Social Work Commons^™

A Qualitative Exploration Of The Employment Experiences And Coping Strategies Among Transgender Women In Medellín, Colombia., Paola Marcela Roldan

Theses and Dissertations

Transgender individuals face disproportionate employment discrimination, with unemployment rates five times higher than the general population. Despite growing awareness of workplace diversity, transgender women continue to experience systemic barriers to economic security and professional fulfillment. This dissertation examines the employment experiences and coping strategies of transgender women in Medellín, Colombia, a city characterized by both progressive policies and persistent challenges. Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, this study employed reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 transgender women. Two theoretical frameworks—Puwar's "Bodies Out of Place" and Minority Stress Theory—guided the analysis of how transgender women navigate predominantly cisgender employment environments. …

Poetry Is Change: Close Reading In The Context Of Trauma Research, Maeve Cecilia Tobin Flusser

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Restart (Re-Dash Entry Support, Training, And Reintegration For Today ), Ronaldo Broadbent, Marissa Harper, Maggie Gibbons, Aspen Nord, Bree Knutson, Gabbi Claxton, Alyssa Mendez, Brandon Smith

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Our project is about reducing friction for the re-entry of previously incarcerated, emerging adults. To contribute to the solution of the issues facing emerging adults returning from incarceration in the Missoula community, we will implement three workshop events to foster a sense of community and belongingness in the returning citizens population. The goal of these workshops is to aid in a smoother transition back into society, integrating components of social, personal, and community-based skill sets. We have found through surveying individuals who are currently or previously incarcerated in our targeted age range of 17-25 that a majority of those surveyed …

Support Group For Climate Emotions A Pilot Feasibility Study And Group Guide, Melody A. Irvine

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Perceptions Among Caribbean Adults In The United States, Ambika Ramjawam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate mental health literacy (MHL) among Caribbean American adults and to assess the extent to which mental health perceptions (MHP) and acculturative stress contribute to variations in MHL. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey design was utilized to examine MHL, MHP, and acculturative stress among a sample of 138 participants. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess associations among MHL, MHP, acculturation, and age. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVAs were performed to examine demographics across key variables. Findings revealed moderate levels of MHL (M = 4.7, SD = .99) and a weak, positive correlation …

Effect Of The Development Of Social Networks On Expansion Of Social Entrepreneurship: Moderating Role Of Digital Technology Infrastructure And Social Norms, Mahdi Maskani, Reza Mohammadkazemi, Fargol Saberi Qomi

AMTP Proceedings 2025

In today's era, social networks, which are an effective tool in promoting ideas and innovations, have met with global acceptance and popularity. The communication that is formed between people in society through them can be the basis for ideas and opportunities for social entrepreneurship and voluntary social activities, and it is expected that this global platform will be the basis for the expansion of social entrepreneurship. The study aimed to examine the effect of the development of social networks on the expansion of social entrepreneurship by explaining the moderating role of digital technology infrastructure and social norms. The findings revealed …

Identifying Adverse Childhood Experiences And Mental Health Needs Among A Small Sample Of Pregnant Women Who Use Cannabis, Aubrey Jones, Lisa M. Blair, Julie A. Kurzer, Kathy Rademacher, Letitia Ducas, Cynthia Cockerham, Kristin Ashford

Social Work Faculty Publications

Introduction: As the legalization of cannabis becomes more widespread use has steadily increased. Approximately 5 percent of pregnant individuals self-report use during pregnancy.

Methods: This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine adverse childhood experiences, mental health needs, and cannabis use among a small sample (N =59) of women. Cumulative ACE scores of four or more were considerably high within this sample compared to the US average.

Results: Results of a binary logistic regression indicate an association between ACEs and Cannabis use (OR 1.27, 95% CI (1.002- 1.616) when controlling for maternal age and anxiety. Qualitative results identified two …

Healing Communities With Police Divestment: Seeking Abolition Through Transformative Reform And Community-Government Collaboration, Jessica E. Gillson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concerns about the efficacy and sustainability of the U.S. carceral system have persisted throughout the country’s history, recently fueling renewed activism and bipartisan calls for reform. However, proposed solutions remain divisive. This thesis first defines the current status of our prison systems, then explores collaborative alternatives to incarceration and policing that support communities and break cycles of incarceration.

Focusing on partnerships among local governments, community organizations, justice-involved individuals, and law enforcement, this study examines holistic approaches to crime prevention, reentry, and reintegration. Using an interdisciplinary framework incorporating restorative justice, community resilience, and systems theory, it investigates how community-based strategies can …

Spirituality, Social Work Practice, And Sustainable Development, Chathapuram Ramanathan, Srilatha Juvva, Nathan Stephens, Anna M. Scheyett, Subhabrata Dutta

Faculty Publications - Social Work

Based on human experience and history we know faith and culture are distinct and different. Cultural expression is a fundamental aspect of one’s identity and a human right that must be protected. Culture is a universal phenomenon, that is shaped primarily by one’s socialization. All people have a culture and may belong to a particular faith/spiritual tradition. They may also relate to others who belong to a cultural group or identify with a particular faith/spiritual tradition. To live peacefully we must strive to understand each other’s cultural, faith-based, spiritual realities as well as methods of conflict resolution and survival stories. …

Material, Health, And Social Vulnerability And Loneliness Among Older Adults: From The Welfare Regime Perspective, Ji Young Kang, Oejin Shin, Sojung Park, Jihye Baek, Minyoung Kwak

Faculty Publications - Social Work

Loneliness in later life is a significant global public health issue that negatively impacts well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health. This study investigates how material, health, and social vulnerabilities contribute to loneliness among older adults using a welfare regime framework. It examines the link between vulnerability and loneliness in the United States, Korea, Sweden, Spain, and Germany using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) alongside its international sister studies, encompassing both Western and East Asian welfare states. Findings indicate that older adults in less generous welfare regimes experience higher levels of loneliness and material vulnerability. A multidimensional approach reveals that …

A Qualitative Inquiry Into The (In)Visibility Of Black Women Leaders In Social Work, Jere Murry

Theses and Dissertations

Black women are vital contributors and innovators within the American workforce yet remain underrepresented in executive leadership roles in most employment settings. Despite the contributions Black women have made, our continued marginalization is a direct result of systemic oppression and institutionalized racism, which persistently deny Black women opportunities for leadership ascension (Beckwith et al., 2016; Collins, 2000; Crenshaw et al., 1995; Wilkerson, 2020). This qualitative narrative approach explores the stories of Black women leaders employed in the child welfare and foster care system, illuminating the challenges, including systemic barriers, limited mentorship, and inequitable career advancement practices. This study examines the …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

What Are The Genetic Influences Of Alcohol Sensitivity And Alcohol Metabolism? A Narrative Review Of Human Studies, Erwin Murray, Karen G. Chartier Phd, Msw

Undergraduate Research Posters

Background: Alcohol sensitivity and alcohol metabolism are two phenotypes associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) influenced by genetics. This narrative review aims to answer “What are the genetic influences of alcohol sensitivity and alcohol metabolism?” to gain a better understanding of the genetic aspects of AUD.

Methods: A database search was performed in PubMed. Empirical human genetic studies published between 2009 and 2025 that focused on alcohol sensitivity (measured by the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol scale) or alcohol-metabolizing genes were eligible for review. Studies were screened to determine inclusion for the current review.

Findings: Fifteen …

Savior To Ally: Exploring White Students' Decisions To Major In Social Work Through The Lens Of White Saviorism, Amy S. Dennison

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how white students chose social work as a major and how white savior ideology reinforced or challenged students’ choices. The study contributes to a gap in the literature regarding white saviorism and social work education. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five undergraduate social work students at one Midwestern state university. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using Moustakas’ data analysis for phenomenology framework. The findings revealed that participants chose social work because of an intent to help others, as well as a desire for their work to have a meaningful impact. White …

Intersectional Opportunities For Drama Therapy And Counseling, Erica Craig-Mann

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the intersectional possibilities between the fields of drama therapy and mental health counseling through the lens of transformative learning theory. Specifically, the research sought to understand the lived experiences of professionals trained in both disciplines to identify how these fields might mutually inform, strengthen, and enhance one another through collaboration and/or dual training. Data were collected through a qualitative online survey and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (a) Theoretical and Practical Overlaps and Distinctions; (b) Drama Therapy-Informed Counseling: Embodiment, Creativity, and Experiential Practice; (c) Counseling-Informed Drama Therapy: Frameworks for Practice, …

Empower Youth Summit 2024: High School Students Shaping Their Community, Darian Draft, Lequisha Turner, Heidi Adams Rueda

Social Work Faculty Publications

Young people’s voices are underrepresented in research, policy, and program development. Stereotypes about youth (e.g., immature, lazy, undisciplined) often lead to their exclusion from conversations about issues that impact their lives. Despite common stereotypes, youth can, and do, produce trustworthy, valid and easy to understand research (Ozer et al., 2020). And, when included, young people contribute innovative ideas that assist in generating meaningful change in their environments. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is one framework that provides young people with an opportunity to be change agents by participating in the research process. It is designed to empower youth by allowing …

Queer In & Out Of Montana: Oral Histories Of The Lgbtq+ Exodus From Montana, Erin T. Heaton

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This project will summarize findings from six oral histories of LGBTQ+ people who lived in Montana, but have left or are leaving in the near future. This project will explore the questions: Why are queer and transgender people leaving Montana? What are common experiences for LGBTQ+ people living in Montana? The answer to these questions will be derived from the stories of the Narrators who provided their oral histories. The questions utilized in the oral histories covered topics of identity, “coming out,” living history, cultural observations, community experiences and perceptions, well-being, healthcare, laws, and reasons for leaving. Thematic Analysis was …

Social Workers Addressing The Needs Of Visually Impaired Residents Of Nursing Homes And Assisted Living Facilities, Jessica S. Lampert

Social Work Theses - Archive

Objective: This qualitative study investigates social workers’ perception of their preparedness and confidence in their ability to address the needs of the population of visually impaired residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants with experience in long term care, to explore how social workers viewed their work with visual impaired residents. Data were analyzed using the RaDaR method. Results: The following themes emerged from the data analysis: Challenges for Residents and Staff, the Importance of Experience, and Resources. Discussion: Participants indicated that they were currently confident in serving their …

Sexualized Violence And Community Complicity In Rural Settings, Alex Neel

Undergraduate Scholarship

We know that sexualized violence is not only an individual act of harm, but a structural and cultural phenomenon. Living in a small, rural community, there are unique dynamics around sexualized violence due to structural barriers, limited anonymity, and social/cultural norms. How do these dynamics intersect with rape culture and community complicity?

Leveraging Data Science For Resilience: Improving Trauma-Informed Care Practice For Adverse Childhood Experience With Ai & Data Science Application, Mohmmad Arif Shaik

Master's Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long-lasting effects on physical health, mental well-being, education, and socioeconomic outcomes. Resilient Georgia (RG), a statewide initiative, seeks to address ACEs through trauma-informed care and data-driven strategies. However, challenges in data collection, analysis, and tracking set back the effectiveness of these efforts. This study explores the role of data science and interactive visualization tools in improving outcomes for individuals and communities affected by ACEs. A key focus of this research is the development of a data science management application designed to enhance data collection and improve real-time decision-making. The application features interactive dashboards that allow …

Reimagining Care: Experiences Of Trauma-Informed Approaches And Deinstitutionalization In Caribbean Child Welfare, Sarah L. Subhan

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of child welfare professionals on trauma-informed care and implications for deinstitutionalization in Trinidad and Tobago. The qualitative study utilized research interviews from 21 participants to inform findings. The participants included professionals from various agencies who work with children in care and protection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, yielding six overarching themes (1) the need for training and capacity building in child protection, (2) systemic and organizational challenges to trauma informed care, (3) cultural and community factors impacting child protection, (4) the need to support family units as a pathway to …

Examining The Adjustment, Acculturation, And Well-Being Of International Arab Students In The United States: Implications For Policy And Practice, Hassan A A Kh A A Arab

Wayne State University Dissertations

This paper explored Arab international students studying in the United States to see whether they face acculturation stress, adjustment, or well-being issues. I found that my sample (N=95) experienced moderately high well-being distress and acculturative stress. However, the sample showed resilience and positive adjustment in all aspects, psychological (M=34.7), social (M=38.5), and academic (M=37.4). Moreover, well-being score from a modified GHQ survey came with high SD, indicating some students were dealing with serious mental issues, while others were doing well (M=42.92, SD=5.52). The majority of my participants were males (74.7%), single (75.8%), and graduate students (50.5%). Chi-square analysis found a …

An Introductory Guide To Trauma Informed Care, Isabella Fallon

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will consist of researching and analyzing at least 30 scholarly and government publications about trauma-informed care (TIC), resulting in a literature review at between 20-25 pages in length. TIC encompasses direct practice with clients, assessment tools, organizational structure and policy, as well as governing documents that impact service delivery. This literature review will build on the work of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach, focusing on providing practical examples of the physical and mental impacts of trauma, trauma-informed frameworks, trauma-informed tools/assessments, and trauma-informed policy, while analyzing and …

Analyzing The Rate Of Femicide Of Indigenous Women In Rural Australia, Eliza C. Finnigan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Femicide is an increasingly prevalent issue in Australia, with rates continuing to rise, especially among Indigenous women in rural Australia, who face compounded vulnerabilities. Within literature focusing on femicide, there is a noticeable lack of direct intersection between data on rural area and Indigenous Australians. This study investigates the relationship between rurality, Indigenous status, and femicide rates from 2018 to 2023. Data was compiled from the RED HEART Campaign, focusing on different demographic factors, including Indigenous status, location, victim-offender relationship, and cause of death. Frequencies and rates were calculated using descriptive statistics and data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics …

Guidelines For The Creation Of Accessible Consent Materials And Procedures: Lessons From Research With Autistic People And People With Intellectual Disability, Kelly B. Beck, Kristen T. Mackenziem, Anne V. Kirby, Ian Moura, Kaitlyn Breitenfeldt, Christina M. Nicolaidis, Shannon Roth, Multiple Additional Authors

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Informed, voluntary, ongoing consent is a central tenet of ethical research. However, consent processes are prone to exclusionary practices and inaccessibility. Consent materials are often too long and complex to foster understanding and ensure that people make truly informed decisions to participate in research. While this complexity is problematic for all people, these challenges are compounded for autistic people and people with intellectual disability. Consent materials and procedures rarely incorporate accommodations for processing and communication differences common in autism and intellectual disability. Failure to provide such accommodations ultimately threatens the conduct of ethical research. We describe lessons learned across multiple …

Using Geographic Interviews To Conduct Community Assessments—Insights For Msw Pedagogy, Danielle Maude Littman, Denae J. Cook, Amie Thurber

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Social work is predicated as a person-in-environment profession, but few tools presently exist for students to operationalize person-in-environment through assessment and systematic understanding. Geographic interviews, which combine spatial mapping and qualitative go-along interviews, are one possible tool with promise for application in the social work classroom. This teaching note describes the process of integrating geographic interviews as one data collection method MSW students could utilize in a community assessment assignment. We share learnings from student assignments (N = 8) and instructor focus groups (N = 4). We found that while there was a high level of student and instructor interest, …

The Adaptive Roles Framework: Trauma Adaptations And Identity Formation, Steffannie Roache

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Adaptive Roles Framework is a culturally grounded conceptual model that explains how individuals develop patterned behavioral, emotional, and relational strategies in response to family systems, culture, trauma exposure, and social environments. Rather than conceptualizing behavior through pathology or personality typology, the framework positions behavioral patterns as adaptive survival strategies, responses that increased safety, belonging, or stability within specific environments and were reinforced over time because they worked. The framework identifies seven adaptive roles observed consistently across individuals, families, workplaces, and communities: the Guardian, the Translator, the Assimilator, the Archive Keeper, the Time Jumper, the Intellectual Escape Artist, and the …

The Chitlins Effect: Distinguishing Cultural Resilience From Normalized Harm, Steffannie Roache

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Chitlins Effect is a practice framework developed to help behavioral health professionals distinguish between culturally rooted strengths and trauma-based patterns in the communities they serve. Named after a cultural example rooted in Black American history — where necessity became tradition, and survival became meaning — the framework describes how beliefs, behaviors, and coping mechanisms are transmitted across generations, becoming normalized within families, communities, and cultures even when those patterns carry harm. This paper introduces the conceptual foundation of the framework, situates it within existing research on historical trauma, intergenerational transmission, and social determinants of health, and outlines its application …

An Assessment Of U.S. Medical Students’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices In Using Professional Medical Interpreters, Ezinne Okonkwo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Professional medical interpreters interpret conversations between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and physicians. Given the important role professional medical interpreters play for LEP patients, current and future healthcare professionals would benefit from understanding their services and how to utilize them effectively. Research has explored how residents and physicians regard medical interpreters, but few studies have examined medical students' knowledge and perceptions about them. This cross-sectional study investigated medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding professional medical interpreters. The sample was comprised of Florida medical students. Participants completed a one-time, quantitative online survey collecting information regarding their medical training, demographics, …

Addressing Barriers In The Primary Prevention Of Hypertension In Black People, Makalah Pierre Rn Bsn

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Hypertension is a significant health concern among minority groups, and the black population is most at risk (Abrahamowicz et al., 2023). The black population experience higher prevalence rates of hypertension compared to other racial groups and are more likely to experience hypertension-related problems, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).  This literature review explores various nursing interventions aimed at preventing hypertension within this population. In this review, the term “black people or persons” is a broad term used to describe both African Americans and people of Afro-Caribbean decent. This includes various backgrounds such as Haitian, Jamaican, or otherwise …