Social Work Commons^™

Barriers To Cardiac Patients Returning To Work: Program Planning Guidelines For Social Workers In Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs, Anne Powers

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore barriers to cardiac patients under the age of 65 in returning to their jobs following cardiac events and create program planning guidelines based on the findings. Reasons why patients do not return to work noted in the literature include job stress, anxiety and depression, cardiac invalidism, and/or physical limitations. Former outpatient cardiac rehabilitation patients were surveyed as well as professionals who work in hospitals or clinics with cardiac patients to assess barriers to returning to work following a cardiac event and how outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs can assist patients in returning to …

Women Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury, Wendy N. Gomez

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory study is to determine the effects of traumatic brain injuries on the lives of women, based on self-report. This research consisted of face to face interviews with five female head injury survivors. The interview schedule, a structured list of open-ended questions, focused on issues of family system, social, physical, cognitive and emotional changes, effects on employment and experience with formal and informal community services. As theoretical frameworks I discuss Kubler- Ross's theory of grief and loss, the ABC-X model of stress and adaptation, and the body of head injury research which has focused largely …

A Study Of Resources For Families Of Individuals Who Have A Mental Illness Within Hennepin County State Of Minnesota, Jody L. Friesen Grande

Theses and Graduate Projects

Families are the primary caregivers for individuals who have a mental illness. They experience mild to severe burdens attempting to cope and adapt with the mental illness of their family member. On the basis of a review of the literature most families feel that their needs are not being adequately addressed by mental health professionals. The purpose of this study is to identify providers of mental health services within Hennepin County of Minnesota, their attitudes, program goals and services that address the issues and needs of families of individuals who have a mental illness. The findings of this study show …

A Measure Of Success In An Alternative Junior High School, Jana B. Dannemiller

Theses and Graduate Projects

This project examined three aspects of the Alternative Junior High School program at Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), a social service agency in North Minneapolis. One aspect was this program's ability to retain students at risk of dropping-out of the educational system. A second was to examine whether the program increased the academic performance and attendance rates of these students. Finally, aspects of the program that students described as helpful are reported, as well as those that they described as needing improvement. The study compared the academic performance and attendance rates of the students in their last semester of public …

Self-Reports About Homelessness: Single Women With Children, Kristen J. Pederson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The number of homeless families is on the rise. ln 1989 more than 60,000 families nationwide, four times the number recorded in 1984, were in homeless shelters. Seventy to ninety percent of homeless families are headed by women. To better understand the causes of homelessness this study obtained self-reports from 16 women with children residing in a metropolitan homeless shelter. An exploratory study was conducted using a questionnaire that gathered quantitative and qualitative data regarding demographics, reasons for homelessness, and preventative measures. Consistent with other research, the findings indicate varied reasons for homelessness including: circumstantial events, lack of relational support, …

Empowerment Of Patients In Health Care And Its Impact On Their Behavior, Laurie Dahley

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine if the lack empowerment in health care is demonstrated in overt negative behavior in patients. Previous research demonstrated increases in perception of pain, depression, and noncompliance with the medical regime to be common responses to the lack of empowerment. As the incenter hemodialysis population has a highly restricted medical regime, they were utilized as the subjects for this study.

An exploratory study utilizing existing data was conducted at Dakota Hospital Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Nursing care plans were screened to identify the negative behavior in question for all patients currently …

An Exploratory Study Of The Similarities And Differences Between Special Care Units (Scus) For People With Dementia And Non-Scus With Recommendations For New Scus, Susan Ann Manning

Theses and Graduate Projects

Special care units for people with dementia are a relatively new phenomenon within the long-term care setting, having evolved as a way to meet the special needs of individuals with dementia. The numbers of people who will be affected by dementia is projected to rapidly increase in the future. The literature reveals that special care units are very heterogeneous in their physical characteristics, program designs, and therapeutic approaches, yet most appear to be based on common theoretical conceptual frameworks. This exploratory study examined the current nature of special care units designed for people with Alzheimer's disease/dementia in the Minneapolis/St. Paul …

Treatment Foster Parents' Perceptions Of Their Role With The Primary Family Of Foster Youth, Sheila M. Schmaltz

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study provides a description of treatment foster parents' perceptions of their role with the primary family of foster youth. This study also identifies a baseline measure of treatment foster parents' perceptions which can be utilized for agency program planning, policy and administration. The study sample includes 98 treatment foster parents licensed by the state of North Dakota, and supervised by Professional Association of Treatment Homes (PATH). A mail survey explores different levels of involvement between the treatment foster family and the foster child's primary family, whether or not treatment foster parents believe they can impact the primary families of …

Client Satisfaction In Home Healthcare, Leslie Throne

Theses and Graduate Projects

No abstract provided.

Resiliency In Children: Identifying And Nurturing Coping Skills Through Outpatient Mental Health Services, Sharon Michel

Theses and Graduate Projects

Resiliency is the ability to adapt successfully despite living in adverse conditions. It involves negotiation between risk and protective factors. Researchers have found that resiliency is not necessarily constant but rather contextual. Therefore, characteristics of resiliency, once identified, can be nurtured and to some extent taught. This research study attempts to identify characteristics of resiliency in children who are brought to an outpatient mental health center for behavioral difficulties and assess whether treatment services nurture such characteristics Problem and competence scales were collected from the parents about their children at intake and again for this study. A comparison was made …

Exploring The Impact Of Funding Source On The Provision Of Family Preservation Services, Debora L. Heider

Theses and Graduate Projects

In an effort to contain costs and increase accessibility to health care coverage, Minnesota has begun to transfer medical assistance recipients into Health Maintenance Organizations. This research project explores this change in funding and its impact on the provision of family preservation services. This project focuses on the characteristics of family preservation programs, their effectiveness at teaching families the skills needed to stay together, and the limited mental health care coverage provided under group health plans and its impact on service utilization. Twenty-three family therapists and mental health practitioners, along with three program administrators representing three family preservation programs in …

An Evaluation Model For A Children's Shelter, Brian Fruchtman

Theses and Graduate Projects

Millions of children spend time each year in children’s shelters, residential treatment centers, and other noncorrectional placements (Pelton, 1989). There is no record in the literature of a client satisfaction questionnaire measuring satisfaction of children in a shelter or treatment center with program components. This thesis is a proposal for an evaluation for a children’s shelter in Minneapolis called Booth Brown House. The proposal includes a specially designed questionnaire. The research in all stages of the evaluation process. The thesis also includes a discussion of the relative advantages and disadvantages of an oral interview format. The proposal also describes articles …

Personal Conservatorship Services For The Elderly: A Needs Assessment With Program, Linda Keintz Hickman

Theses and Graduate Projects

Elderly persons who have difficulty making and carrying out decisions because of decreased decision-making capacities are at risk of decreased physical and emotional well-being. Because the number and proportion of elderly persons in the United States is growing, there is increasing concern regarding the rights to autonomy and the need for protection for this population. Personal conservatorship services are a form of surrogate decision-making in which a person is legally appointed to make decisions for another. After review of current literature, this research examines the nature and extent of personal conservatorship services for the elderly in two Minnesota counties. Findings …

Elementary School Teaching Staffs' Responses To Children Who Act Out Disruptive, Defiant Or Aggressive Behaviors, Bonnie Beckel

Theses and Graduate Projects

A written survey of teachers and educational assistants in the Minneapolis Public Schools explored teaching staffs' awareness of their own emotional and behavioral responses to children with acting out behaviors and how such responses impact their effectiveness at helping children resolve their acting out behavior problems. The major findings of the study were: 1) the 18 teacher staff respondents were aware of experiencing a broad range of emotional and behavioral reactions to children with acting out behaviors and 2) most reported that they were working to modify an individually unique aspect of how their emotional responses interfered with their effectiveness …

Training, Guidelines, And Use Of Anatomically Correct Dolls In The Investigation And Assessment Of Children Who May Have Been Sexually Abused, Evelyn Jean Rondeau Thompson

Theses and Graduate Projects

In the past ten to fifteen years the general knowledge about sexual abuse and the number of persons abused has greatly increased. Many of the victims are young children who may have difficulty verbalizing the incident. As a result, various tool have been developed. One of these is anatomically correct dolls.

The purpose of this research was to explore the use of anatomically correct dolls by child protection workers, law enforcement offices, and psychologists who work with sexually abused children. They were asked if they used the dolls, features of the dolls, training they had, and guidelines that were available …

A Policy Analysis Of The Continuing Education For Pregnant And Parenting Students Of The Minneapolis Public Schools, Cheryl Rose Zurek

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nationwide, pregnant and parenting adolescents are at tremendous medical, social, economic, and educational risk. Pregnancy is the greatest single reason why girls drop out of school. Unemployment and welfare dependency are high for adolescent mothers. Current law mandates that Minnesota schools cooperate with human service agencies in the education planning process and with the needs of pregnant and parenting students.

This research study is an analysis of the Minneapolis Public Schools adolescent pregnant and parenting policy in regards to continuing education. The analysis includes history of the problem, definitions of the issue, underlying values, strengths and limitations of the policy, …

Spirituality In Social Work Practice, Barbara J. Schmidt

Theses and Graduate Projects

Spirituality is an integral part of human experience. Personal belief systems impact the client as well as the professional social worker. Literature in the last 10 years reflects the growing interest in the influence of spirituality in people's lives both personally and professionally. Some people are searching for, and others have found, a set of beliefs that give them hope, strength, and guidance.

Social workers actively seek ways to understand and accept diversity with regard to a variety of human conditions. Spirituality remains a frontier to be explored as a means to further understand cultures as well as individuals.

This …

Cambodian Refugee Experience History Of Genocide Implications For Social Workers, Mark Cavanaugh

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide social workers and other human service professionals with an understanding of the Cambodian refugee experience. Understanding the history of the Genocide and the horrific impact it has had upon the Khmer is an important dynamic in understanding the Khmer experience.Cambodian civilians who survived the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge regime experienced massive trauma. As a result, Khmer refugees in the United States face a special challenge in the areas of social and psychological adjustment.This research examines the historical and political events which led to the communist take over of Cambodia. It also …

Bringing Violence Out Of The Closet: An Exploration Of Domestic Violence In Gay And Bisexual Male Intimate Relationships, Anthony D. Weeks

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis explores the type and frequency of domestic violence among gay and bisexual men. The thesis also addresses the willingness of gay and bisexual men to seek intervention services for domestic violence-related issues. Respondents to the written, self-report survey questionnaire were clients at a gay-affirmative chemical dependency treatment center and a community-based mental health/social service agency in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Research findings indicated that most respondents had experienced some form of abuse from an intimate partner. Fewer, but still a considerable number, of respondents had been abusive to an intimate partner at least once. Although the sample …

Lesbian Battering: An Exploratory Study, Raquel Volaco Simoes

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this research study was to examine the incidence of same-sex female battering. An overview of the existing material on lesbian abusive relationships confirmed the need to further validate and clarify this problem. The Conflict Tactics Scales, Couple Form R, was used to gather data. Fifty percent of the sample reported having perpetuated or experienced physical abuse in current or past relationships. Due to the sample size, the results from this study may not be generalized to the larger lesbian/bisexual community.

Adolescents' Perceptions Of Long-Term Hospitalization And Post-Hospitalization Experience, Mary J. Kacvinsky

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide a description of adolescents' perceptions of their long-term hospitalization and post-hospitalization experience. The study sample included ten previously hospitalized adolescents (aged 13-18) who had been hospitalized long-term (6+ weeks) at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Twin Cities Unit, a pediatric orthopedic hospital. They were interviewed by telephone to get their perceptions of past hospital experiences. Study findings indicate that adolescent patients become very knowledgeable about life in the hospital and what is allowed and expected of them. Findings are consistent with the review of the literature which indicated that, giving up independence …

Socio-Economic And Political Implications Of The Termination Of General Assistance Benefits For Undocumented Victims Of Torture In Minnesota, Evelyn C. Lennon

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Minnesota State Legislature amended the General Assistance benefits statutes, effective October 1, 1993, to exclude undocumented persons. This research project attempts to define the socio-economic and political issues as they impact victims of political torture who reside in Minnesota without legal status. The history of public assistance, its underlying social problem, and its judicial context reveals the controversy over entitlements versus rights. Social program and policy systems analysis highlights the linkage between the goals and objectives of the legislation and the message that is inherent in the delivery of services. An examination of the files of four clients of …

A Short-Term Group Model For Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Linda M. Pavic

Theses and Graduate Projects

The current changes in the health care system require mental health professionals to provide short-term, cost-effective services that are accessible to a broader population. Chrysalis Mental Health Clinic is meeting this challenge. The clinic has designed and implemented a short-term psycho educational group model for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This thesis is an evaluation of the group model's effectiveness from the members' perspective. The evaluation examines the following three research questions: 1) From the group members' perspective, how helpful is the psycho educational approach of the short-term group model at Chrysalis Mental Health Clinic?; 2) Was a feeling …

Services For Homeless Youth: A Needs Assessment And Program Design, Noya J. Woodrich

Theses and Graduate Projects

Homelessness among youth is a problem that is growing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. The purpose of this study was to examine the services currently available for this population and to assess whether or not they are sufficient enough to serve the population of young homeless adults. Research for the study was done by looking at existing records such as studies done by the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Minnesota Department of Education. A local study done by the Wilder Research Center on homeless youth and a program evaluation done by the Bridge Inc., was also used to …

Case Evaluation Of The Student Leader Program At Tanglen Elementary School, Renee E. Ward

Theses and Graduate Projects

It is apparent that the educational system is very influential upon children's learning abilities. Therefore, schools may be a key place to teach problem-solving skills at an elementary level. These skills wilt be needed to confront societal conflicts that await them as adolescents and adults. This thesis identifies a student leader program in an elementary school that trains sixth grade students to become leaders and mediate conflicts with kindergarten through fourth grade students. The evaluation of this program finds that student leaders successfully attain leadership roles as peer mediators, and also role model problem-solving skills as well as positive behavior …

The Evaluation Of Organizational Structure In The Rape Crisis Movement In Minnesota From 1970-1990, Cheryl A. Champion

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study documents the changes in the organizational structure of the rape crisis centers (RCC) in Minnesota. It compares the organizational types of similar alternative agencies with those organizational types that emerged in RCC. It considers a framework that predicts at what period in the natural history of a social movement changes in organizational structure and personnel occur. It determines how the evolution of RCC reflects this framework. Finally, it assesses the relationship between feminist ideology and organizational functioning. Several findings emerge from this study. Over time, RCC evolved from grassroot collectives into programs of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. …

Same-Sex Marriage Legislation And The Extension Of Rights To People Who Are Homosexual, Quin Ripley Buchtel

Theses and Graduate Projects

Many of the rights and privileges that heterosexual couples experience in their daily lives are not provided to couples who are gay and lesbian. Even if gays and lesbians choose to form a committed permanent relationship, there are no legal validations or endorsements to insure protection for these unions. The instrument used for this study was an opinion survey. Polled were 41 employees, of a small rural social service agency, who routinely provide a variety of services to diverse populations. The findings suggest that there is resistance to supporting the legalization of same-sex marriages to legitimize these domestic partnerships.

Preserving Families: Does It Work? A Policy Analysis, Karen L. Peterson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Beginning with a look at the historical background of child welfare services in the United States, this policy analysis examines issues surrounding the use of out-of home placement of children as an intervention strategy with families in crisis. In response to the increasing demand for the limited dollars available to provide social services, the high cost of out-of-home placement and concern for the large number of children who experienced lengthy or multiple foster care placements policy makers and service providers are now focusing upon efforts to preserve families and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement of children. Family preservation services are examined …

The Efficacy Of Residential Treatment Services For A Child Diagnosed With Schizophrenia: A Case Study, Roxanne F. O'Connor

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of residential treatment services for a child diagnosed with schizophrenia. The literature review completed indicates that fewer than 200 cases of childhood schizophrenia have been described in the world literature. Children with this rare disease are served a number of ways in l{Minnesota, one of those ways being residential treatment services. In studying the effectiveness of this treatment modality for a child with schizophrenia, f have completed an intensive ease study of a child who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has completed residential treatment services. Records were reviewed and interviews conducted with the identified child, …

Training Foster Parents And Birth Families In Caring For American Indian Children Who Have Experienced Both Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Or Effects And Sexual Abuse, Vi E. Rocek

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis examines the effects of both child sexual abuse and fetal alcohol syndrome or effects on American Indian children in foster care. These children manifest a variety of particular behaviors and mental incapabilities causing them to be exceptionally difficult to parent. Using a conceptual framework based on the perspectives of ecology, competence, human development, and permanency planning, the author develops a training program for foster parents, birth parents and extended family. The training provides concrete, workable and easy to apply strategies for caregivers to address the special needs and demands of these children. The rationale for joining foster parents …