Social Work Commons^™

Evaluating Drug Court Effectiveness And Exploring Racial Disparities In Drug Court Outcomes: A Mixed Methods Study, John R. Gallagher

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

Mixed methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Drug Impact Rehabilitation Enhanced Comprehensive Treatment (D.I.R.E.C.T.) program, and to explore the factors that may contribute to racial disparities in drug court outcomes. The D.I.R.E.C.T. program is an adult drug court located in Fort Worth, Texas. The most predictive variables of graduating the D.I.R.E.C.T. program were being employed or a student at time of admission into the program, having fewer positive drug tests, and being Caucasian. The most predictive variables of not recidivating were not having a violation within the first 30 days of the program and graduating the program. …

Teenage Waist-Land: Social And Environmental Determinants Of Childhood Obesity, Shing Pang

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

In the past three decades, childhood obesity has emerged as a growing concern for authorities in diverse disciplines. Authorities in law, economics, medicine, nursing, psychiatry, education, and social work have dedicated research and resources in an attempt to arrest or reverse this alarming trend. Guided by existing gaps in contemporary research, this study expanded the knowledge base by examining the social and environmental determinants of childhood obesity for youths aged 13 to 17 year-olds. The social and environmental determinants of this research were guided by the Ecological Systems Theory and Social Capital Theory, and those determinants included academic development, medical …

The Latino Community In Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile, Ann Curry-Stevens, Amanda Cross-Hemmer, Coalition Of Communities Of Color

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Our report, "The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" uncovers an array of racial inequities across the systems of income, employment, education, juvenile justice, corrections, child welfare, philanthropic giving, housing, immigration, research practices (particularly population measurement), wealth, health, health insurance coverage, racial harassment, public service and voter registration. These systems maintain our second-class status and serve to limit our current well being and the prospects for a bright future for our children.

Examining Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Among A Sample Of Individuals In Opioid Treatment Programs, Erin Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

National rates of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) are rising alongside increasing reports of prescription opioid abuse and mortality. Associations between the rise in CNCP and in opioid abuse seem logical, yet research on CNCP among individuals with opioid dependence is currently limited due to the complicated nature of comorbid conditions in research and treatment. This study aims to expand the CNCP knowledge base by responding to the question: Do individuals with CNCP participating in an opiate treatment program have better or worse treatment outcomes than individuals without CNCP?

This study used a secondary dataset including 483 adults from Kentucky’s Opiate …

Belonging As A Mode Of Interpretive In-Between: Image, Place And Space In The Video Works Of Racialised And Homeless Youth, Rory Crath

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

In an essay in Critical Social Work, Robert Fairbanks suggests that space perspectives need to be accounted for in social work practice if the profession is to procure a more nuanced understanding of the production of social relationships. Yet, Fairbanks s analysis fails to account for the problematic of a spatialised politics of belonging for racialised subjects, and for the connections between racialising practices and (neo)liberal governance on localized social-spatial relations. This paper addresses these shortcoming by accomplishing three objectives: (1) To introduce a renewed vector of space thesis by borrowing from post-colonial writings; (2) To enliven that frame by …

Dr. Alfred J. Kahn, Nancy V. Kahn

Social Service Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

How Much Does The Distance In Distance Education Matter? Our Students Speak, Manoj Pardasani, Lauri Goldkind, Janna Heyman, Bronwyn Cross Denny

Social Service Faculty Publications

Distance learning programs in social work education have been growing exponentially throughout the United States. This study interviewed Master of Social Work (MSW) students enrolled in two synchronous distance-learning courses that employed a blended pedagogy, and evaluates their insights about the learning experience. For these two courses, material was presented via video conferencing and supplemented with online media at two campuses at a large school of social work. In order to give students a voice about their experiences, data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Common themes included: autonomy, emotional connectedness, technological challenges, and knowledge acquisition. Both the strengths and …

More Than The Sum Of Its Parts: An Innovative Organizational Collaboration Model, Lauri Goldkind, Manoj Pardasani

Social Service Faculty Publications

For at least the past decade, the social service sector has been pressed by external forces to develop models of interagency collaboration. While many organizations use strategic partnerships, joint service delivery models, and even mergers to remain viable in climates of competition, few agencies have explored the possible rewards of sharing development and fundraising tasks. This article examines an innovative collaborative fundraising entity forged by three child welfare organizations in the New York City area. The authors conducted structured interviews with key stakeholders at each of the three agencies to describe the model as implemented by the agencies as well …

Senior Centers And Policy Advocacy: Changing Public Perceptions, Manoj G. Pardasani, Lauri Goldkind

Social Service Faculty Publications

As critical components of the aging continuum of care, senior centers promote older adult health and well-being by providing opportunities for recreation, socialization, nutrition, health education, and access to vital social services. As the United States population ages rapidly, public funding, which is the primary source of support for a majority of senior center services, has remained stagnant. If senior centers are to continue to effectively serve older adults and meet their comprehensive needs, they need to demonstrate their relevance to the community and advocate for increased funding support. This paper explores the policy concerns of senior center administrators, investigates …

School Social Workers And Multiple Supervisees, Michelle Krueger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

There are a limited number of school social workers in District #77, Mankato Area Public Schools. There are two school social workers who provide services in eleven elementary schools and middle/high schools as needed. It was proposed that if there were five or six school social work interns who could primarily provide direct services, the school social workers could perform more of a supervisory role. “Group Supervision lessens dependence on the supervisor and offers a supportive peer environment which lessens anxiety and enhances self-efficacy” (Bogo, Cloberman, & Sussman, 2004).

Research Questions: How effective is group supervision? What are the pros …

Social Work For Social Justice: Strengthening Social Work Practice Through The Integration Of Catholic Social Teaching, Julia Pryce

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Physical Health Challenges Impacting Young Individuals With Major Mental Illness, Ryan P. Melton

Regional Research Institute for Human Services

Research has found that individuals who suffer from major mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are dying on average 15-25 years earlier than those who do not suffer from schizophrenia.1 Many causes for this shortened lifespan are suspected. Those causes include: lack of access to health care, suicide, poverty, substance use and side effects from anti-psychotic medications. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has challenged mental health providers treating major mental illness to address this disturbing trend by promoting their “10x10” campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase the lifespan of individuals who suffer from major …

A Counselor’S Role In Diagnosing The Proposed Dsm-5 Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome: A Pathway To Early Intervention Or Iatrogenic Consequences?, Vanessa Jung Tirman, Ryan P. Melton

Regional Research Institute for Human Services

Psychosis in general, and schizophrenia specifically, are among the most debilitating and difficult to treat disorders in mental health (Correll, Hauser, Auther, & Cornblatt, 2010). Identifying a patient with at-risk symptoms before the first episode of schizophrenia can be invaluable to the patient, clinician, and the community because the patient is treated early in the course of the disease where treatment is highly effective. After years of research it has been confirmed that at-risk symptoms for schizophrenia generally precede the first episode of psychosis, which results in the diagnosis of schizophrenia (Correll et al., 2010). At present however, the assessment …

Identifying Potential Mediators And Moderators Of The Association Be-Tween Child Maltreatment And Bullying Perpetration And Victimization In School, Jun Sung Hong, Dorothy L. Espelage, Andrew Grogan-Kaylor, Paula Allen-Meares

Social Work Faculty Publications

A growing body of literature is demonstrating associations between childhood maltreatment and bullying involvement at school. In this literature review, five potential mediators (explanatory) and three potential moderators (mitigates or exacerbates) of the association between childhood maltreatment and school bullying are proposed. Mediators include emotional dysregulation, depression, anger, and social skills deficits. Moderators reviewed include quality of parent-child relationships, peer relationships, and teacher relationships. Although there might be insurmountable challenges to addressing child maltreatment in primary or universal school-based prevention programs, it is possible to intervene to improve these potentially mediating and moderating factors.

Epilepsy Postings On You Tube: Exercising Individuals’ And Organizations’ Right To Appear, Lawrence A. Kerson, Toba Schwaber Kerson

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

Philosopher Hannah Arendt maintains that everyone has the right to appear in public as an embodied, singular individual. Because of the stigma attached to epilepsy, many with this condition are denied this right. Using grounded theory techniques, the authors analyze uploads of epilepsy on YouTube. The authors argue that personal uploads on YouTube are the only mass media examples in which those with epilepsy can exercise their right to appear without the interpretation of intermediaries. Emerging themes relating to ”the right to appear” allow social workers to deepen understanding of this and other devastating, often invisible and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.

Fathers' Opinions Concerning Parenting Resources And Practices: An Exploration Of Culture And Technology, Valentina Djelaj

Wayne State University Theses

ABSTRACT

FATHERS' OPINIONS CONCERNING PARENTING RESOURCES AND PRACTICES: AN EXPLORATION OF CULTURAL COMPONENTS AND TECHNOLOGY ON PARENTING

by

VALENTINA DJELAJ

May 2012

Advisor: Dr. Shawna J. Lee

Major: Social Work

Degree: Master of Social Work

Fathers' involvement in child rearing is extremely beneficial to children. However, there are currently many barriers that exist, which do not allocate fathers to receive specific parental resources. For decades, fathers admit needing services and resources but are often denied for various reasons.

This study explored fathers' opinions about the parenting information and parenting resources they receive or would like to receive, cultural and spiritual …

Student Perceptions Of Minnesota State University, Mankato's Alcohol And Drug Policy, Renee Lips-Bush

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of students’ perceptions of the current alcohol and other drug use policy at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) now and in the future. The study explores undergraduate students’ perceptions through surveys disseminated in the fall of 2010 and fall of 2011. The study is part of a four year longitudinal study, which began in 2010 after the implementation of a revised alcohol and other drug use policy.

Sea Program Process Evaluation: Improving Existing Evaluation Methods, Rachel Faust

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to provide a process evaluation to more closely define how the program is currently being monitored, areas of quality assurance, and to create tools to aid in long term data analysis and collection of program outcomes. Staff and stakeholders of the program identified needs related to the program’s evolution which has since created transition and instability in how outcomes are tracked.

Due to increasing demands of current and potential funders to provide concrete objectives and outcome measurements, as well as to provide consistency in tracking between multiple schools that participate in the program, the …

Interning As An Outpatient Therapist: Developing A Comprehensive Training Manual Grounded In The Professional Knowledge Base, Katie Stadheim

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone Project is to develop an intern orientation manual that is effective in training outpatient therapy interns. The manual needs to be supported by the literature in developing orientation training manuals and in the orientation needs of therapy interns. The manual needs to be easy to use and learn from, particularly when a supervisor is not available for training. A completed intern orientation manual will be presented to the stakeholders and directors of Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota to be used with future interns at their discretion.

Evaluation Of The Best Program, Rana Wehner

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to analyze the effectiveness of the BEST program. Parents/caregivers of youth involved in the BEST program were surveyed to evaluate to what extent the BEST program is achieving their goals. It was hypothesized that participation in the BEST program would result in positive family outcomes, as defined by – needs being met, increased family empowerment, and improved access to resources.

"First Impression": Creating An Intake Procedure That Is Welcoming To Clients And Useful To Clinicians, Brandi Embacher

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Have you ever contacted an agency and felt doubtful about their ability to help you due to the phone interaction or written correspondence you received? The significance of this Capstone project is to create an intake procedure that will leave a positive first impression for individuals seeking services with Mankato Marriage and Family Therapy Center (MMFTC).

Family Meetings : Facilitators Reflect On Neutrality And Family Empowerment, Ona B. Belser

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Twelve-Step Program Familiarity And The Referral Process, Cory Brad Dennis

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation considered Twelve-Step Program (TSP) referrals as an important area for addressing the less than desirable levels of client participation in TSPs despite the incorporation of them into a majority of substance abuse treatment programs. Clinicians are in a prime position to mentor clients through the socialization process, towards affiliation with the program. TSP familiarity was modeled as foundational to effective mentorship that aims to incorporate of best referral practices. The primary research question guiding this study was: What role does a clinician's level of 12-Step program familiarity have when referring clients to TSPs?

How Does The Nonprofit Workforce Perceive College Student Service Learners In Their Workplace?, Elisa M. Martin

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This qualitative case study explores the perceptions that employees from one nonprofit workplace have of college students completing community service as part of an undergraduate class with the Community and Public Service Program (CPSP). Social cognitive theory was used to frame the research questions. Factors of work stress, public service motivation, and volunteer/service learner management practices were considered. In-person interviews and a focus group were conducted with fifteen employees. In addition, four personnel from the CPSP and two students taking a class with CPSP and performing service at the case study site were also interviewed. Findings show that employees appear …

Impacts Of A School-Based Mentoring Program On Academic And Behavioral Outcomes For Middle School Youth, Kari Lisa Dupuis

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

ABSTRACT

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Family Workshop : A Pilot Study Of Preliminary Outcomes And Effect Sizes Of An Attachment-Based Intervention For Family Members Of Veterans With Combat-Related Ptsd, Jennifer M. Courtney

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Gender And Empowerment In Supported Housing : A Consumer-Oriented Empowerment Model For Adults With Psychiatric Disabilities And Histories Of Homelessness, Eleanor M. Jaffee

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Using data from an evaluation of a supported housing program for adults with psychiatric disabilities and histories of homelessness (n = 59), the relationships of gender and the presence of children with subjective measures of mental health, personal mastery, personal empowerment, social support, and quality of life were explored, and the results informed the development of a revised consumer-oriented empowerment model. Key findings include a significant relationship between gender and personal mastery and empowerment with women scoring significantly lower than men on measures of this construct, and the role of personal mastery and empowerment as a mediator between psychiatric symptoms …

Working With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Voices From The Field, Page Walker Buck, Rebecca G. Laster, Jocelyn Spencer Sagrati, Rachel Shapiro Kirzner

Social Work (Graduate) Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Community Violence, Wan-Yi Chen, Kenneth Corvo

Social Work (Graduate) Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Of Social Stress, Economic Hardship, And Psychological Distress To Addiction Severity Among Kentucky Substance Abuse Treatment Participants, Elizabeth A. Wahler

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Stress is associated with poor mental health, specifically anxiety and depression, and stress and mental health problems are predictors of substance dependence and relapse. Social characteristics, such as racial/ethnic minority status, female gender, and low socioeconomic status, are often associated with increased psychological distress and substance use disorders. Pearlin’s social stress theory postulates that this association is due to increased exposure to stress and subsequent experiences of distress related to social disadvantage and decreased access to resources for coping with stress. This project uses a social stress theoretical perspective to examine predictors of substance use after treatment entry and follow-up …