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- Racism (11)
- Psychotherapist and patient (9)
- Social work education (7)
- Spirituality (7)
- Attachment (6)
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- Cross-cultural counseling (6)
- Cultural competence (6)
- Mental health (6)
- Race (6)
- Stigma (Social psychology) (6)
- Therapeutic alliance (6)
- Women (6)
- Attachment behavior (5)
- PTSD (5)
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- Addiction (4)
- Attachment theory (4)
- Burn out (Psychology) (4)
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- Motivation (Psychology) (4)
- Psychotherapists-Attitudes (4)
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- Resilience (Personality trait) (4)
- Secondary traumatic stress (4)
- Self psychology (4)
Articles 31 - 60 of 147
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Pushed To The Edge : The Treatment Of Transsexuals Through Time : A Behavioral Discourse Analysis Of The Diagnostic And Treatment Protocols For Transsexuals And The Implications For Contemporary Social Work Practice, Stacey D. Jackson-Roberts
Pushed To The Edge : The Treatment Of Transsexuals Through Time : A Behavioral Discourse Analysis Of The Diagnostic And Treatment Protocols For Transsexuals And The Implications For Contemporary Social Work Practice, Stacey D. Jackson-Roberts
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This article is a historical discourse analysis of the diagnostic and treatment protocols for transsexuals with implications for contemporary social work practice. The article uses the theoretical lens of post-structuralism and it complimentary methodology of historical discourse analysis to trace and critique the history of treatment and the power laden narratives used to regulate access to transition related care—particularly hormones and surgery. By analyzing these historical discourses, the article reveals the historical narratives and scripts that have constructed and pathologized transsexuals, and informed the evolution of the DSM and Standards of Care. Further, the article examines and critiques this history …
Relating Linguistic Competence To Culture : How Bilingual Spanish-English Social Workers Who Speak English As A First Language Experience And Conceptualize Culture In Their Practice With Spanish Speaking Clients, Audra T. Winn
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Cultural experiences and conceptualizations of native English bilingual social workers have not been dominant in the ongoing discussion of bilingualism and cultural competence in social work practice, education, and literature. This exploratory study examined practice based cultural experiences of bilingual Spanish-English social workers native to English who work with Spanish speaking clients. Specifically, the focus of the study was centered on how these social workers conceptualize their experiences through a cultural lens in their Spanish language work. Through eleven qualitative interviews with Master's level social workers who use their non-native Spanish in social work practice, this study looked at how …
New Questions, Multiple Meanings : Exploring Attachment Theory, Self Psychology, And Anti-Oppression Perspectives On Human-Companion Animal Relationships In The Rural West, Sarah H. Winchester
New Questions, Multiple Meanings : Exploring Attachment Theory, Self Psychology, And Anti-Oppression Perspectives On Human-Companion Animal Relationships In The Rural West, Sarah H. Winchester
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
In spite of burgeoning interest in the significance of human-companion animal relationships in social work and related fields, the theoretical conceptualization of these relationships in the context of mental health remains largely limited to the cross-species and cross-cultural application of Attachment Theory. Further, the literature on human-companion animal relationships through the lens of Attachment Theory reflects a narrow scope of research methodologies and demographic variables, thus leaving the unique, multiple meanings of these relationships – and their intersections with varying and marginalized sociocultural identities – largely unexplored. In order to address these gaps and expand theoretical discourse on the phenomenon, …
An Invitation To Pay Attention : A Quantitative Study Of Vicarious Trauma And Secondary Traumatic Stress In Child Advocacy Employees, Volunteers And Interns, Isabelle C. Thurmer
An Invitation To Pay Attention : A Quantitative Study Of Vicarious Trauma And Secondary Traumatic Stress In Child Advocacy Employees, Volunteers And Interns, Isabelle C. Thurmer
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Vicarious trauma (VT) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are two concepts that are recognized in the professional helping fields as potential risks of working with trauma survivors. This study examined VT and STS among staff members of Children's Advocacy Centers across the United States. Variables that were hypothesized to impact STS and VT were identified and their correlations were analyzed statistically. Two scales, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale and the World Assumptions Scale, were used to measure rates of STS and VT among participants. This study also examined the relationship between education, additional training, age, gender, responsibilities, time working at …
School Social Workers Perceptions On Multilevel Practice : Understanding, Implementation, And Barriers To Engaement, Sarah L. Wettenstein
School Social Workers Perceptions On Multilevel Practice : Understanding, Implementation, And Barriers To Engaement, Sarah L. Wettenstein
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The National Association of Social Works standards for school social workers [SSWs] urges SSWS to engage in ecologically informed practice interventions that affect both individual students and the multiple levels of the school environment. Despite this recommendation, survey literature indicates that SSWs spend most of their time using individual interventions to affect students' well being. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of current SSWs to gain a deeper understanding of how they think about and implement multilevel practice. In particular, this study explores SSWs' perceptions of the barriers to increased engagement in multilevel practice. Six currently practicing social workers practicing …
Clinicians' Attitudes Towards Borderline Personality Disorder And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder : Implications Of Gender And A Diagnostic Label, Marja A. Walthall
Clinicians' Attitudes Towards Borderline Personality Disorder And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder : Implications Of Gender And A Diagnostic Label, Marja A. Walthall
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of the current study was to investigate mental health clinicians' diagnostic assessments of individuals who have features associated with both Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the effect of gender on their assessments, and associated attitudes. Recruitment resulted in a participant sample of 38 mental health clinicians who completed the survey in its entirety. Most of the participants identified as white (71.2%), were female (61.5%), worked in a community mental health center setting (76.9%) and had their LCSW (25%) or MA/MS in counseling (28.8%). Three surveys were evenly distributed between potential participants and each included …
In The Environment : Clinician Perspectives On Nature And Psychological Health, Benjamin D. White
In The Environment : Clinician Perspectives On Nature And Psychological Health, Benjamin D. White
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative study explores the relationship between nature and psychological health from the perspectives of 12 clinicians from a variety of training backgrounds. During 30 to 45- minute interviews, participants were asked a variety of questions about their personal and clinical experience as they have informed their perspectives on the question: How does nature influence psychological health? Major findings of the study showed there to be a significant difference between the importance of nature in clinicians' personal lives and nature's role in clinical practice. Findings indicated that although nature was important to participants' personal psychological well-being that nature was not …
How Do Mental Health Clincians Using Feedback Informed Treatment Methods Create A "Cultural Of Feedback" With Clients?, Alexander H. Tew
How Do Mental Health Clincians Using Feedback Informed Treatment Methods Create A "Cultural Of Feedback" With Clients?, Alexander H. Tew
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was undertaken to explore how mental health clinicians using feedback informed treatment (FIT) interventions attempt to increase the likelihood of receiving genuine feedback from their clients. Furthermore, the study explores clinicians' perceptions about the ways in which interpersonal power dynamics, including race/ethnicity dynamics, influence the feedback process. An anonymous online survey was posted on two Internet forums for FIT practitioners. A final sample of thirty licensed mental health clinicians completed the mixed methods survey, answering five demographics questions (age, gender, race/ethnicity, years using FIT methods, and nationality) and three open-ended questions. The open-ended questions asked respondents to discuss …
Clinician Perspectives On Using Mindfulness-Baed Therapeutic Intervention When Working With Veterans, Lindsay E. Stonecash
Clinician Perspectives On Using Mindfulness-Baed Therapeutic Intervention When Working With Veterans, Lindsay E. Stonecash
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this research study was to explore clinicians' perspectives on using mindfulness practices with veterans suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related problems. While applying mindfulness techniques in clinical settings is not new to mental health fields, researchers have yet to agree on an explicit definition of mindfulness, and amid growing support for its efficacy, it remains to be categorized as evidence based practice for PTSD. Due to the high need for more widely available treatment interventions for veterans with PTSD, researchers are exploring the potential for mindfulness to be broadly applicable among populations seeking PTSD …
Perinatal Support Groups Of Motherwoman, Inc : A Participants' Profile And Program Evaluation, Brittanie C. Tarczynski
Perinatal Support Groups Of Motherwoman, Inc : A Participants' Profile And Program Evaluation, Brittanie C. Tarczynski
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The research discussed in this paper was undertaken to determine what characteristics demographically and symptomatically make up the past and present participant base of a specific model of perinatal support groups created by MotherWoman, to evaluate the psychological and emotional experiences of participants while attending group, and to identify what potential improvements or changes could be made to the groups to better serve the participants. MotherWoman groups are support groups that are structured and facilitated, focusing on self-care and the honest sharing of the experience of mothering in a an environment of mutual respect. These mother who participate in these …
Addiction And Attachment : Mental Health Clinicians' Use Of Attachment Theory In The Treatment Of Substance Use Disorders, Emily Tate
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study explores mental health clinicians' use of attachment theory in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). There are many quantitative studies that show a correlation between substance use and insecure attachment style, yet there is little research that looks at whether or how mental health clinicians are using attachment theory in treatment or the possible benefits and limitations of its use. This is a qualitative study that sampled ten mental health clinicians to see if and how attachment theory is used in treating SUDs. It also explored the benefits and limitations of using attachment theory in the treatment …
Trauma, Religion, And Substance Use Among Incarcerated Adolescent Males, Jessica J. Story
Trauma, Religion, And Substance Use Among Incarcerated Adolescent Males, Jessica J. Story
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This paper explored the relationships among trauma, religion, and substance abuse among adjudicated male adolescents with sexually harmful behaviors. Youth in secure juvenile justice settings often report a sequelae of complex trauma experiences, placing them at risk for a range of serious problems, including aggression, persistent delinquency and recidivism, and psychological consequences. The limited research on religion and juvenile offending supports that adolescents' religion serves as protective factors and a potential pathway to decreasing delinquent behavior and perhaps recidivism. Research on substance abuse is reviewed as risk factors to offending and an attempt at coping with the psychological consequences of …
Stuck Kids : A Study Examining The Factors That Contribute To Hospitalized Children Getting Placed On Administrative Days : A Project Based Upon An Investigation At A Pediatric Post-Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, Hanna C. Soumerai
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study examined factors that contribute to medically complex children getting "stuck" in acute rehabilitation hospital level of care even though they were medically ready for discharge. Of special interest were caretaker and societal-related factors that may have a high potential for change and early intervention. Sample. Retrospective, non-comparative case series. Methods. The medical records of 20 children discharged between 2010 and 2012 from a specialty acute rehabilitation hospital in New England were surveyed using a protocol designed for the project. The children had been placed on "administrative days" (AD) prior to discharge. Univariate and bivariate analysis examined the impact …
The Things They Carry : A Study Of Transitional Object Use Among U.S. Military Personnel During And After Deployment, Julia St. George
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 …
The Question Of Self-Determination : An Analysis Of 21st Century Social Work Literature, Alexandra Prager Scalfano
The Question Of Self-Determination : An Analysis Of 21st Century Social Work Literature, Alexandra Prager Scalfano
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Self-determination is an integral part of the ethical foundation of the social work profession. However, the NASW Code of Ethics remains unclear in its definition of this and other important terms, such as social responsibility and professional judgment, that are often raised in discussions of self-determination and its implications to clinical social work practice. This analysis of twelve articles published in social work journals between the years 2000 and 2012 explores the field's current understanding of these terms and their implications as they are reflected in the current literature.
Connecting After Killing : An Exploration Of The Intersubjective Space Between Therapist And Client When Combat Rests Between Them, Alicia L. Simoni
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 …
The Other Frontline Workers : Exploring The Symptoms Of Compassion Fatigue Among School Staff Members, Katherine H. Plapinger
The Other Frontline Workers : Exploring The Symptoms Of Compassion Fatigue Among School Staff Members, Katherine H. Plapinger
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study was conducted to determine whether or not school employees are experiencing compassion fatigue. The research question for this study is: Are school employees experiencing compassion fatigue? This study included examining ways in which they identified levels of burnout, secondary trauma and compassion satisfaction. A quantitative study was conducted using snowball-sampling techniques to administer an online survey that asked participants to report demographic information and complete the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). 121 participants identified as fulltime employees of a school and as English speaking and over the age of eighteen. Findings point to low levels of compassion …
To Hold And To Discipline : A Winnicottian And Foucauldian Examination Of Adolescent Athletics Through The Case Of Friday Night Lights, Westley C. Rutter
To Hold And To Discipline : A Winnicottian And Foucauldian Examination Of Adolescent Athletics Through The Case Of Friday Night Lights, Westley C. Rutter
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This theoretical study examined the impact of organized team sports participation on adolescent psychosocial functioning and development. Theoretical concepts were illustrated with examples present in the high school football themed television series, Friday Night Lights. Winnicottian theories were used to explain how athletics could facilitate adolescent development and be psychologically reparative for adolescents who experienced early childhood caregiver failures. In contrast, Foucauldian concepts were applied to demonstrate how disciplinary mechanisms in sports may augment the effects of internalized oppression for adolescents of color and economically marginalized adolescents. The study explored the possible impact of sports-based interventions for youth, cautioning social …
Factors Affecting Turnover And Turnover Intention Among Clinicians Who Work With Sex Offenders, Abigail Kirschbaum
Factors Affecting Turnover And Turnover Intention Among Clinicians Who Work With Sex Offenders, Abigail Kirschbaum
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study is a qualitative analysis of interviews from 11 clinicians who work with sex offenders concerning the relationship between organizational factors, client and clinician characteristics and turnover. Initial findings revealed that the majority of participants did not struggle with turnover or turnover intention. Of participants who did experience turnover intention, factors cited as influencing turnover intention ranged from organizational factors, personal reasons and characteristic specific to the population. Vicarious trauma and burnout were also factors reviewed as influences of turnover and turnover intention. Other findings such as specific characteristics of the clinician, characteristics of the client, external/organizational factors, and …
Clinicians Behind The Curtain : Are White Smith Students Addressing Race And Racism, Why Or Why Not? If So, How?, Malcolm R. Pradia
Clinicians Behind The Curtain : Are White Smith Students Addressing Race And Racism, Why Or Why Not? If So, How?, Malcolm R. Pradia
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The literature confirms the importance of providing cross-cultural education and the development of cross-cultural skills for trainees entering clinical practice. In recognition of this, Smith College School for Social Work has a written commitment to anti-racism and as part of this commitment the college has developed a curriculum that addresses race and racism in clinical practice and the social work profession. Given this commitment, this study surveyed twelve white Smith College School for Social Work students to understand if white Smith students were addressing race and racism with clients of color in clinical practice, why or why not, and if …
Happy Is The Woman Who Has No History : An Historical Discourse Analysis Of Women, Their Changing Roles And Society's Changing Perceptions, 1890-1920 In America, Sarah E. Pulver
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This analysis examines the historical mental health needs that emerged for women at the turn of the 19th century as a result of drastic changes in the tenor of the United States. The research explores literature pertaining to women from 1890-1920 in the United States and relates to four main topic areas as a way to examine trends and patterns in mental health needs and supports at the time in history. The Historical Research approach is well suited for this research as the specific goal of the study is to examine the historical sources for patterns and trends to better …
All The World's A Stage And All The Men And Women Merely Players : The Use Of Performance In Therapy, T. Lee Shostack
All The World's A Stage And All The Men And Women Merely Players : The Use Of Performance In Therapy, T. Lee Shostack
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This qualitative exploratory study examined the use of performance and drama in clinical work with adults in the United States. Seven clinicians were interviewed about their training, work, techniques, clinical conditions they addressed, populations they worked with, and outcomes. All interviewees for this study were white and female. Clinicians shared their clinical experience and expertise. They discussed how they came to use performance in their clinical work. Many of the interviewees used performance with all clients with all clinical presenting issues. Clinicians also discussed the lack of training in these techniques in social work training programs. Clinicians all had training …
An Exploratory Study Of Motivations Of White People Engaged In Antiracism Work, Bronwyn R. Shiffer
An Exploratory Study Of Motivations Of White People Engaged In Antiracism Work, Bronwyn R. Shiffer
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The purpose of this study was to explore the question: What motivates White people in doing antiracism work? The research was a qualitative study with a sample of 12 participants who self-identified as White clinicians or teachers and as engaging in antiracism work. Participants reflected on their motivations for entering and staying engaged in antiracism work during in-person or phone interviews. The findings of this study offer insight into the many factors of motivation of White people involved in antiracism work as well as what support structures sustain long-term action and engagement. Nearly all participants spoke about personal benefits from …
Students Of Color With Special Needs : An Analysis Of Exclusionary Disciplines In Massachusetts' Public Schools, Suzanne E. Rea
Students Of Color With Special Needs : An Analysis Of Exclusionary Disciplines In Massachusetts' Public Schools, Suzanne E. Rea
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Grounded in zero tolerance policies in public school systems, this secondary-analysis of Massachusetts's statewide data is used to ascertain information about the rates of exclusionary disciplines for students of color with special needs for the 2010-2011 academic school year. Literature has shown that students of color, and students with special needs are at higher risk for being given more frequent exclusionary disciplines than white students, and students without special needs; however, studies of students of color with special needs have not yet been conducted. The data used in this analysis was collected by the U.S. Department of Education and made …
Perspectives Of Bariatric Surgery Patients On The Role Of Pre And Post Bariatric Surgery Counseling, Daniel K. Rodrigues
Perspectives Of Bariatric Surgery Patients On The Role Of Pre And Post Bariatric Surgery Counseling, Daniel K. Rodrigues
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This research study explores the perspectives of bariatric surgery patients about the role of pre and post bariatric surgery counseling. Their perspectives were gathered through semi-structured, qualitative interviews, which explored participants' experiences with counseling throughout the bariatric surgery procedure. This study also aimed to identify what barriers patients encountered when seeking counseling and what improvements could be made to the process. Major findings were that most participants felt unprepared for surgery, and that the pre-surgical psychosocial intakes were not useful in preparation. Many participants felt intakes could have been helpful if conducted differently. It was also identified that intake clinicians …
Attachment In Clinical Supervision : Relationships Between Attachment And The Supervisory Working Alliance, Karen E. Ladr-Finefrock
Attachment In Clinical Supervision : Relationships Between Attachment And The Supervisory Working Alliance, Karen E. Ladr-Finefrock
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
The present study explored the alliance between Masters in Social Work (MSW) student trainees and their clinical supervisors using the lens of attachment theory. The sample consisted of 95 participants: 77 trainees (81.9% White; 88.3% female) and 18 of their supervisors (100% White; 83.3% female). Trainees completed The Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures questionnaire (ECR-RS; Fraley, Heffernan, Vicary and Brumbaugh, 2011) to assess their attachments to their supervisors, as well as their perceptions of their supervisors' attachments to them. Supervisors completed The ECR-RS to assess their attachments to their trainees, as well as their perceptions of their trainees' attachments to …
The Continual Journey : Parents' Spirituality After The Death Of A Child From Terminal Illness, Ellen C. Patterson
The Continual Journey : Parents' Spirituality After The Death Of A Child From Terminal Illness, Ellen C. Patterson
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This study sought to better understand bereaved parents' spirituality following the death of a child due to terminal illness. While previous research has looked at the role of spirituality following the death of a child, study populations have been predominantly female, Caucasian, and Christian. A goal of this study was to explore this issue among a more diverse population, in terms of religion, gender and ethnicity. The researcher met with and provided recruitment flyers to representatives of interfaith organizations, parent support groups, and local hospices. Additional recruitment included a snowball method utilizing acquaintances and colleagues of the researcher. Eleven individuals, …
A Guest In Someone Else's House : The Construction Of Asian Americans As Foreigners, Deepa Ranganathan
A Guest In Someone Else's House : The Construction Of Asian Americans As Foreigners, Deepa Ranganathan
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
Social workers, like many people, wrongly tend to think of Asian Americans as beings exempt from the problems of racism. The social work profession considers "race" to be a property inhering almost solely in African Americans. Meanwhile, the profession assigns the property of foreign "culture" primarily to Asian Americans. This thesis uses the work of Critical Race Theory (CRT) scholars to show that social workers, in presuming that Asian Americans are a class of people who are essentially foreign, are actually reproducing a form of exclusionist racism that Asian Americans have faced for generations. A partial solution to this problem …
Hope And Burnout Among Clinicians Who Work With Children At Risk Of Abuse, Neglect, Or Exploitation, Jonathan G. Mitchelmore
Hope And Burnout Among Clinicians Who Work With Children At Risk Of Abuse, Neglect, Or Exploitation, Jonathan G. Mitchelmore
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
This research study was a quantitative, exploratory investigation of the relationship between hope and burnout among clinicians who work on cases involving children at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. An electronic questionnaire, featuring the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the Hope Trait Scale, was administered anonymously to 74 social workers currently practicing in the United States. The major areas of inquiry included levels of hope and levels of burnout. Demographic characteristics of the participants were correlated with their reported levels of hope and burnout. Participants had higher-than-average scores on the Hope Trait Scale, and lower-than-average …
Hiv/Aids Serostatus Disclosure And Stigma In Asian And Pacific Islander Women : A Call For Intersectionality In The Treatment Of Depression, Andrea L. Mize
Hiv/Aids Serostatus Disclosure And Stigma In Asian And Pacific Islander Women : A Call For Intersectionality In The Treatment Of Depression, Andrea L. Mize
Theses, Dissertations, and Projects
In the United States the prevalence and incidence rates of Asian and Pacific Islander (AandPI) women with HIV/AIDS is increasing. As many as 1 in 3 may not know they are HIV positive. Existing literature using stigma theory revealed that AandPI HIV positive women can experience both positive and negative mental health effects from HIV serostatus disclosure. These findings are an important mental health issue as HIV serostatus disclosure has traditionally been encouraged for the benefit of those diagnosed and their kinship networks. The present study seeks to examine the correlation found in previous research between disclosure or nondisclosure of …