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 …

"A Whole Lot Of Conscious Effort" : Exploring How Protective Factors Contribute To Resiliency In Parents Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events In Childhood, Annelies J. Spykman

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this research project is to address the multiple variables that contribute to trauma exposure in childhood and how it manifests in the traumatized person’s later parenting styles. The over-arching research question is: do protective factors provide sufficient supports to parents who were subjected to traumatic experiences in childhood in order to lessen the transmission of trauma to their own children? This qualitative study is an assessment of interviews with 18 participants who identify as parents who have experienced at least one traumatic event in childhood. Findings of this study implicate a high level of resilience that has …

Exploration Of Intergenerational Transmission Of Trauma In Holocaust Survivors, Lisa S. Guthery

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to help resolve current debate in the field as to whether or not the traumatic effects of the Holocaust are transmitted intergenerationally. What was preventing or, conversely, enabling the passage of symptomatology from one generation to the next, thereby accounting for the contradiction in research, and clinicians’ observations during their work with Holocaust families? Over 200 people received the study through social media and snowball sampling requesting participation in a Qualtrics survey consisting of 3 screening questions, 5 demographic questions, 4 sections of multiple-choice questions, and 2 open-ended questions. The four sections assessed parental PTSD symptomatology, …

The Impact Of Clinical Social Workers' Conceptualizations Of Moral Injury On Their Treatment Actions In Work With Veterans, Zachary P. Wigham

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory study was designed to determine how clinical social workers’ conceptualizations of Moral Injury impacted their treatment actions in work with veterans. Additionally, this study allowed insights into the clinical social workers’ education and practice on Moral Injury.

Using semi-structured interviews with licensed clinical social workers who each held a Master of Social Work degree and held at least two years of experience working with veterans, this study gathered data from 7 participants. This study gathered data categorized under five major areas: demographics, conceptualizations and related data, sources of learning and frequency of contact, treatment actions, and perceived skill …

Farm Work As Treatment For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Mindy L. Walls

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This exploratory, descriptive study assessed what, if anything, is beneficial about engaging in agricultural work, or, farm work, for individuals living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An anonymous, online survey was utilized, asking a series of multiple choice and open ended questions about the participants’ farm work history, PTSD experience, and demographic information. Thirty-nine participants responded with varying identities and work history, but many shared experiences of PTSD. Almost all of the participants found farming to be beneficial for managing PTSD. Specifically, four themes arose from the data that explained what about farming was beneficial for individuals with PTSD: farming …

Moral Injury In Veterans : A Theoretical Investigation Of The Psychic, Moral And Social Sequelae Of War Trauma, Sarah C. Towers

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Although the idea that a violation of deeply held moral and ethical values can result in a profound psychic, social and spiritual wounding is an ancient one, the exploration of the phenomenon of moral injury in the field of mental health has only recently gained traction. Moral injury is increasingly being regarded as its own psychological phenomenon, one that shares symptomology with PTSD, but is also distinct, and as yet not sufficiently accounted for in current PTSD criteria. This theoretical thesis charts the evolving clinical construct of moral injury and draws on two bodies of theory, narrative theory and adult …

We Need A Good War : Factors That Influence The Experience Of Racism In The United States Military, Sarah E. Chotkowski

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of the quantitative study was to explore the experience of racism in the United States military in the context of the historical evolution of racial integration policies. The present study aims to clarify how factors such as race, era of service, exposure to combat, rank and gender influence the experience of racism. A total of 112 veterans completed a survey online or in person through their local American Legion, VFW, or student center. The survey was a 22-item measure with six demographic questions and 14 Likert scale questions designed to solicit feedback about a wide range of experiences. …

Invisible Victims : The Effects Of Secondary And Vicarious Trauma On Milieu Staff Members, Jennifer K. Mello

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and Vicarious Trauma (VT) in non-clinically trained milieu staff members working in close collaboration with victims of trauma. This study also aimed to discover the extent to which these individuals experience these effects, and will hopefully help bridge the existing gap in the literature around VT and STS in non-clinically trained populations of helpers. In a study of 49 participants including milieu staff members from both inpatient and residential school settings, prevalence of PTSD symptomology as a result of Secondary Traumatic Stress was explored through the use …

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 …

Connecting After Killing : An Exploration Of The Intersubjective Space Between Therapist And Client When Combat Rests Between Them, Alicia L. Simoni

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study examines how the psychological dimensions of killing in combat manifest in intersubjective space between civilian therapists and service member clients. The investigation is based on interviews with 10 civilian therapists who provide psychotherapy to combat service members who have killed or think they may have killed in combat. The reality of killing in combat renders most individuals both viscerally and existentially uncomfortable, and thus is often turned away from. Civilian psychotherapists are not immune to this. The aim of this study was to explore how therapists' subjectivities—in the form of conscious and unconscious actions, thoughts, and emotions …

Promoting Posttraumatic Growth Among Oif/Oef Veterans : A Theoretical Exploration Of The Challenges Of Reintegration, Erin E. Clements

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Approximately 2.2 million men and women have been deployed in service of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And veterans are returning to their communities in large numbers, many of them with a range of visible and invisible medical and psychological injuries and needs (Tanielian and Jaycox, 2008; Hoge et al., 2004; Hoge, Auchterloni, and Milliken, 2006). The process of veterans re-entering civilian society following a deployment is known as reintegration (Demers, 2011). While the mental health issues and needs of returning OIF/OEF veterans have been widely studied (Tanielian and Jaycox, 2008) their experiences and struggles related to reintegration remain …

Oef/Oif Veterans With And Without Ptsd : Levels Of Relationship Distress, Social Support, Combat Experience, And Deployment, Jeanne-Marie E. Mailloux

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

As Veterans have returned home from the OEF/OIF wars they have faced many struggles with reintegration. Studies of Veterans returning home have found rates of PTSD as high as 18 % (Hoge et al., 2004; Hoge, Terhakopian, Castro, Messer, and Engel, 2007). The symptomatology of PTSD has historically complicated Veterans primary relationships as well other interpersonal relationships and this study seeks to look at the relationship between PTSD and interpersonal distress in a sample of Veterans returning from the OEF/OIF wars. The author conducted secondary analysis of data from a survey taken by a sample of Connecticut Veterans (n = …

A Theoretical Approach To Understanding Alcohol Misuse In Military Personnel Returning Home From Operation Iraqii (Oif) And Operation Enduring Freedom (Oef), Patrice K. Boyce

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis explores the misuse of alcohol in military personnel who are returning home from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study focuses on what occurs to these soldiers upon their return home, as they try to manage their experiences of combat while continuing to fulfill their duties as soldiers, sailors, Marines, airman, and guardians. The comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which sometimes result from traumatic memories and experiences of the Middle East, and the misuse of alcohol which some returning soldiers use as an acceptable tool for numbing symptoms of PTSD are explored in this …

The Effects Of Systemic Ableism On Those With A Visual Impairment : A Theoretical Perspective, Jessica Lynn Wierzbowski

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical investigation examines the link between systemic ableism towards those with visual impairment and whether it elicits symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the visually impaired. For the purpose of this thesis ableism will be defined as, –often makes the world unwelcoming and inaccessible for people with disabilities_С_ (Hehir, 2007, p.10). Meaning, barriers exist (Madriga, 2007) for those with a visual impairment. An example of a barrier for those with a visual impairment is the desire to want those with a visual impairment to read regular print instead of large print or Braille (Hehir, 2007). Society maybe be …

Narratives Of Resilience : Stories Of Survival Among Rwandan Women Who Endured The 1994 Genocide, Leah Krieger

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative thesis explores resiliency factors of 17 Rwandan women who survived the 1994 genocide. The psychological symptoms of trauma and resiliency research are explored as well as narrative healing techniques. The thesis uses secondary data of unedited testimonies collected after the genocide in Rwanda and qualitatively codes for resiliency. The research shows that the following factors aided in resiliency with this population: courage, a belief in God, carrying on the legacy of their family, communal support and a purpose in life. This body of work emphasizes the potential for not only healing after a trauma, but also increased growth, …

The Psychological And Emotional Experiences Of Pregnant And Postpartum Incarcerated Women, Kimberly Erin Gillette

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This theoretical thesis explores the experiences of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, with particular emphasis on the impact of attachment insecurity, relational trauma, and forced separation from their infants. The majority of incarcerated women are dually diagnosed with substance abuse disorder and other clinical disorders on Axis I or II of the Diagnostic Statistic Manual IV. Often the symptoms displayed from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder are mistaken for personality disorders which prejudice staff and providers against these women. Thorough assessments need to be conducted using a compassionate lens to accurately interpret the psychological effects of interpersonal violence and other traumas and …

The Exploration Of Therapists' Personal Experiences With Secondary Trauma And Their Personal Mindfulness Practice : A Project Based Upon An Independent Investigation, Elizabeth Jane Reinecke

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study investigated the use of mindfulness by therapists treating trauma victims. The purpose of this study was to better understand ways in which a mindfulness practice, such as yoga and/or meditation, can affect the experience of secondary trauma in trauma therapists working with clients who are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Six female trauma therapists working with the VA system in Colorado were interviewed. Each participant was asked to reflect upon their experiences with secondary trauma and how their mindfulness practice has impacted both their personal and professional lives. Participants were all at least Master level …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Depression In Combat Veterans Within Group Based Exposure Therapy Treatment : A Correlation Between Grief And Guilt? : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlantic, Ga., Erin Hamilton Richter

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study examines the potential multifaceted relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief, guilt and depression. A sample pool of 32 veterans diagnosed with chronic PTSD volunteered as participants for this study by completing the Posttraumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL), the Beck Inventory for Depression (BDI), the Prolonged Grief Diagnostic tool, and the Traumatic Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI), pre- and post- group based exposure therapy treatment (GBET). Participants for this study were all male veterans, who ranged in ages from 47-64 years old. Twenty of the participants were African American/Black; 11 participants were Caucasian/White; and one participant identified as "other." …

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 …

Juvenile Sex Offenders' Therapeutic Alliance : The Intricate Dynamics Of Alliance In Relation To Attachment, Trauma, And Religion, Rian Michelle Bovard-Johns

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Therapeutic alliance is the most influential predictor of successful treatment with trans-theoretical capacity. Alliance is directly influenced by client variables which are unique to clinical context. Initial research has evidenced the effectiveness of alliance with adult sex offenders and delinquent youth. The present study extends research, incorporating variables unique to juvenile sex offenders in corrections facilities. Predominant client variables of trauma symptoms and attachment patterns are measured for 332 adjudicated male sex offenders' alliance with staff. The results reveal a significant relationship (F =8.7, DF =171, p <.000) between youths' attachment to peers and communication with fathers that positively predicts alliance and that anxiety based on trauma negatively predicts alliance. Implications future research and treatment are provided.

An Exploratory Study : Hispanic/Latino Oef/Oif U.S. Military Veterans Readjusting Post Deployment, Susana Ochoa

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

There are a growing number of service members being deployed and sent to war, heightening the need to explore and address the concerns of U.S. military veterans. Current research on post deployed military veterans is limited by the lack of an equal representation of ethnic minorities in their study populations. This exploratory study attempted to investigate how Hispanic/Latino U.S. military veterans who deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, were readjusting to life post deployment. This study used an online survey consisting of demographic questions and the Post Deployment Readjustment Inventory (Katz, in press). A purposive sample of …