Social Work Commons^™

Holistic Competence In Social Work: A Professional Portfolio, Hannah Zuraff

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

An overview of social work competencies and a portfolio relating to work in the clinical, domestic violence, family services, and humanitarian aid spaces.

Understanding The Treatment Experiences Of African American Women, Kimberly La'sharne Hillery-Bottorf

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women experience trauma at disproportionately higher rates than any other group, yet limited studies focus specifically on African American women with self-reported co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD and their experiences in seeking and remaining in outpatient treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how this group defines trauma, its impact on their treatment experiences, and the sociocultural factors that influenced their decisions to seek help and remain in treatment. The research questions posed asked about the experiences of African American women over 31 years of age with co-occurring substance use and PTSD, how they …

Cultural Self-Harm Differences, Erin E. Simmons

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This study is based on the evident cultural differences in self-harm behaviors and what those behaviors look like specifically for individuals that identify as Black or African American. Previous literature suggests that cultural differences in self-harm exist but very little research centers Black experiences and their connection to self-harm. Self-harm is considered a broad term, and it encompasses a variety of behaviors, some more common than others, but these common behaviors are typically exclusively explored within only a few demographics with a low Black participant pool. This contributes to the assumed lack of self-harm among the Black community but through …

The Impact Of Legacy-Building On Older Adults' Well-Being In End-Of-Life Care., Samantha Sanchez-Garcia

2025 Symposium

Many terminally ill patients, specifically older adults often struggle with feelings of existential crisis. As they approach the end of life, their focus frequently shifts from asking, “What is the meaning of my life now?” to “What impact will my life have after I’m gone?” (Timoteo et al., 2024). In response, this poster explores how integrating legacy-building activities into end-of-life care can enhance individuals’ well-being while emphasizing the importance of offering these activities as a standard care option, given the limited awareness of their effectiveness. For instance, Hesse et al. (2019) found that legacy interventions improve psychological well-being by fostering …

Harmonic Healing: Exploring Music As A Therapeutic Resource, Kalilah B. Chears, Mary Lynn Doherty

Honors Capstones

Mental health concerns among college students are increasing, especially in the post-Covid pandemic era. These issues could negatively affect students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Additionally, research illustrates that there are accessibility challenges for students who seek traditional counseling resources; campuses are struggling to meet this rising demand. The authors’ background in music ensembles inspired an exploration of music as an informal therapeutic resource. This literature review investigates one main question: How can an alternative mental health resource such as music serve college students experiencing barriers to traditional mental health resources? Findings suggest that music-based resources can alleviate some common …

Exploring Contributions Of Partnerships Between Employers And Disability Organizations On Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Retention, And Accommodation Of Individuals With Disabilities In Mississippi, Peter Oluwadare Kalejaiye

Dissertations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (IWDs) by prohibiting discrimination in employment. However, one out of four IWDs face discrimination in employment in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Additionally, despite establishing the Office of Disability Employment Policy and enacting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help integrate IWDs into the workforce, IWDs face barriers to equal and equitable employment (NASEM, 2017). Previous studies recommend partnerships between employers and disability organizations (DOs) to provide employment opportunities and benefits for IWDs through recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and …

Childhood Housing Conditions As A Social Determinant Of Health In College Students, Kelsey E. O'Neill

School of Social Work Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study investigates the relationship between childhood housing and current physical and behavioral health in Northwest Arkansas college students. Non-medical factors often determine a person’s health. Social determinants of health, as defined by the World Health Organization, are the conditions in which people are “...born, grow, work, live, and age...”, and they include wider systems such as economic and social policies, social norms, and political structures (World, 2023). A key social determinant of health is housing.

The average age of an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas during the 2020-2021 school year was twenty-one (Gunderman, 2021). This is a …

A Review Of Studies Assessing Modifiable Risk Factors For Dementia Among Family Caregivers In The United States Based On Behavioral Risk Factorsurveillance System (Brfss), Shruthi Ranjithkumar

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) face an increased risk of developing dementia due to advanced age and modifiable risk factors. The 2024 Lancet Commission Report identified 14 such risk factors, whose mitigation could reduce dementia cases by 45%. Despite this, research on modifiable dementia risk factors among ADRD caregivers remains limited. This study investigates whether peer-reviewed studies utilizing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data assess modifiable dementia risk factors among ADRD caregivers. A PubMed search retrieved 27 relevant articles, which were analyzed for risk factors identified by the Lancet Commission, including traumatic brain injury, …

Useful Measures Of Adult Attachment And Object Relations In Psychotherapy, Matilde A. Torallas Huerta

Dissertations

This is a literature review of objective and projective measures of attachment and object relations in adults, with the objective of reviewing outstanding research to identify the key factors for adult attachment assessment considered within attachment and object relations theories, what measures of adult attachment styles and dysfunction work best, and to provide key themes of assistance in the measurement of attachment and object relations in adult clients in psychotherapy. Theoretical foundations of attachment and object relations theory are reviewed as well as objective and projective instruments grouped by format. The 10 themes found to be useful in the assessment …

Tidal Waves Of Mental Health Damage: Effects Of The 2024 U.S. Election, Mary Anne Layden

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Exploring 2slgbtqia+ Parenting In Northwest Arkansas, Bailey Mason

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Since the U.S. Census Bureau first published data on “same-sex” households in 2011, research has repeatedly indicated the majority of 2SLGBTQIA+ parents (here on referred to as “queer parents”) reside outside of major cities in heavily populated regions of the country. However, due to widespread metronormative narratives about the queer experience, the experiences of queer parents in less-populated regions are rarely studied. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of queer parents in Northwest Arkansas, a region of the politically and religiously conservative Southern U.S. with areas both urban and rural. Applying grounded theory and drawing from queer theory to …

Community Perceptions Of A Crisis Response Collaboration: A Community Survey Of Attitudes Towards Police And The Crisis Intervention Response Team., Meghan Anspach

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined community perceptions of the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) and its Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), focusing on how racial minorities and individuals from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds view these professionals and their roles in crisis situations. The research also aimed to determine whether perceptions of the collaborative effort through CIRT influenced views of the FPD. Previous research has explored perceptions of police, social workers, and co-response teams individually, but a gap remains in understanding how community members feel about the collaboration between police and social workers and whether these perceptions influence their views of the police. …

Intent Vs. Impact: Instructor Preceptions And Experiences In Faculty Learning Communities With A Focus On Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion, Quianna Daniels-Smart

PhD of Social Work

This study examines the perceptions and experiences of faculty members who participated in faculty learning communities (FLCs) centered on antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) pedagogy. Employing a hermeneutic phenomenological research design, the study identified recurring themes related to faculty perspectives, perceived changes in teaching practices, attitude shifts, and course content influenced by their involvement in these communities. The sample consisted of faculty from a range of disciplines at various traditionally white institutions (TWIs) across the United States. This research centers faculty insights from both professional and personal standpoints, shedding light on the role of FLCs as a form of …

Psychological Interventions For Addressing Suicidal Behaviours Among Lgbtq+ Adolescents Who Experienced Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review, Catherine Galvan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and cyberbullying is often a major reason behind it. Understanding how these two are connected is important for finding ways to help. This chapter will look at how cyberbullying leads to suicide, who is most at risk, and what can be done to prevent it. Objective: The main objective of this research is to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents, especially LGBTQ+ adolescents, who have experienced cyberbullying. Method: In this systematic review, we plan to extract information …

Art Of Returning: Supporting Students After Psychiatric Hospitalization, Kaly Mariano

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Reintegrating into campus life after a psychiatric hospitalization can be deeply challenging for college students. Research shows that in the two weeks following discharge from inpatient care, individuals are 200 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population—making this a critical period of vulnerability (Chung et al., 2017). Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among college-aged adults (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). In response to these risks, this capstone project utilized a mixed-methods approach, through community-based participatory research to explore how CSUMB’s CARE Team and Dean of Students’ Office can best support students before, during, …

Breaking The Silence: Student Mental Health, Karina Almanza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many students in Portola-Butler Continuation High School are experiencing mental health struggles. The continuation school is located in King City and serves students from 10th to 12th grade, ages 15 to 18. The project was implemented through the use of surveys which focused on student mental health and their experiences with mental health in school. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the struggles students may be facing related to their mental health and recognize areas where students may be in need of support. This project was created with the intent to provide students a platform where they are …

Redefining Children’S Experience In Social Services Offices, Julia K. Bryant

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The effects of childhood trauma are far-reaching and diverse, influencing physical, emotional, and mental health across a child’s entire lifetime. Research indicates that children who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or neglect are at an increased risk for various consequences and that the environments they encounter post-trauma play a significant role in shaping their experiences. Social services offices, where many traumatized children are taken for interviews or assessments after being removed from their homes, can often become places of additional distress. This project seeks to address this issue by proposing redesigns for social services offices to create …

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Creating Resilient Social Workers: A Pilot Study On Implementing Resilience-Building Skills With Social Work Students, Andrea Sparrow

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Social work students in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs are expected to develop competencies in working with individuals, groups, and communities. However, limited research exists on their preparedness with resilience-building skills to navigate occupational challenges. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined the relationship between completing online resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge of resilience strategies. A pre-and post-assessment measured knowledge uptake among undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The study explored two key questions: (1) What is the relationship between completing resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge …

Examining The Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In A Non-Profit Organization: A Comparative Analysis Of Staff And Youth Attitudes, Autumn N. Alicea, Anne Hobbs Dr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study examines the attitudes toward restorative justice (RJ) among staff and youth at a non-profit residential organization. Using the Restorative Justice Attitude Scale, data was collected from 14 staff members and 14 youth participants (N=28). Results indicated that staff members reported significantly higher mean scores (M = 84.50, SD = 8.38) on the Total Restorative Justice Attitude Scale than youth participants (M = 67.93, SD = 15.81). ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups on attitudes toward restorative justice, F (1, 26) = 12.007, p = .002. Effect size analysis (η² = .316) indicates that approximately …

Human Trafficking Prevention Methods In Nebraska, Allison E. Munderloh

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Human Trafficking has been a concern in Nebraska for a long period of time, but there is a lack of publicly available information regarding the prevention methods being employed and their effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the human trafficking prevention methods in use in Nebraska and their effectiveness based on the opinions of human trafficking professionals in the state. The human trafficking professionals were interviewed, and the information gathered was organized into seven different themes. The themes that arose from the information gathered included educational efforts, victim intervention and resources, addressing demand, labor trafficking, measuring success, resources and funding, …

Comparing Mentored Research Experiences For Undergraduates Across Institutional Contexts, Jazzmine K. Waugh, Sanya M. Surya, Mackenzie Gray, Thomas E. Keller

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Mentored undergraduate research experiences (UREs) can play a critical role in developing science identity and skills, especially for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This study investigates science identity and responsibility for scientific roles among scholars in a program aiming to diversify the biomedical workforce. Scholars were placed in UREs at either their home institution (a minority-serving institution [MSI]) or at a research-intensive medical institution with a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). Methods: We analyze data from surveys administered annually to the scholars. We first compare changes in science identity for scholars placed at the MSI and the CTSA …

Lgbtq+ Childhood Abuse, Reporting, & Parental Rights, Meagan Smith

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate LGBTQ+ childhood maltreatment, its reporting generally, and the impact of religion on reporting. It was hypothesized that LGBTQ+ youth will experience more maltreatment than their non-LGBTQ+ peers; among those who experienced maltreatment, LGBTQ+ youth will be less likely to receive help or have reports made; and those from more religious families will be less likely to have received help or had their maltreatment reported. A sample of individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, currently living in the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Texas, was recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey. …

Predicting Resilience Among Treatment-Referred Youth With A History Of Trauma Exposure: An Exploration Of Risk And Protective Factors., Prabathi Mandara Gunathilake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While many children and adolescents experience negative outcomes following exposure to traumatic events, some demonstrate remarkable resilience. Understanding the factors that contribute to this positive adaptation is essential for developing effective interventions. Using secondary data from 199 treatment-referred youth (ages 5 to 18) with histories of maltreatment, refugee experiences, or military-related trauma, collected between 2016 and 2021 by the Metro Louisville’s Center for Promotion of Recovery and Resilience (CPRR) program, this study examined predictors of resilience in trauma-exposed youth and how resilience is conceptualized across different informant perspectives. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed distinct predictive patterns: for youth, personal strengths …

Reducing Healthcare Gaps In Santa Cruz County, Grecia N. Magana

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Secure healthcare coverage is crucial for facilitating timely access to preventative care and medical treatment. A significant number of Santa Cruz County residents are losing Medi-Cal benefits. Key barriers to healthcare coverage may include lack of adequate knowledge concerning Medi-Cal requirements, the shift away from automatic Medi-Cal renewal and significant language barriers. Community Action Board is a non-profit organization serving the uninsured and low-income communities of Santa Cruz and Monterey County. With the support of Community Action Board, an educational intervention workshop centered on Medi-Cal rights and responsibilities was offered to the community. The project aimed to provide comprehensive information …

The Effectiveness Of Services In California For Youth Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children (Csec), Rebecca A. Mcgill

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains a pervasive issue with profound consequences for affected youth, yet research on effective service interventions remains limited. This study examines the perceived effectiveness of existing services in California for youth who have experienced CSEC, providing critical insights to inform best practices. Seventeen professional service providers participated in one-hour, semi-structured interviews, sharing their expertise on service strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Using thematic analysis, ten key themes emerged as central to effective service provision, including individualized interventions, the therapeutic value of relationships, trauma-informed providers, opportunities for healing experiences, multi-agency collaboration, and access to …

The Importance Of Voice: American Indian Experiences With Their Healthcare, James Zimmer

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) have faced inequity and discrimination since colonization. Specifically, within the healthcare system, AIAN individuals have experienced maltreatment, poor quality services, and the dismissal of cultural and personal practices. Health disparities among this population have led to the highest prevalence in many chronic disease categories nationwide (Laffey et al., 2021). A qualitative study with nine respondents was conducted using virtual interviews. Respondents were recruited through healthcare agencies and snowball sampling. Interviews focused on the experiences of American Indians in the Midwest United States with their primary care provider or in a hospital within the last …

Exploring Organizational Responses To Secondary Traumatic Stress In Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Agencies In North Carolina., Kristin Cline

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is an ongoing concern for advocates working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This study examines the prevalence of STS among domestic violence and sexual assault advocates in North Carolina and explores organizational strategies for lessening its effects. Using a mixed-methods design, data was collected from three agencies through a survey, resulting in a sample of 25 advocates. The study measured levels of STS and allowed advocates to voice their needs and perspectives on the support they require from their agencies. Results indicate that STS is a significant concern for advocates and that organizational …

The Effect Of Covid-19: Childhood Socialization And Technology Use, Nathalie Saray Manriquez, Amber Vanessa Flores, Cassandra Clarissa Tejada

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study proposes to explore the impact of technology use on childhood socialization and mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among elementary and middle school students. With the sudden shift to online learning due to school closures, children experienced a dramatic increase in screen time, the use of computers, tablets, and other digital devices for educational purposes and social interaction. This research aims to examine the effects of heightened technology dependency on children's social development and emotional well-being. Through surveys conducted with teachers, caregivers and parents, the study seeks to investigate the changes in children's socialization behaviors …

Comparison On Family-Based Rehabilitation And Individual Based: Effect On Children And Families, Ashleigh Thatcher

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed research aims to discover the success of sobriety with rehabilitation programs, specifically those that are family based as compared to individual based. This research will also investigate the measures taken within these rehabilitation programs to prevent generational substance abuse problems. Social workers will benefit from this research by discovering how these programs are successful and if any changes could be made to increase the success rates for those struggling with substance abuse. This research will also allow social workers to develop new strategies to assist in preventing generational substance abuse within families. This study will include interviewing individuals …