Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Fine Line Of Determination: Supporting The Agency Of Filipina Sex Trafficking Survivors, Jessica Taylor

Master's Projects and Capstones

This paper examines the economic, geographic and cultural factors that perpetuate sex trafficking in the Philippines along with the impact of the dominant victim narrative on affected Philippine women. Along with analyzing this complex problem, the research evaluates and critiques current trends of policy support and law in the Philippines, and their level of efficacy in resolving the issue of sex trafficking and promoting agency and survivorship for the women involved. Current solutions and support from both legal and non-governmental organizations’ (NGO)are, to a large extent, rendered ineffective due to a simplified narrative of loss and victimization that is perpetuated …

"The Chinese Animation Industry: From The Mao Era To The Digital Age", Stephanie Jones

Master's Projects and Capstones

Since the 1950’s the Chinese Animation industry has been trying to create a unique national style for China. The national style of the 1950’s and early 1960’s was one of freedom, fantasy, and creativity. With the success of “Heroic Little Sisters of the Grassland”/草原英雄小姐妹(1965), the government administration, namely Jiang Qing of the “Gang of Four”, demanded that all animation should follow specific guidelines based on Social Realism guidelines. This in turn, ushered in a new national style of animation during the Cultural Revolution(1966-1976). During this ten-year period government policies imposed strict restrictions on animators and cause a drain of creative …

“I Am Not My Illness!”: Navigating The Mental Healthcare System In New Orleans, Saira Mehmood

Anthropology Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the experiences of individuals diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses and how they navigated the mental healthcare system in New Orleans, Louisiana. To realize the main research objective, I analyzed how individuals with chronic mental illnesses perceive mental illness and stigma; the services individuals use to address their mental health needs and the barriers they face in this process; who individuals disclose their mental illness to and under what contexts; and how individuals diagnosed with mental illness and their caregivers understand and embody recovery. Situated between medical anthropology and urban anthropology, it examines the challenges individuals diagnosed with …

Locating Human Security In The City: The Case Of Rohingya Refugees In New Delhi, Ashvina Patel

Anthropology Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the subjective experience of human security by Rohingya urban refugees who fled to New Delhi, India, from Myanmar, in 2012. It uses bottom-up, top-down, and historical-to-present approaches to recognize the myriad factors that influence the path to security. The bottom-up approach frames the Rohingya present-day experience; the top-down approach delineates motivations embedded in the current India state and the international refugee regime; and the past-to-present approach explains the perspectives of each of these actors.

One urban refugee settlement was chosen as a primary field site to examine the challenges and varied everyday experiences of the city for …

Teachers' Stress And The Benefits Of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Annarose Squillante

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although every job has its own set of obstacles, struggles and stressors that are unique to their profession, teachers face multidimensional stressors that can have negative impacts on them personally and professionally (Abel & Sewell, 1999). Research shows that teachers have multiple layers of stress that have the potential to lead to burnout, mental health problems, physical health problems and poor student relationships. This thesis outlines the existing research on the sources of stress for teachers, the impacts of the stress and the lack of consistent support and interventions for these teachers. While support for teachers does exist, it is …

Brief, Acceptance-Based Intervention For Women With High-Risk Pregnancies: A Pilot Case Series, Natalie Tunnell

Psychology Theses and Dissertations

Women hospitalized for medically high-risk pregnancies are at a greater risk for experiencing anxiety and depression than those who have low-risk pregnancies. An acceptance-based intervention (ACT) may be particularly suitable for such women, as it teaches them to stay in the present and experience uncomfortable sensations and thoughts. The aim of this study is to pilot-test the feasibility and acceptability of a brief ACT therapy on coping skills and psychological outcomes for pregnant women on hospitalized bedrest. Five patients admitted to the hospital for medically complicated pregnancies participated in a 7-day ACT intervention. Psychological outcomes (trauma, anxiety, depression and psychological …

Exploring Gender Roles And Gender Equality Within The Evangelical Church, Christopher Bishop

Education (PhD) Dissertations

This research aims to facilitate better understanding of perceptions of gender roles and gender equality among members of the Evangelical Church and to determine whether these perceptions differ by gender. The evangelical community’s ideologies and values have come to shape social and political dialogues within the United States. A key component of the faith is understanding the role each member plays within his or her family unit and community at large. The evangelical faith’s organizational structure and ideologies are informed by a patriarchal model that’s placed women at internal and structural odds, based on research exploring evangelically informed organizations. However, …

Monetary Equilibrium And The Cost Of Banking Activity, Paola Boel, Gabriele Camera

ESI Working Papers

We investigate the effects of banks’ operating costs on allocations and welfare in a low interest rate environment. We introduce an explicit production function for banks in a microfounded model where banks employ labor resources, hired on a competitive market, to run their operations. In equilibrium, this generates a spread between interest rates on loans and deposits, which naturally reflects the underlying monetary policy and the efficiency of financial intermediation. In a deflation or low inflation environment, equilibrium deposits yield zero returns. Hence, banks end up soaking up labor resources to offer deposits that do not outperform idle balances, thus …

Principal Instruments In Music Therapy Practice: An Art-Based Research Community Engagement Project, Alison G. Dagger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project seeks to question established beliefs concerning the instruments used by music therapists in sessions through an exploration of their impact on therapist ability to interpersonally attune. In the field of music therapy, the competency instruments of piano, voice, guitar, and percussion are widely revered as the most beneficial for clients during active music making interventions. However, many music therapists come to the field with years of professional training on other instruments called principal instruments. Studies show that there is a disconnection between the benefit to clients of using a principal instrument and the frequency with which …

Leading The Play: Development Of A Method Supporting Expression And Control With Adults With Dementia, Victoria Green

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper explores the concept of client-led play with older adults with dementia and its possible impact on an individual’s ability to express enjoyment and sense of control. Expressive arts therapy is explored as a possible natural vehicle for providing client-led play groups to older adults with dementia. While research is limited regarding client-led play specifically, there has been significant research supporting the use of the creative arts with individuals with dementia, as it provides opportunities for non-verbal expression and spontaneous creativity. This paper argues that the arts have a natural connection to play through the use of the imagination …

Nordic And American Social Capital And Its Effects On Climate Change Adaptation, Lara Heard

Senior Theses

The Nordic nations often rank among the most climate-prepared countries in the world, especially in regards to their rapid switch to renewable energy. In contrast, climate change legislation has faced an uphill battle in the United States, where environmentalists and activists meet with climate change denialism and widespread reluctance to change energy consumption habits. This thesis argues that the gap between American and Nordic adaptation arises in large part from difference in social capital. I n the United States, a recent decline in social trust and increase in individualism endanger adaptation efforts, creating a culture of consumerism and widespread reluctance …

Humanitarianism And Refugee Crisis: A Comparative Analysis Of Germany And Turkey Towards Syrian Refugees In The Wake Of The Syrian Civil War, Magda Gebarski

Senior Theses

The Syrian Civil War, which has generated more than 6.2 million refugees, has brought about one of greatest humanitarian crisis’ that Germany and Turkey have faced in modern times. It is argued that both counties were unprepared for this massive influx and responded to the situation in varying ways. Embracing humanistic and liberal ideals, along with the need for people to fill in the ageing workforce are among the reasons that made Germany the ideal destination for Syrian refugees. However, Germany’s initial welcoming response changed as the amount of refugee’s entering the country continued to grow. Turkey, a neighbor to …

The Peculiarity Of Chinese Marital Relationships: Parental Hierarchy And Societal Expectation, Xinyun Wang

Senior Theses

The marital relationship in China takes on its own definitions and expectations as a result of significant research of the tradition, parental hierarchy, and the moral expectations of society. Different time periods in China obtain varied and distinctive practices on marriage and the choice of spouse. From the absolute parents arranged marriage to the gaining of the individuality through nationalism within marriage, the modern Chinese marital relationship correspondingly conveys a combination of free love relating to how society impacts the relationship. This thesis explores the history and formation of the current trend of Chinese marriage practices and provides a comprehensive …

Radicalization Through The Internet: How Isis Became So Successful And Why The United States Needs To Catch Up, Ana Sofia Florez

Senior Theses

It is no secret the Islamic State of Syria, otherwise known as ISIS, has become one of the most dangerous and brutal terrorist organizations in recent history. In recent years the Islamic State has been gaining strength and followers from around the world. Individuals from other countries will leave their homes and families after contact through social media to travel to Syria and fight alongside the organization. This thesis provides insight on the dangerous implications ISIS’s perfection on online recruitment and their successful radicalization tactics has. It will also provide an explanation as to why nations, specifically the United States …

The Political Leadership Of International Security In The Middle East, Kelly Jacqkeem Worthington

Senior Theses

International relations since the end of the Second World War has been dominated by the United States who promised free trade. This led to liberalism becoming the dominate theory in international relations, being the major guiding principle in decisions of international relations made by American Presidents. To ensure free trade amongst nations however, this required a secure world, leading the United States to act as the world’s police to ensure international security for global trade. After the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centers, dynamics of international relations changed. How Post 9/11 Presidents: Bush, Obama and Trump made their …

From Dacamented To Undacamented: The Mental Health Implications Of Daca's Uncertain Future On Latino Immigrants, Isabel Cooper-Perales

Senior Theses

In response to political pressure, President Obama authorized the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012. The program gives qualified undocumented young people access to relief from deportation, renewable work permits, and temporary Social Security numbers. This policy opened up access to new jobs, higher earnings, driver’s licenses, health care, and banking. Now that DACA’ status is uncertain, Latino immigrants are faced with severe problems of mental health and wellbeing. Ending DACA without a more permanent program or solution in place has heightened the stress and fear that families with mixed citizenship status have increasingly faced. In this …

Make Orwell Fiction Again: Authoritarian Regimes' Use Of Surveillance Technology In China And Russia, Nora Mahon Wheelehan

Senior Theses

This thesis demonstrates how different models of authoritarianism rely on surveillance technology as a part of the state’s capacity. Specifically, I look at the technology based mechanisms employed by China and Russia in their efforts to regulate their population and ensure their durability based on their historical ideology of surveillance. In the comparison of the two states, I demonstrate how the differences in the scope of their efforts reflects China’s long term authoritarian stability in contrast with Russia’s political turbulence. The two regimes have similar historical origins, nontax revenue structures, and political institutions, whereas they differ in their state’s capacity …

Ignoring The Learning Curve: The Failure Of U.S. Foreign Intervention In Chile And Afghanistan, Leanna Shea Nichols

Senior Theses

There are several identifiable and ubiquitous reasons why U.S. democracy building interventions fail abroad. The literature has shown that the principal reason that U.S. democracy building efforts fail is that they prioritize seeking immediate stability over creating long-lasting support for liberal democratic institutions. Additionally, contributing factors are also: lack of knowledge of the political history of a nation, lack of knowledge of the complexities within the domestic politics of each nation, lack of local and grassroots inclusion in planning processes, and the use of destabilizing covert and overt operations in an attempt at immediate results, with little force put behind …

Promoting Resilience In Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents Through School-Based Expressive Arts Groups, Bailey Knox

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Since 2013, the majority of students served by the public school system in the United States have been considered “low-income” by the federal government. The stressors associated with low socioeconomic status significantly increase risk for social, emotional and behavioral challenges at all age levels, but can be particularly damaging to adolescents coping with heightened stress levels related to the intense multi-dimensional changes that define this developmental period. As the correlation between economic disadvantage and negative socio-emotional and academic outcomes is increasingly evidenced, schools have begun to recognize their responsibility for providing preventative mental health care to high-risk students. Over the …

A Trauma-Informed Art Therapy Approach For Boys With Sexualized Problematic Behaviors: A Group Method, Rebecca Cyr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Treatment of sexualized problematic behaviors (SPB) in children and adolescents is a clinically significant issue that has little research to support the fundamental need for treatment. Sexualized problematic behaviors (SPB) can be an indication of a child’s own complex trauma and sexual abuse history. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and developmental approach to treatment in combination with art therapy, children demonstrating SPB can learn how to better express themselves, respect themselves and others, and heal a fragmented sense of self. Developmentally, these children and adolescents are in the stage where identity formation is the main task. Therefore, this series of art …

A Literature Review Of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy For Bereaved Children, Wendy Dalton

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is a need for increased visibility of child bereavement to expand research in and accessibility of developmentally appropriate supports, which views the child holistically and within their biopsychosocial context. Worden’s (1996) formative work with child bereavement resulting in the "tasks" of child bereavement was the first and most recent study of its scale and kind. This marked an affirming of grief as normative response to death and occurring throughout the developmental lifespan. This work also highlights the need for additional inquiry to expand and deepen understanding of child bereavement. A growing body of research suggests that ecotherapy and expressive …

Making And Using Natural Art Materials And Its Effect On Adolescents’ Self-Concept, Jocelyn Dimpel

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of the study was to observe effects on adolescents’ self-concept through creating their own natural art materials, as little prior research has been done on the subject. The study was conducted in a high school with two individual students, aged 14-16, who selected, created, and used their own art tools made from naturally sourced materials. By making and using their own art materials, students were able to process their internal state, thoughts, and emotions, express themselves outwardly, and connect better with themselves and their surroundings.

An Application Of The Expressive Therapies Continuum With Trauma-Related Symptoms In Women, Nielle Alfred

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The intention for this capstone thesis paper is to examine the benefits and usefulness of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) with trauma survivors. Research suggests trauma is stored in the mind and body, thus supporting the need for mind-body integration within trauma-informed mental health care. Direct correlations between psychological trauma and maladaptive emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning have been proven. Review of the literature established the ETC as useful in creating new pathways between physical, emotional, and cognitive components to traumatic memory. The method used was a phenomenological single- study qualitative approach, based in a humanistic person-centered theory, using inductive …

Drama Therapy With Queer Adults: Identity Reflection And Expression, Emily Lunardi

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There are people of every age, race, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and area of the world that identify as part of the queer community, and drama therapists have the opportunity to address their specific needs. The current literature regarding effective drama therapy with queer people is limited. Affirming and identity-focused psychotherapy that allows queer people to relate to one another has been found to be beneficial for this population. The discussed development of a method is designed to contribute to an understanding of the strengths and limitations drama therapy, specifically projective techniques, narrative writing, narrative performance, and small group embodiment …

Dmt And “The Man Box:” Provoking Change And Encouraging Authentic Living, An Arts-Based Project, Steven Reynolds

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the mind-body experience through an arts-based research approach to examine, and redefine the emotional capacity and usefulness of males through societal determinants that limits and hinders men from living their authentic selves. Through the lens of a metaphoric “Man Box” 112 men participated in a workshop recreating their personal narratives of socialization through, style of dress, coping mechanisms, belief systems and who they should be as men through society's standards. In the “Man Box,” male bonding, and emotional feelings are discouraged, while the objectification of women, material property and physical/emotional strength are encouraged. This research investigates the …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Tool To Improve Social Skills In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Berlandy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed by the presence of social communication and interaction deficits present in their day to day. The deficits present in this disorder appear within the first three years of life and lead to problems with connecting and interacting with other individuals including their own family members. As a result, children and adolescents with Autism spectrum disorder often experience negative self-image and lack the proper skills to interact with others. Autism spectrum disorder is becoming more commonly diagnosed and yet there remains a gap in interventions and treatment due to the individualized appearance …

Method Development: Dance/Movement Psychotherapy To Address Substance Use Disorder In Cultural Appalachia, Taylor Aitken

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Arts-based-embodied research was used to investigate the potential effectiveness of Dance Movement Psychotherapy methods to treat substance use disorder from a trauma-informed and cultural approach, based on subjective/objective findings of the writer. Residents of diverse demographics, aged 26-59, within the cultural region volunteered to attend one or more of the three workshops offered. Methods were created based on theoretical, historical, and clinical research and implemented through workshops with the intent to promote community, self-expression, empathy, and creativity-all beneficial traits for on-going mental/physical health recovery and resiliency. Movement observation and participant feedback indicated overall increased awareness and deeper knowing of self …

Utilizing Dance/Movement Therapy To Help Alleviate The Physical And Emotional Effects Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Literature Review, Cara Spilsbury

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis literature review investigates dance/movement therapy as a complementary intervention to address the physical, mental and emotional effects of thoracic outlet syndrome. No research currently exists linking DMT and TOS in any capacity, so the author analyzes her own experience of utilizing various DMT techniques throughout her TOS recovery and reviews literature regarding DMT and conditions with similar symptoms to TOS, such as chronic pain, chronic illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, stress and anxiety. The author hypothesizes that dance/movement therapy would be an effective complementary treatment to combat the physical, mental and emotional effects of TOS. The …

Fostering Resilience Through Breath: A Literature Review, Savannah Weatherington

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on utilizing dance/movement therapy with mindfulness aligned to the Attachment, Self- regulation and Competency —framework. This paper highlights how each dance/movement therapy, mindfulness and the Attachment, Self-regulation and Competency - framework support one another. Research has shown that trauma significantly changes not only an individual’s brain, body, but also how they are present in day-to-day life. This literature not only focuses on these effects, but also goes into details of how dance/movement therapy, mindfulness and the Attachment, Self - regulation and Competency - framework supports a child who has experienced a type of trauma or stressful …

Finding My Superpowers: Developing A Coping Skills Method Using Art Therapy As An Intervention For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Maria Williams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children begin developing types of coping skills as early as age two. Children and adolescents use both positive and negative coping skills each day in order to navigate life’s experiences. Negative coping skills that develop at a young age can affect the child or adolescent later in adulthood. The development of positive coping mechanisms will allow children to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. When it comes to children with mood disorders, natural skills for coping and resiliency may not come as easy. Children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health treatment in an inpatient facility often come in already in …