Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Game On! Level Up Your Teaching: A Digital Game-Based Learning Guide For Preschool Teachers, Scarlett Flores Marin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Although digital game-based learning (DGBL) has emerged as a

promising technological advancement in early childhood education by offering

many developmental benefits for children, its effective implementation remains a

challenge. The integration of digital technologies in early childhood education has

led to the growing use of DGBL as an effective instructional approach with

research indicating that well-designed educational apps and games can enhance

young children’s cognitive, literacy, and social development by promoting active,

meaningful, and interactive learning experiences. DGBL encourages problem-

solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, aligning with how children naturally

learn through exploration and engagement. When used intentionally, technology

and …

We Are Fundamental (Somos Fundamentales): Examining The Perceptions Of Dei Initiatives Among First- And Second-Generation Latino Migrant Workers, Hector Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Regarding organizational literature, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been a topic of considerable interest due to an abundance of minority groups in the workforce, who are typically targeted by DEI policies. Within minority groups are migrant populations which make up a great deal of the working population, with Hispanic workers also accounting for a significant portion of that workforce. Organizational literature has had a great underrepresentation of the Hispanic working population who are an imperative group to study to better understand their attitudes, behaviors, perceptions, and outcomes, based on organizational DEI approaches. This can help promote researchers and organizations …

Parental Rejection, Identity Development, And Mental Health Among Lgbtqia+ Youth, Litzy Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, LGBTQIA+ youth continue to experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidality, and identity development distress. Parental rejection has been identified as the central impact of these outcomes. However, limited research has examined the influence of parental responses on identity development and the role of micro-level supports, such as counseling and support groups, and macro-level supports, such as inclusive policies and community protections. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine the relationship between early parental rejection or acceptance and LGBTQIA+ youth’s mental health outcomes, identity development, and perceived effectiveness of support systems. …

Social Media’S Impact On School-Aged Children's Mental Symptoms, Tiffany Espinoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

With the increased usage of social media among individuals, this has raised concerns about its impact on the mental health symptoms of the younger population. Previous research has shown the impact of social media on adolescents' depression and anxiety; however, there is limited research showing the impact on younger school-aged children. The purpose of this study will be to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health symptoms among school-aged children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The proposed research study will seek to address gaps in previous research by analyzing a wider age range and more diverse subgroups …

Impact Of Parental Immigration Status On Latino Adolescents’ Mental Health, Kassandra Gomez, Stephanie Montero, Odalys Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Latino adolescents in the United States face unique stressors related to family immigration status; however, this issue has not been paid much attention in the literature. Guided by the Ecological Systems theory, this quantitative study seeks to explore and describe how parents’ immigration status impacts adolescents’ mental health (Bronfenbrenner, 1979. Two hundred adolescents, who will be randomly sampled across seven different Colton Joint Unified Schools, will be engaged in a survey. Data will be collected from respondents using a self developed questionnaire, which captures variables including student demographics, parental immigration status, immigration related stressors in relation to depression and anxiety …

School-Based Interventions To Support Children Experiencing Immigration-Related Trauma, Aaliyah Murrieta, Kathelinne Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Immigration can seriously affect the academic and emotional stability of school-age children. This study looks at how immigration influences students’ academic engagement, emotional well-being, and their experiences with support services at school. The research uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to capture measurable outcomes and personal experiences. The study includes 80 participants: 40 students who struggle with trauma due to immigration related stressors and 40 parents or guardians. Researchers will collect quantitative data through structured surveys that measured school safety, emotional distress, academic engagement, and access to support services. To learn more about trauma, family disruption, and obstacles in educational …

Centering Lgbtqia2s+ Voices: A Proposed Needs Assessment Of Unhoused Adults In California’S Inland Empire, Karina L. Martinez, Sade D. De La Espriella

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA2S+ homelessness remains a critical yet underexamined issue within California’s Inland Empire. While existing research has documented elevated rates of homelessness among LGBTQ+ populations in major urban centers, particularly among transition-age youth (TAY), there is limited understanding of the specific service needs of unhoused LGBTQIA2S+ adults, including older adults, within this region. This research proposal outlines a community-based needs assessment designed to address this gap. The proposed study will utilize trauma-informed, fully structured interviews with standardized, closed-ended questions administered to LGBTQIA2S+ adults who are currently experiencing or have recently experienced homelessness across the Inland Empire. The instrument will assess barriers …

The Left Behind: The Impact Of Community Program Cuts On Transition Age Foster Youth Without Family Support., Jessica J. Mcdowell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine how cuts to community-based programs affect housing stability among transition age foster youth in California. Youth aging out of foster care face disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing instability, which are often compounded by reductions in transitional housing, case management, and supportive services. The significance of this study lies in addressing a critical gap between policy intent and lived experience by centering the voices of former foster youth while also documenting measurable patterns of service access and housing outcomes. A mixed-methods research design would be used to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative …

Effectiveness Of Independent Living Programs On Preparing Transition-Age Foster Youth For Higher Education And Employment., Naomi Cailipan, Jasmine Nevarez, Emily Matias

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transition-age foster youth face significant barriers to higher education and stable employment, increasing their risk of housing instability, unemployment, and long-term economic hardship. Independent living programs (ILPs) aim to support the youth develop life skills and connect them to resources that prepare them for a successful transition into adulthood, however, there is limited research that explores the youth’s perspective on the effectiveness of ILPs. This study seeks to provide insight by interviewing current and former foster youth who participated in an ILP by conducting combined research, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data will be collected through a Likert-scale …

Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Causes, Effects, And Prevention Strategies, Darssy Franco, Jovi Lazo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study will examine the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents’ mental health, in relation to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Cyberbullying is identified as a growing digital phenomenon that threatens adolescents' emotional development. The proposed study would examine cyberbullying, school-based interventions, policy development, and mental health outcomes. The proposed research would utilize a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025 to identify trends, gaps, and effective prevention strategies. A structured data extraction tool would be used to collect data related to prevalence rates, sample characteristics, independent variables such as cyberbullying exposure, and dependent variables, including mental …

Trauma-Informed Care: Msw Students’ Perceptions Of Readiness And Factors Influencing Readiness, Naomi M. Jackson, Brittany Samperio, Kayla Broughton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Although social workers frequently engage with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, limited research has examined whether Master of Social Work (MSW) students feel prepared to apply trauma-informed principles in professional settings. Objective: This study examined MSW students perceived readiness to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) and identified factors that may influence their preparedness. Methods: This study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In Phase I, MSW students enrolled at CSUSB were invited to complete an anonymous online survey consisting of demographic questions, the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) scale, and the Readiness to …

Secondary Traumatic Stress In Children And Family Services Workforce, Jasmyne Schinhofen, Karina Urena

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine secondary traumatic stress among employees at Children and Family Services, addressing the growing concern that child welfare professionals experience significant emotional strain from ongoing exposure to client trauma. Although trauma-informed care initiatives often focus on improving outcomes for children and families, less attention is given to workforce well-being, which directly impacts service quality, case management, and organizational stability. This quantitative study would use a cross-sectional correlational design and collect anonymous survey data with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, along with selected workplace and demographic variables, including perceived workplace support, length of employment, weekly work hours, …

Investigating Fentanyl-Xylazine Interactions: Implications For Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia And Affective Dysregulation In Rats, Alejandra R. Lujan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The growing prevalence of fentanyl adulterated with xylazine presents a major public health concern, yet the behavioral and physiological effects of this combination remain poorly characterized. This study examined the effects of acute fentanyl administration, alone and in combination with xylazine, on opioid-induced hyperalgesia, affective behavior, and mortality in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=80). Rats received four fentanyl injections (60 µg/kg) administered at 15-minute intervals, with or without xylazine (0, 0.1, 0.333, or 1.0 mg/kg), as well as a saline control condition. Pain sensitivity was assessed using a hot plate assay at 6.5, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-injection. …

Understanding The Impact Of Childhood Trauma On Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Youth, Jasmine Valencia, Karina V. Garcia, Genaro Fabela

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are especially common among youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and research has consistently linked these early traumatic experiences to a variety of negative behavioral and developmental outcomes. Still, we do not fully understand how strongly cumulative ACE exposure predicts whether detained youth will reoffend, or whether trauma-informed rehabilitation programs can help reduce that risk. This proposed quantitative study explores the relationship between ACE scores and recidivism among youth ages 11–18 detained at the San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention Center. Grounded in trauma theory and ecological systems theory, the study focuses on two primary questions: …

Examining The Influence Of Race, Gender Identity, And Sexual Orientation On Homelessness Among Lgbtq+ Youth, Francisco J. Trujillo Jr., Lauren E. Flynn

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this proposed study is to examine how race, gender identity, and sexual orientation influence the experiences of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 18 and 24. Existing research shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of homelessness compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, with even greater disparities among youth of color. While previous studies have identified increased risks related to discrimination, family rejection, and mental health challenges, there is a need to further examine how intersecting identity factors relate to housing instability outcomes.

This proposed study would use a quantitative research design and …

Juvenile Custody Severity And Adult Mental Health Outcomes Among Black Men: The Role Of Trauma Informed And Culturally Responsive Care, Leslie Moreno, Tammy Monique Borunda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Black young men are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, yet limited research has examined how severe custody experiences are related to mental health in adulthood. This study will examine how the severity of juvenile custody experiences is related to adult mental health outcomes among Black men who have been released from custody for at least two years. Being able to understand these long-term outcomes is important for addressing disparities in mental health and access to care. This research will utilize the principles of trauma theory and will use a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study will use a purposive snowball …

Exploring Mental Health Service Disparities Among First-Generation Latino College Students, Diane Zepeda-Rodriguez, Samantha Ramirez, Desiree Robledo, Merina Leo-Urroz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

First-generation Latino college students experience barriers to mental health in the form of cultural stigmas and systemic disadvantages, which prevent them from obtaining support and cause disparities within mental health services within their community. Existing research addresses how cultural factors, such as religion, gender roles, and stigma, play a part in their willingness to obtain services. However, despite the limited literature found regarding research addressing barriers to Latinos receiving mental health support, little to no research addresses the specific population of first-generation Latino college students. This study will aim to explore how systemic barriers and cultural stigmas impact help-seeking behaviors …

Deferred Dreams: Mental Health Challenges And Access To Services Among Daca Recipients, Jamie G. Ruiz, Marlene Ortiz, Denisse Salvatierra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an administrative program that protects young immigrants from deportation while granting them access to education and employment. DACA recipients face challenges in accessing resources due to their temporary status and the unpredictability of immigration laws, leading to mental health risks from stigma, anxiety, and fear of deportation. However, little research has examined how DACA's instability and immigration politics affect psychological well-being and access to services over time. This study examines how restrictive immigration policies affect DACA and undocumented people's mental health and access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and social services. This …

Potential Impact That Generative Artificial Intelligence Has On Adolescents' Relationship With Parents, David Jimenez Jr., Christal Pelayo, Rebecca Evans

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into adolescents’ daily lives has introduced both opportunities and concerns regarding family dynamics and psychosocial development. Increasingly, adolescents are using AI tools for academic assistance, emotional support, and transparency on sensitive topics. This study examines adolescents’ attitudes toward discussing personal issues with parents compared to AI platforms and explores the potential relational impacts of AI use on parent–child relationships. Guided by Attachment Theory and Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, this research focuses on adolescents ages 12–16, a developmental stage marked by identity formation and evolving autonomy. The study will include a sequence of recruitment, …

Lgtbq+ Foster Youth Aging Out Of The Child Welfare System, Anna M. Gutierrez Chavez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

On the average time frame, former foster youth were reported homeless between 2012 and 2017. Equally important, is that nearly 39% of homeless youth identify as LGTBQ+.  This research will discuss disproportionality and disparities among youth who struggle with homelessness in the LGTBQ+ population. Research suggests that youth aging out of foster care are more likely to become homeless. Studies found that LGBTQ+ youth being discharged from care did not receive adequate support and guidance from the child welfare system to help them transition into adulthood, which may have led to homelessness.  This study will examine what services and …

Examining The Relationship Between Executive Functions And Resilience, Joseph W. Toland

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The direct and indirect associations of executive functions (EF) and resilience hint towards a strong association between these variables, however there are still gaps in the literature. The current study aims to explore the relationship between EF's (inhibition, shifting, and updating) and resilience. We hypothesize that EF's scores will generally correlate with resilience. Specifically, we hypothesize that inhibition scores will positively correlate to resilience scores. That shifting scores will positively correlate to resilience scores. That updating scores will correlate positively with resilience scores. Finally, the strength of the association between EF's and resilience will change depending on which EF's is …

Utilizing Self-Determination Theory In Therapy For Veterans With Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Carlos A. Tinoc

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Substance use disorder (SUD) has increasingly affected U.S. veterans, with rising misuse of alcohol and opioids. Many veterans also confront mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To explore this issue further, the researcher will investigate the effectiveness of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in addressing substance use and mental health disorders (dual diagnosis) among veterans. Previous research on the implementation of SDT for dual-diagnosis patients has not sufficiently addressed the veteran population. The researcher will review existing systematic literature reviews on the topic of SDT implementation in the treatment of SUDs and mental health disorders among both civilian and veteran …

Healing Beyond Bars: Integrated And Sustainable Recovery Models For Post-Incarcerated Women, Patricia A. Nunez, Jonathan Solomon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) significantly impact the re-entry process for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly Latina/x women, who face unique cultural, social, and economic challenges in accessing effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of substance use disorder treatment programs in support of successful reentry outcomes for Latina/x women post-incarceration. Previous research on SUD treatment for this population remains limited despite growing awareness of the need for gender-responsive and culturally informed interventions. Qualitative research with an exploratory design within an interpretive research paradigm will be utilized to investigate the lived experiences of Latina/x women who have …

The Impact Of Implicit Bias On The Therapeutic Dyad: A Study Of Clients' Perceptions, Nicholas Taylor Walsh

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the influence of implicit bias on the therapeutic dyad, focusing on how clients perceive its impact in their therapeutic process. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews will be conducted with Black clients of White clinicians to capture their perspectives on therapist bias, particularly its subtle, unconscious manifestations and their perceived impact on treatment. It is hypothesized that the findings will reveal that implicit biases related to race can subtly affect the therapeutic alliance, communication dynamics, and overall treatment outcomes. This study seeks to illuminate how clients perceive and navigate implicit bias within the therapeutic relationship, ultimately …

Analyzing Social Implications Of The Gender Wage Gap, Jessie A. Clarke

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The researcher seeks to understand the gender wage gap in the United States. The research question studied is “Why do women in the United States on average earn less income than men?” Women gain less power and resources as they earn less income than men. The researcher explores the phenomenon in this paper. This research proposal utilizes qualitative methods via interviews, and analysis through coding. In previous research, there is a lack of inclusion on the gender wage gap regarding various identities such as sexual orientation, other gender identities, and race/ethnicity. The researcher hopes to fill in these gaps in …

The Link Between Incarceration And Education Level: Exploring The Correlation, Robert M. Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mass incarceration is on the rise, with education level being a strong predisposition indicator. A quantitative approach and survey method will be used to understand the correlations between the two social challenges. This research proposal is expected to reveal how education level significantly determines the probability of a person becoming incarcerated in California. A significant gap exists in understanding the intersectionality between education and mass incarceration. Intersectionality is a theory proposed by Kimberlie Crenshaw that discusses how people’s identities do not only stack on top, but also intersect to cause unique barriers. For example, Black women’s experiences with employment due …

Disproportionate Use Of Behavioral Restraint In Schools A Descriptive Study Of The K-12 System In California, Samuel F. Deck

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Behavioral restraint is widely used in California schools with the stated purpose of ensuring safety, despite being an unsafe intervention that can exacerbate unsafe behaviors. Certain student demographics and school district policies are associated with disproportionate behavioral restraint risk; however, these disproportionalities have not been systematically examined at the district level within California in a way that directly benefits affected students. This study aims to examine which student identifying factors were associated with the disproportionate use of behavioral restraints in California school districts during the 2023-2024 school year. Using the Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) framework, this research will calculate …

The Effects Of Excessive Smartphone Use On Interpersonal Relationships, Lisa M. Whitesell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Smartphones are integral to daily life, generating a propensity for overuse that raises concerns about the potentially adverse effects on social connections and communication. Previous research is primarily quantitative, focused on male subjects outside the United States, and has not explored the impact of smartphone use on relationships from the perspective of close friends and family. This study addresses the gap by applying qualitative methodologies using a more balanced gender sample in the United States. Semi-structured interviews will capture participants’ experiences and perceptions of how excessive smartphone use affects their interpersonal relationships. Open-ended questions will explore smartphone use patterns, the …

Public Assistance And Its Effectiveness Of Mitigating Poverty In Families With Children, Angelica Archibald

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Poverty is detrimental to young children and causes significant challenges in many areas such as education, health care, food accessibility, employment outcomes and more. This paper explores effectiveness through a systematic literature review that examines poverty mitigation strategies employed by the United States government as benefit assistance for families with children and raises awareness of the different types of assistance programs available. Findings for this study are expected to inform social workers of the public assistance programs that help with the mitigation of poverty and its effectiveness of mitigating the poverty levels for families with children in the US. Additionally, …

Intimate Partner Violence In Immigrant Communities: A Qualitative Study, Melina Ruiz-Reyes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important issue affecting immigrant women, specifically those from collectivistic cultures, due to social norms that can make them highly vulnerable. This study investigates the underlying causes of IPV in these communities, focusing on cultural, legal, and systemic factors. Despite the prevalence of IPV, immigrant women face unique barriers to seeking help, including stigma, legal vulnerabilities, and economic dependence. Previous research has mainly focused on specific ethnic groups, missing a broader, intersectional understanding of IPV across diverse immigrant communities. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi- structured interviews based on the Danger Assessment for …