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Front Matter Of Combating Violence & Abuse Of People With Disabilities: A Call To Action, Nancy M. Fitzsimons, Dick Sobsey

Combating Violence & Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Call to Action

Complete Digitized Text of the Front Matter (Contents, About the Author, Contributors, Forward by Dick Sobsey, Preface, and Acknowledgments) of the book Combating Violence & Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Call to Action by Nancy M. Fitzsimons.

Combating Violence & Abuse Of People With Disabilities: A Call To Action, Nancy M. Fitzsimons

Combating Violence & Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Call to Action

Complete Digitized Text of the book Combating Violence & Abuse of People with Disabilities: A Call to Action by Nancy M. Fitzsimons.

Underlying Causes Of Forced Displacement, Bonita Bhattarai Sharma

Social Work Theses - Archive

Conflict and violence have displaced many people around the world. Therefore, this paper explores the broader underlying risk factors that bring population to a vulnerable state of conflict related internal displacement. The possible root causes of conflict explored here are sustenance, degree of democracy, and global economic power status of countries. This methodology follows quantitative studies with dataset that comprises of the countries with conflict-induced internal displacement for 2007. The results of this analysis show that all three indicators are not appropriate measures to predict Internally Displaced Persons and that the global economic power status of the country is closer …

Hardiness And Homelessness: A Strengths-Based Perspective Of Service Use By Veterans Who Are Homeless, James C. Petrovich

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

The purpose of this study was to expand the current knowledge base regarding the use of services by veterans who are homeless. Informed by existing gaps in the scientific literature, it recruited a systematic sample from a low-demand urban shelter and applied a strengths-based perspective by evaluating whether the personality construct of hardiness predicted utilization of assistance services. It also utilized a group of non-veteran homeless men to serve as a comparison group on key variables including demographic characteristics, hardiness, service utilization, mental and physical health functioning, and history of substance abuse problems. Framed within the Behavioral Model of Health …

How Adult Acquired Hearing Loss Affects Marital Satisfaction, Martha Gayle Speegle

Social Work Theses - Archive

Hearing loss can adversely affect a marital relationship when a person becomes deafened after the marriage or commitment to cohabitate. This population is growing more quickly than hearing loss professionals had anticipated. Scores of military personnel are returning from deployment with permanent hearing loss. Loud music and environmental noise are rapidly taking their toll on the Baby Boomer generation and those following them.This paper discusses the problems that hearing loss imposes on relationship: Lack of counseling services, grief and loss, intimacy, crisis, co-morbidity, communication, careers, abuse, dependence and co-dependence.

Community Perceptions Of Social Workers, Robert Veigel

Social Work Theses - Archive

The purpose of this study was to explore the community's perceptions of the social work profession. The study explored five specific areas: 1) view of social work; 2) roles of social workers; 3) community preference's for seeking help; 4) social work's value to community; and 5) sources of perceptions of social work. A survey was administered to parents and guardians of students at a local elementary during a school function. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In contrast to previous studies, findings suggest that the view of social work is generally positive. However, there is a lack of knowledge …

Phenomenological Psychological Autopsies: A Survivor Driven Model For Understanding Suicide, Elizabeth Ann Mitchell

Social Work Theses - Archive

Over a million people worldwide die by suicide each year. 32,000 of these deaths occur in the United States. Strikingly, that number is miniscule in comparison to the 300,000 additionally recorded and 775,000 estimated non fatal attempts in that same year's time (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008; Maris, Berman & Silverman, 2000). In 1999, suicide was recognized by the Surgeon General as a serious public health issue (Satcher, 2000). The purpose for this study was two-fold. First and foremost the effort was to increase knowledge about why people die by suicide. Secondly, the author hoped to assess the …

Access To Mental Health Care: Clients Perception Of Services Provided By Agape Clinic And Community Care, Erika Ruiz

Social Work Theses - Archive

The purpose of this study was to identify whether there is a relationship between acculturation and utilization of mental health services among U.S. born and non-U.S. born Hispanics in the United States. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors, which lead U.S. born and non -U.S. born Hispanics to seek and utilize mental health services. Findings suggest that there is no relationship between acculturation and the utilization of mental health services. A lack of resistance may be due to a need of education on mental health illnesses.

Influential Factors On Adolescent's Suicidal Behavior, Yi Jin Kim

Social Work Theses - Archive

Several studies have been conducted to investigate risk factors for adolescent suicide. Most adolescent risk models for suicide contain "traditional" risk factors such as depression or substance use. However, other possible factors such as body dissatisfaction or risky sexual behaviors have lacked adequate research and evaluation in general, even though these factors have been prevalent among adolescents and associated with risk factors for suicide. Also, the target population in past studies that investigate suicide risk among adolescents has been mainly focused on Caucasians, African Americans, or Hispanics, and failed to include various racial and ethnic groups such as Asians, who …

Spirituality As Protective Factor For Adolescents Exposed To Domestic Violence, Linda E. Benavides

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

Research has shown that exposure to domestic violence can have adverse developmental outcomes for adolescents. Several protective factors have been identified in the research literature as promoting resilience with at-risk youth. Recently spirituality as a potential protective factor has received attention. The current phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of fourteen adolescents-who had been exposed to domestic violence-to answer the following questions: 1) How do adolescents define spirituality? 2) In what ways does spirituality serve as a protective factor for adolescents exposed to domestic violence? In the current study, both traditional and non-traditional definitions of spirituality emerged. Spirituality appeared to …

Women's Emotional Experiences With Gynecological Oncology, Chris Camperson

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study describes women's emotional experiences with gynecological oncology, with an emphasis on depression, using a qualitative phenomenology approach. The qualitative methodology was designed to give the women participants a voice. Ten women who resided in North Texas participated in the study. Each of the women had been diagnosed with a gynecological oncology at some point in their lives. Seven of the women had an ovarian cancer diagnosis, one had cervical cancer, one had endometrial cancer, and one had a diagnosis of vaginal and cervical cancer. The participants ranged in age from 28 to 67 years of age. The results …

Factors Influencing Nursing Home Use Of Older African Americans, Hispanic Americans And Caucasians, Jeana Organ Culbert

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

As the population of older Americans increases, the utilization of nursing homes is an area of concern. The purpose of this study is to identify factors which influence the nursing home utilization of older African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Caucasians. This study will focus on selected variables such as caregiver type, relative caregiver race, long-term care insurance and out-of-pocket nursing home expenditures. The study will use a longitudinal, non-experimental approach, guided by a comprehensive literature review and the theoretical application to the Behavioral Model of Health Service Use.

The Role Of The Sibling Relationship In Foster Care: A Comparison Of Adults With A History Of Childhood Out-Of-Home Placement, Adam Mccormick

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This secondary data analysis focuses on the outcome experiences of adults with a history of out-of-home placement. The study focuses on the relationship between childhood sibling experiences and outcomes for adults. The study assessed the outcome of 50 alumni in the areas of income, educational attainment, employment, adult sibling relationships, social support, self esteem, and housing. The strength of childhood sibling relationship and positive adult outcomes was assessed using a number of control variables in a multivariate analysis including maltreatment experience, age, gender, campus, number of placements, level of preparation for independence, and age at placement. A number of factors …

Peer-To-Peer Mentoring Programs In The School Setting For Grades 7-12, Jennifer Crawford

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This Capstone project will provide a complete literature review on peer-to-peer mentoring programs; summarize findings; review evidence-based research regarding existing mentoring programs; compare and contrast the review findings; address potential limitations, and make recommendations to the school administration of United South Central School District #2134, regarding design and implementation of a research-based peer-to-peer mentoring program.

Practitioners' Views Of Effective Treatment Options For Childhood Trauma, Mary Sue Storie

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

In today’s society the number of children who experience childhood trauma is increasing significantly. As a result of this increase, the number of people seeking treatment is also on the rise. For this study, data were collected using both qualitative interviews (N=10) and an online quantitative survey (N=32). Practitioners’ views of effectiveness ranged from both more traditional treatments to emerging alternative treatments. Recent knowledge from brain research shows trauma impacts both the left and right side of the brain. Many practitioners noted effective treatment needs to be comprehensive. This is supported by literature recommending modalities that work with the effect …

A Culture Of Giving: The Effect Of Activism On Teenage Girls And Their Ability To Investigate Social Change Through Volunteerism, Amanda Settlage

Whittier Scholars Program

My senior project is studying the effects that being involved in community organizations has on teenage girls ages 14-18. My primary focus has been on volunteerism in an activist capacity, especially for social change. This project has been done in a way that argues that volunteerism is positive for girls and their communities. I chose to study teenage girls because I have a broader interest in the effect that being involved in community organization has on women but also because I wanted to look at the lifetime effects of volunteering at a relatively young age. Also, teenagers are among the …

A Multi-State Evaluation Of The Factors Predicting Educational Achievement Of Adult Foster Care Alumni, Markell Harrison-Jackson

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Child maltreatment, a major public-health concern in the United States, has the most detrimental impact on adult emotional and physical development. According to the urban Institute, in the past decade foster-care expenditures for child maltreatment totaled $14.4 billion. Each year, 30,000 alumni "age out" of foster care. These are alumni who exit the foster-care system only because they reach the age of 18, not because they are reunited with their families, are adopted, or leave to attend college. Prior longitudinal research has shown that the nearly 80% of the alumni who are emancipated at the age of 18 failed to …

Handbook On Sensitive Practice For Health Care Practitioners: Lessons From Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Candice L. Schachter, Carol A. Stalker, Eli Teram, Gerri C. Lasiuk, Alanna Danilkewich

Lyle S. Hallman Social Work Faculty Publications

This handbook is the culmination of a multiphase, multidisciplinary research project that used grounded theory and participatory action research to illuminate ways that healthcare providers can work sensitively (in a trauma-informed way) with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The research identified nine Principles of Sensitive Practice: respect, rapport, taking time, sharing information and control, respecting boundaries, fostering mutual learning, understanding non-linear healing and demonstrating an understanding of trauma to patients. Specific guidelines were developed for a wide variety of issues pertinent to clinical practice such as, removal of clothing, touch, responding to disclosures of abuse, managing triggers among others. …

The Experiences Of Minority Immigrant Families Receiving Child Welfare Services: Seeking To Understand How To Reduce Risk And Increase Protective Factors, Sarah Maiter, Carol A. Stalker, Ramona Alaggia

Lyle S. Hallman Social Work Faculty Publications

Wide recognition that families in the child welfare system experience multiple stressors has resulted in the development of a range of prevention and intervention strategies at individual, family, and policy levels.1 This article reports on a research study with minority immigrant families. The aim was to understand stressors they perceived as contributing to child welfare interventions, and services they found helpful or unhelpful. Using the conservation of resource (COR) theory, the findings highlight the erosion of resources that increases their vulnerability. Themes that emerged were: loneliness, betrayal, hopelessness, and financial and language struggles. Application of the COR theory combined with …

“In The System:” A Qualitative Study Of African-American Women’S Foster Care Stories, Meghan Spell

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Discourses For Social Justice Education: The Web Of Racism And The Web Of Resistance, Lisa Werkmeister Rozas, Joshua Miller

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

This article presents two conceptual frames to help with teaching about issues of race and racism. First the concept of the web of racism describes a matrix that helps students understand the depth of damage racism has instilled in contemporary U.S. society. Second, the web of resistance offers a model of anti-racist activities to help students participate in the fight to end systemic racism. The importance of placing racism in a historical context is emphasized as are the differential reactions of white students and students of color to this material.

Infant Social And Emotional Development: The Emergence Of Self In A Relational Context, Katherine L. Rosenblum, Carolyn Joy Dayton, Maria Muzik

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Definitions Of Violence: African-American And Iraqi Refugee Adolescents' Perceptions, Beverly M. Black, Barbara L. Peterson, Arlene N. Weisz, Poco D. Kernsmith, Linda A. Lewandowski, Krupa K. Hegde

Social Work Faculty Publications

This article explores the perceptions of urban African-American and Iraqi refugee adolescents regarding community violence, school violence, family violence and dating/intimate partner violence. A subset of participants from a larger study on violence and trauma was selected to participate in the current study. Using a card-sort exercise, participants identified situations as violent or not violent. Iraqi youth identified noticeably more behaviors as violence than African-American youth. Few significant gender differences emerged. Findings of important cultural differences provide implications for violence prevention programming.

Study Quality Assessment In Systematic Reviews Of Research On Intervention Effects, Kathleen Wells, Julia H. Littell

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Faculty Research and Scholarship

Objective

The goal of this study is to advance an approach to the assessment of the quality of studies considered for inclusion in systematic reviews of the effects of social-care interventions.

Method

To achieve this objective, quality is defined in relation to the widely accepted validity typology; prominent approaches to study quality assessment are evaluated as to their adequacy.

Results

Problems with these approaches are identified.

Conclusion

A formal, yet explicit, multidimensional approach to assessment grounded in substantive issues relevant to the intervention and the broader context in which it is embedded is promoted. Uncritical and exclusive use of indicators …

Recruiting Urban Latina Adolescents And Their Families: Challenges And Lessons Learned In Suicide Attempts Research, Luis H. Zayas, Carolina Hausmann-Stabile, Allyson M. Pilat

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Faculty Research and Scholarship

Recruiting samples with unique characteristics dispersed across services and geography is hard to identify because of legal status and stigma create research challenges. Public health, however, requires sustained recruitment efforts. We describe challenges and solutions in recruiting urban adolescent Latinas who had attempted suicide. Procedures for recruitment and human subject protections were established, yet logistic obstacles emerged. Program directors failed to support the research; therapists were slow to identify subjects and to meet inclusionary criteria; numbers of prospective participants were lower than originally calculated; girls and parents were hard to reach; and interview appointments were missed. From challenges came solutions: …

Minnesota State University Mankato Counseling Center: Needs Assessment Survey Of College Student Parents, Katherine S. Fitzkappes

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Needs Assessment Survey of Student Parents was an exploratory study of descriptive data gathered from college students who are also parents. This study surveyed a sample of student parents at Minnesota State University Mankato. Student parents were asked to complete a confidential on-line survey of questions regarding their demographic information, their psychosocial needs, and their knowledge of The Counseling Center services. Data analysis revealed that, as a group, the respondents indicated their highest psychosocial needs to be in the areas of stress management, feeling burned out and financial concerns. The lowest expressed needs were in the categories of substance …

A Social Work Intervention For Children With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Julienne Magnano

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

No abstract provided.

Empowerment-Based Advocacy Conducted By Not-For-Profit Organizations, Margery C. Saunders

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study explores the advocacy patterns of over 200 nonprofit human service providers active in both anti-violence and anti-poverty service arenas. A mailed survey to organizations associated with three statewide advocacy organizations in New York State examined the organizational factors associated with three advocacy activities: case advocacy, public policy education, and legislative issue advocacy. Using empowerment theory, predictors that captured the degree of ethnic diversity of an organization's staff and board, and whether or not consumers served on the staff or board, and whether having social workers as advocates were examined along with other control variables to explain the conditions …

A Case Study Of Intended And Implemented Tanf Policies In The New York State Bridge Program, Yi-Jung Wu

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act changed public policy. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), affecting both educational policy and social welfare policy. Simultaneously, policy implementation responsibilities devolved to states.

Domestic Violence And Faith Communities : An Exploratory Study Examining Beliefs And Experiences Of Jews, Non-Jews, And Rabbis, Amanda Sisselman

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Purpose and Background: The current study examines the link between beliefs and experiences around domestic violence and religion, seeking to understand more about the ways in which Jews understand and experience domestic violence, while also looking to examine the context of these results in terms of religious comparison. The literature shows a preliminary connection between religion and domestic violence, in that victims have utilized their faith and faith communities as coping resources, but have also reported negative experiences within their religious communities. The literature only alludes to potential connections between beliefs regarding domestic violence and religion. Existing studies use mainly …