, Mckenzie Kurtz Dec 2023

Model Of Evidence-Based Practice: Children Experiencing Domestic Violence In Rural Areas, Linden Sutton, Mckenzie Kurtz

Student Projects

Domestic violence is often something that occurs between an abuser and a victim. However, children are also deeply affected by any type of abuse that they witness or experience. More specifically, children in rural areas face more challenges and barriers preventing them from experiencing the freedom to simply be a child. This study examined theories and interventions to treat children experiencing domestic violence. The researchers developed a treatment curriculum based on solution-focused brief therapy to address this population. Overall, solution-focused brief therapy is an effective treatment for children who have either witnessed or experienced domestic violence in a rural setting.


Families Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Jenna Aalbers, Grace Laman Dec 2023

Families Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Jenna Aalbers, Grace Laman

Student Projects

Cancer is an illness that does not only impact the patient, but also the people around them. It can be especially difficult for families who are affected as it impacts the lifestyles of everyone. Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected each year to occur in the United States, so this is an issue that will continue to be prevalent. (American Cancer Society, 2022). Research has shown that there are many effective methods that can be used to help families. This includes methods such as family-based dignity intervention (FBDI), meditation, and open communication strategies. It is important for social …


Food Insecurity: Bringing Awareness Of Food Insecurity In Sioux County, Alexandria Davis, Grace Laman, Rebecca Los, Madison Schrack Dec 2023

Food Insecurity: Bringing Awareness Of Food Insecurity In Sioux County, Alexandria Davis, Grace Laman, Rebecca Los, Madison Schrack

Student Projects

Food is crucial to survival and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; however, not everyone can access and afford food. People may have difficulty due to poverty, location of grocery stores, or societal issues. Research was conducted to understand the numerous aspects of food insecurity in adults, children, and families across America. It was also intended to create awareness of food insecurity in Sioux County.


Social Science Research To Help Advance Regional Coordination And Collaboration Of Sea Level Rise Planning And Adaptation On Humboldt Bay, Kristen Orth-Gordinier May 2022

Social Science Research To Help Advance Regional Coordination And Collaboration Of Sea Level Rise Planning And Adaptation On Humboldt Bay, Kristen Orth-Gordinier

Student Projects

Humboldt Bay is experiencing the fastest rate of relative sea level rise in California and is likely to experience severe sea level rise (SLR) flooding within the next two decades. The Humboldt Bay shoreline is owned and governed by a patchwork of entities with different missions and jurisdictions so coordination of SLR planning will be critical because flooding of hydrologic areas from tidal waters can cross political boundaries. The goal of this project was to conduct social science research that can inform and advance the development of regional coordination and collaboration related to SLR in Humboldt Bay. To do this, …


Unstable Housing In Rural Communities, Amber Theis, Ruth Chalstrom, Kara Richard Jan 2022

Unstable Housing In Rural Communities, Amber Theis, Ruth Chalstrom, Kara Richard

Student Projects

Housing is a crucial part of survival and one’s ability to engage in life, but the increasing difficulty in obtaining affordable, quality, safe housing is of great concern. To better understand the housing crisis and be equipped to advocate on behalf of the unhoused, research was conducted on many factors including correlation with the ACES study, the housing crisis in America, the redefinition of housing terms, psychological impact on both adult and children, and the physical impacts of housing insecurity. It becomes evident that housing is a complex, multi-faceted issue. Nonetheless, it is one that requires significant consideration. There are …


Model Of Evidence-Based Family Practice: Female Domestic Violence Victims In Rural Communities, Elizabeth Korver, Megan Slagter Jan 2022

Model Of Evidence-Based Family Practice: Female Domestic Violence Victims In Rural Communities, Elizabeth Korver, Megan Slagter

Student Projects

Research has concluded that about 1 in 3 women reported experiencing severe physical violence from an intimate sexual partner during their lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Women living in rural communities may be more significantly affected due to their geographic isolation. This study examined several theories and models to effectively treat this specific population. The researchers developed a treatment curriculum based on cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat women living in rural communities who have experienced domestic violence. This study determined cognitive-behavioral therapy used in a group therapy setting is effective for increasing a client’s self-esteem and decreasing depression …


Hidden Homelessness: A Trauma-Informed Narrative Approach To Treating Rural Families Facing Homelessness, Benjamin Akers, Kara Richard Jan 2022

Hidden Homelessness: A Trauma-Informed Narrative Approach To Treating Rural Families Facing Homelessness, Benjamin Akers, Kara Richard

Student Projects

Housing is a crucial part of survival and one’s ability to engage in life. There is an increasing population of both individuals and families who live without safe, quality, stable housing. Housing insecurity is a concern in both urban and rural areas, with rural homelessness presenting unique characteristics and challenges. To better understand rural homelessness and its effect on families, research was conducted on many factors including: population statistics, characteristics and common issues, problems, risk factors, engagement, terminology, and frameworks. It becomes evident that homelessness has severe implications physically, emotionally, and mentally for both children and adults. This synthesis of …


Evidence Based Practice Project: Families Struggling With Sexual Abuse And/ Or Incest, Beth Roerig, Hannah Odell Jan 2022

Evidence Based Practice Project: Families Struggling With Sexual Abuse And/ Or Incest, Beth Roerig, Hannah Odell

Student Projects

Structural family therapy was examined for effectiveness when working with family populations that struggle with incest and / or sexual abuse. This evidence based project reviewed and studied research to effectively create curriculum. The primary goal of structural family therapy is to assist families in mapping the family structure through boundary making, hierarchies, and subsystems to help clients resolve individual mental health symptoms and relational problems, interventions include stabilization, psychoeducation, coping mechanisms, creating boundaries, expressing emotions, and restructuring roles. Enactments and symbolic representation was found to be beneficial when progressing to goals in a therapy setting.


Making An Impact: The Process Of Planning And Organizing An After-School Program In A Small Community, Benjamin Akers, Elizabeth Korver, Emilee Danner, Megan Slagter Jan 2022

Making An Impact: The Process Of Planning And Organizing An After-School Program In A Small Community, Benjamin Akers, Elizabeth Korver, Emilee Danner, Megan Slagter

Student Projects

To be their best, people need relationships. Social support systems are at the base of what makes a successful individual. Whether that be through sports teams, clubs, or any other facet, social support is the driving force for a healthy lifestyle. After-school programs offer students another opportunity to receive mentorship and build relationships that can impact the trajectory of their lives. This paper highlights Impact 180 – an after-school program located in Orange City, Iowa. The involved researchers used and discussed different community organizing methods and techniques to advocate for and raise funds for the durability, sustainability, and flourishing of …


Small Town, Big Impact: Bringing Awareness To Human Trafficking, Meridith Hochstetler, Taylea Mills, Hannah Odell Jan 2022

Small Town, Big Impact: Bringing Awareness To Human Trafficking, Meridith Hochstetler, Taylea Mills, Hannah Odell

Student Projects

The goal of this community project was to bring awareness to human trafficking in rural communities. Researchers completed research to further educate themselves so that they would be able to educate persons in the community about the issue. The collected information of the issues surrounding human trafficking and how to bring awareness to the issue. Researchers organized two community events, a trivia night and awareness walk, and encouraged community members to participate. Through these events organizers were able to initiate conversations with members of the community and educate them about what human trafficking looks like in their community. Organizers collected …


Domestic Violence And Sex Trafficking Among Adult And Minor Females, Rachel De Haan, Kallie Bakker, Brittney Sween Jan 2021

Domestic Violence And Sex Trafficking Among Adult And Minor Females, Rachel De Haan, Kallie Bakker, Brittney Sween

Student Projects

The organizers of this event recognized a need within their community to begin to understand that domestic violence and human trafficking are present and that they can do something to help. They began by gathering current information about what these two phenomena are, how they can be prevented, and how we can help when they return to society. The organizers then got to work by partnering with agencies in the community that specialize in working with individuals impacted by human trafficking and domestic violence and from there, prepared a community event.


Coping Strategies Used By Christian Social Workers To Manage Their Mental Health Amidst Covid-19, Kallie Bakker, Lexy Krogman, Rachel De Haan Jan 2021

Coping Strategies Used By Christian Social Workers To Manage Their Mental Health Amidst Covid-19, Kallie Bakker, Lexy Krogman, Rachel De Haan

Student Projects

A grounded theory model of qualitative research was used in order to create a theory for the ways in which Christian social workers coped with the effects of job stress and compassion fatigue during the global Covid-19 pandemic. The participants were six female social workers from Northwest Iowa who worked in direct care with clients. From the participants’ stories emerged a fluent framework for how the social workers were coping within the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers found that the participants’ coping strategies fell within the realm of five categories: faith, physical activity, distractions, support systems, and boundaries, all …


The Effects Of Aces Score On Academic Achievement, Maya Hall, Dawson Jacobsma, Brittney Sween, Valerie Stokes Jan 2021

The Effects Of Aces Score On Academic Achievement, Maya Hall, Dawson Jacobsma, Brittney Sween, Valerie Stokes

Student Projects

The researchers conducted a qualitative study using the phenomenological approach to understand the way Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) influence a college student's academic achievement. Data was collected through an online survey in which 77 students responded. Thereafter, researchers interviewed five college students who surveyed for an ACE score of four or higher. From the analysis, 6 themes related to ACE score and academic achievement were found: 1) Lack of Academic Motivation (Focus, Attendance, Work Quality, and Prioritizing), 2) Poor Time Management, 3) Negative Perception of Self, 4) See the world differently, 5) Empathetic Learners, 6) Career Choices. The researchers concluded …


A Call To Change: Rebuilding Relationships And Addressing Injustice, Brittany Pickard, Kailee Jenness, Lexi Van Surksum, Tori Conner Jan 2020

A Call To Change: Rebuilding Relationships And Addressing Injustice, Brittany Pickard, Kailee Jenness, Lexi Van Surksum, Tori Conner

Student Projects

The goal of this community project was to initiate conversation and bring awareness to the gap between the local Orange City Police Department and persons of color. Through research, the organizers recognized a need for relationship rebuilding in Orange City, Iowa, and strived to do this through the means of community participation. The organizers have collected stories from community members and worked to represent individuals who have been underrepresented. Through this process, the organizers created a petition to provide tangible proof for the police department that members within the community strive to rebuild relationships and address racial injustice.


Addressing And Educating Northwestern Students On White Privilege And Systemic Racism, Bailey Banwart, Hannah Johnson, Calli Shaw, Rachel Wyborny Jan 2020

Addressing And Educating Northwestern Students On White Privilege And Systemic Racism, Bailey Banwart, Hannah Johnson, Calli Shaw, Rachel Wyborny

Student Projects

Systemic racism has been a part of American Culture for hundreds of generations, and while the United States has come a long way since the 17th century, there is still an overwhelming number of racial injustices happening today which go unaddressed. Due to a lack of diverse education, common misconceptions regarding white privilege, systemic racism, and racial injustice are taken as truth. To address these misconceptions and educate individuals, the organizers of this project researched, collaborated, and then hosted a Racial Injustice Prayer Vigil at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. This Racial Injustice Prayer Vigil had six different stations: …


Housing Research Realities And Perceptions: A Mixed Model Study Of Quantitative Data For Sioux County, Iowa And Orange City, Iowa With Qualitative Data Collected In Orange City, Iowa, Jenna Beeson, Amber Beyer, Corryn Dahlquist, Clarissa Ipema, Dakotah Jordan, Andrew Powell, Kelcie Scarlett, Hannah Twedt, Anthony Wubben Dec 2015

Housing Research Realities And Perceptions: A Mixed Model Study Of Quantitative Data For Sioux County, Iowa And Orange City, Iowa With Qualitative Data Collected In Orange City, Iowa, Jenna Beeson, Amber Beyer, Corryn Dahlquist, Clarissa Ipema, Dakotah Jordan, Andrew Powell, Kelcie Scarlett, Hannah Twedt, Anthony Wubben

Student Projects

A mixed methods study on housing affordability, availability, and quality of rental properties and single-family home properties gathered data for Sioux County, Iowa and Orange City, Iowa. With quantitative data about Sioux County and more focused qualitative research in Orange City. Quantitative research was conducted through examining and compiling existing data. Qualitative survey research included a clustered sample and stratified random sample of homes in Orange City. The qualitative research had four major themes and three minor themes. The major themes are: Unknown Needs and Bias: Hispanic Community, (Un)Affordability, Lacking Rentals, and Lacking of Housing Awareness among Homeowners. The three …