Social Work Commons^™

Cultivating An Opportunity: Access And Inclusion In Seattle's Community Gardens, Alice K. Opalka

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis explores the social dynamics of community gardens and their participation within them in the contemporary food justice movement in Seattle, Washington. Community gardens are seen as solutions to myriad urban and environmental problems, such as food deserts, community empowerment, urban greening, environmental education and sustainability of the food system. Three case studies of Seattle organizations, the P-Patch Program, Lettuce Link and Alleycat Acres, provide a basis for analysis of the purported benefit of community empowerment as a function of organizational structure, history and policies. City government support, flexibility, and a critical outlook towards the processes of inclusion and …

Motivating Men Who Have Sex With Men To Get Tested For Hiv, Magaly M. Blas, Luis A. Menacho, Isaac E. Alva, E. Roberto Orellana

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest HIV prevalence in Peru, they are underserved by traditional preventive programs. Interestingly, in Peru the Internet and cell-phones have emerged as a convenient tool to reach this population.

Social And Contextual Factors That Influence Hiv Risk Behaviors Among Indigenous Msm In The Peruvian Amazon, Isaac E. Alva, E. Roberto Orellana

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Men who have sex with men (MSM) face a significantly higher risk of HIV infection than the general population around the globe. In Peru, HIV prevalence among MSM range from 14% to 23%, with Lima, the capital, and port cities in the Amazonian region being the most affected. Recent studies found that indigenous MSM who leave their villages for cities along the Amazon River and its tributaries, engage in high risk behaviors such as high alcohol consumption and unprotected sex with mestizo (non- indigenous) MSM. This study examined social and contextual factors associated with risky behaviors among indigenous MSM in …

Understanding The Gendered Patterns Of Substance Use Initiation Among Adolescents Living In Rural, Central Mexico, Stephanie Ayers, Flavio Marsiglia, Steven Hoffman, Zhyldyz Urbaeva

Faculty Publications

Background: Little is known about the age of initiation and gender differences in substance use among adolescents in rural, central Mexico.

Methods: The cross-sectional data were collected from students enrolled in the Videobachillerato (VIBA) (video high school) programme in Guanajuato, Mexico. Questionnaires asked students about the age at which they had used alcohol, cigarettes, or cannabis for the first time. Kaplan–Meier Survival Functions were used to estimate if males and females were significantly different in their cumulative probabilities of initiating substances over time.

Results: On average, alcohol is initiated at 14.7 years of age, cigarettes at 15.1 years of age, …

Breathe In, Breathe Out: Utilizing Mindfulness In The Social Work Practicum, Allison Leigh Leonard

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Mindfulness is defined as the ability to be aware of your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and actions – in the present moment – without judging or criticizing yourself or your experience (McKay, Wood, & Brantley, 2007). It has been used in a variety of settings and in a variety of ways. Within the context of social work, mindfulness can be used to prevent burnout and increase awareness. This paper reports research on teaching mindfulness techniques with the purpose of training students to use mindfulness and improve their professional development. Specifically, the paper presents the following: review of current literature on …

The Current Status Of Social Media Use Among Nonprofit Human Service Organizations: An Exploratory Study, James Young

Theses and Dissertations

Social media has proliferated throughout the nonprofit sector over the last five years and organizations use these new tools in a variety of ways. Little research is available on the use of social media within nonprofit human service organizations (HSO) specifically. This study is one of the first of its kind to explore how and why human service organizations are using social media. The aim of this study is to understand the current status of social media use among nonprofit human service organizations by exploring and describing the social media platforms in use, associated practices with social media, the frequency …

The Social Work Perspective On English Language Learners Entering Special Education, Kerry Fay Vandergrift

Theses and Dissertations

Grounded theory was used to examine the social work perspective on English language learners (ELLs) entering special education. Fourteen interviews were conducted with 11 current school social workers from seven counties and cities in Virginia. The resulting theory is that the core variable, supporting ELLs, is the best attempt to resolve the main concern, the disconnect between the needs of ELLs and the resources available to them. This grounded theory suggests social workers and other school personnel can support ELLs and avoid an inappropriate referral to special education through: (1) culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment outside of the special education …

Exploring The In-Race Adoption Of Asian Children, Kathleen J. Bergquist, Salina Offergeld

Graduate Research Symposium (2010 - 2017)

A growing body of literature exists which explores the transracial adoption of Asian children into White/Caucasian families while there are no studies to date which capture the experiences of Asian/Asian American families who adopt Asian children. It is the researchers' intent to build knowledge in the area as well as illuminate the need for further research.

Coping Styles Of Maltreated Children As Related To Risk And Temperament, Tiffani N. Orne

Senior Honors Theses

A large number of children are classified as maltreated, and these children respond to maltreatment in different ways. Cumulative sociodemographic risk factors and temperament both affect the socioemotional outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the association between risk factors and behavioral outcomes in children who have been neglected or abused is influenced by temperamental characteristics. Social workers in Virginia completed questionnaires about five children and adolescents who are part of their current case load. Questionnaires included demographic questions, a Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and an Emotionality Activity Sociability (EAS) temperament …

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors And Their Strategies To Navigate A New World: A Grounded Theory, Justin Scott Lee

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT UNACCOMPANIED REFUGEE MINORS AND THEIR STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATE A NEW WORLD: A GROUNDED THEORY By Justin Scott Lee A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Chair: Pamela J. Kovacs, Ph.D. Associate Professor This study explored how unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) define success. The population of URMs consists of individuals who, through forced migration from their country of origin, were resettled in the United States through the URM program. Little is known about the ways in which refugee adolescents view the resettlement process …

Responding To The Child Welfare Workforce Crisis Here And Now: A Constructivist Approach To Understanding Supervision, Abigail K. Wyche

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, the author argues that there is strong evidence that the child welfare workforce continues to be in crisis. While a great deal of research has indicated that supervision is closely linked to the crisis, extremely high rates of turnover have not been notably reduced through the efforts of administrators or academics to change supervisory practices. Therefore, the author makes the case that it is time to employ an alternative methodology—constructivist inquiry. Constructivist inquiry is based on paradigmatic assumptions that make it distinct from the functionalist approach that researchers most commonly use to understand the child welfare workforce …

Bullying In The Lgbt Community, Dasha Evans

Undergraduate Research Conference

Bullying is not a new trend, but something that has always existed. Different forms of bullying have evolved over time ranging from physical abuse to misuse of cyber activity. Within the past decade there has been a great influx of bullying in all forms in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This new phenomenon of targeting children and teens in the LGBT community has swept legislative and nationwide attention. Popular stories of suicide as the result of targeted bullying are provided. For children and teens who have suffered from such humility and hurt, generalist social workers are able …

Challenges And Opportunities For Youth Saving, Center For Social Development, Kenya Institute For Public Policy Research And Analysis, Institute For Statistical, Social, And Economic Research, New Era; Universidad De Los Andes

Center for Social Development Research

Challenges and Opportunities for Youth Saving

Youth-Related Policies, Center For Social Development, Institute For Statistical, Social, And Economic Research, Kenya Institute For Public Policy Research And Analysis, New Era; Universidad De Los Andes

Center for Social Development Research

Youth-Related Policies

Mzungus, Mugazi, And Mitengos: A Case Study Of Hiv/Aids Education In Lilongwe, Malawi, Stewart Jones '12

Honor Scholar Theses

Despite continuous efforts from both local governments and foreign aid agencies, individual donors, and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), HIV/AIDS rates of infection in Sub-Saharan Africa have not seen the overall decreases in recent years that would be expected based on the large amounts of money and support that have been given to this region. Though the reasons for this lack of decline are still heavily debated and in some ways, controversial, I will be approach this dilemma from the standpoint of an NGO in Lilongwe, Malawi, a country that has been slowly debilitated by HIV/AIDS in the last twenty years. Beginning …

Discovering Resilience In Children Who Witnessed Their Caregivers With Cancer: A Retrospective Study, Cassandra N. Menz

Social Work Theses

Cancer is a powerful disease and has been shown to affect both the individual battling the disease as well as the friends and families. Research has shown that children and/or adolescents who have witnessed their caregivers with cancer have emerged as resilient from this experience. Through interviews, this study investigated college students at a small liberal arts school in Southern New England, who have or have had primary caregivers with cancer to see if they have gained resilience. This study revealed the effects that cancer can have not only on the individual who is battling the disease, but also on …

Facebook: The Newest Weight Loss Supplement?, Jaclyn Longo

Social Work Theses

This study sought to find a correlation between Facebook usage and exercise and diet habits among college-age females. A review of literature has shown the prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses and the pressures directly associated with these statistics. Eighty surveys were collected in order to measure both qualitative and quantitative data concerning the participants Facebook, eating, and dieting habits. Results revealed a strong drive among these females to stay thin through the use of diet and exercise habits, along with a correlation between viewing Facebook photos and the urge to workout. Further research on this subject should focus …

Effects Of A Witnessing History On The Female Ability To Negotiate Romantic Relationships: A Retrospective Analysis, Kimberly Rodrigues

Social Work Theses

Research suggests that witnessing domestic violence (DV) in childhood may have long-term negative effects as a person enters adulthood. This exposure may hinder the ability for adults to build healthy romantic relationships. In an effort to better understand how a witnessing history affects adult romantic relationships, this study focused on the retrospective stories of women who were in recent domestically violent relationships and who also reveal witnessing DV as children. Participant’s narratives were analyzed for themes relating to their witnessing history, such as type of violence witnessed, frequency of violence witnessed, and whether or not participants felt their witnessing history …

Why Do College Students Stay In Unhealthy Relationships And Why Are Peers Hesitant To Intervene?, Melissa Devito

Social Work Theses

This study focused on why college students remain in unhealthy relationships and why they may not intervene. Additionally, the study sought to determine student’s perception of themselves and others using scales that measured their self-esteem, comfortability, and vulnerability. Sixty five students at a Catholic southern New England private college participated in this mixed method study. Results revealed that the definitions of relationships were gender based and students were aware of sexual abuse but remain neutral about reporting it and intervening. Implications from this study include the need for future research on reporting sexual abuse on college campuses and to gather …

Effectiveness Of Anti-Bullying Policies In High Schools, Angela Ju

Social Work Theses

This study focused on the effectiveness of anti-bullying policies in high schools from the perspectives of college students. Literature suggests that anti-bullying policies are in place nationally in high schools but implementation of these policies have been questionable. Several studies have indicated a need for more enforcement of bullying prevention efforts in high schools. This quantitative study gathered data from surveys distributed to and completed by college freshmen students, almost all of whom have had a bullying experience at least once in high school. Findings imply that participants were split in their perspective of how effective and beneficial their high …

Is Mental Illness An Access Barrier To Seeking And Receiving Abortion Services?, Miranda Cummings

Social Work Theses

This study examines the relationship between one’s mental health status and access to abortion services. A review of the literature confirms that no prior research has been completed to determine whether or not mental health status is a barrier to seeking and/or receiving abortion services. A qualitative study using professionals from the mental health and abortion service fields was conducted to explore this relationship. Findings suggest that there are implications for some individuals experiencing mental illness. Another finding concludes that mental illness may be a secondary access barrier if one’s health insurance is provided by governmental funds. An implication for …

Caught In Cultural Limbo?: A College Student’S Perspective On Growing Up With Immigrant Parents, Melissa Weiss

Social Work Theses

Much recent scholarship of immigrants, has found a second-generation disadvantage, or an “immigrant paradox” instead of a “second generation advantage”. In contrast to past studies, this study employed qualitative methods to explore mental health and risky behavior variables of the immigrant paradox among college-aged children of immigrants who attend a private, liberal arts institution to gain a more meaningful understanding of this “paradox”. No strong evidence suggesting an “immigrant paradox” in terms of these variables was found, but instead participants expressed cultural pride. It was also found that these individuals valued their present support systems and those they had while …

Kvaa Finalneeds Assessment.Pdf, Patricia Desrosiers, Lynde Revert

Social Work Faculty Publications

The Grants Management Branch of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet received funding from theOffice of Victims of Crime to explore establishment of a Victim Assistance Academy in Kentucky.Victim Assistance Academies are comprised of education and skill-based classroom training for thosewho assist victims of crime. The Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy will be developed through apartnership between Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Kentucky Crime Victims CompensationBoard, Western Kentucky University, and a practitioners’ Steering Committee. The first Academy isanticipated in mid-2013, with details to be disseminated in early-2013.In order to build the foundation of instructor curriculum and workshops offered by the …

Kebijakan Pembaharuan Agraria Di Indonesia : Studi Pilihan Kebijakan Landreform Pada Pola Kepemilikan Lahan Komunal, Dwi Kristianto

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

Motherhood Spirit Dalam Kedermawanan Sosial Perempuan : Sebuah Perspektif Pemberdayaan Perempuan Berbasis Komunitas Dalam Rangka Mewujudkan Pembangunan Berpusat Pada Manusia, Rissalwan Habdy Lubis

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

Family Psychoeducation In Clinical High Risk And First- Episode Psychosis, William R. Mcfarlane, Sarah Lynch, Ryan P. Melton

Regional Research Institute for Human Services

Seventy percent of those who will have an episode of psychosis will have done so by age 25. Data from clinical trials of intervention during the clinical high risk period of psychosis have determined that the mean age is in mid-adolescence, 16-18 years of age. For those reasons, early intervention inherently involves adolescents, and by extension their parents and other family members and supports. Regarding the type of intervention, it is relevant that the current empirically-derived standard of treatment for schizophrenia, as concluded by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research survey of the treatment outcome literature, includes family …

Women’S Rights In The Sex Industry, Emily Beatty, Amanda Rychtanek, Madeline Schuttey

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

In the United States, exotic dancers are denied their right to work in a safe and secure work environment. Strippers are faced with a variety of abuses on a daily basis and struggle to deal with the negative perceptions and social stigma in their communities. Perceptions of this legalized form of sexual entertainment are connected to the perceptions of prostitutes but differ because of the inability of the strippers to have physical contact with the audience. Dancers are stereotyped to perform the same services as a prostitute and do not have a dignified job. Women enter this area of the …

Faktor Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Upaya Penanganan Pra Bencana Kebakaran Di Tingkat Komunitas : Studi Kasus Pada Masyarakat Rw 02, Kelurahan Karang Anyar, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Jakarta Pusat, Steven Steven

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Pengasuhan Orangtua Untuk Mewujudkan Kesejahteraan Anak Usia 5 Dan 6 Tahun : Action Research Pada Komunitas Ibu-Ibu Semai Benih Bangsa (Sbb) Tapos, Depok, Annisah Annisah

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research discusses about the lack of knowledge in the SBB Tapos parenting and its association with child welfare. This study explains not only how these problems occurred, but also the potential of what society has to address the problem, and how to overcome them. Overcoming ofproblems conducted with the participation of target communities in a program of action in the form of social action. This research is an applied research that is processed in a qualitative way so that describes each stage of parenting knowledge improvement that has been done. The results of this study show a change in …

Secondary Traumatic Stress And Supervisors : The Forgotten Victims., Crystal Collins-Camargo

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

No abstract provided.