Social Work Commons^™

Public Assistance And Its Effectiveness Of Mitigating Poverty In Families With Children, Angelica Archibald

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Poverty is detrimental to young children and causes significant challenges in many areas such as education, health care, food accessibility, employment outcomes and more. This paper explores effectiveness through a systematic literature review that examines poverty mitigation strategies employed by the United States government as benefit assistance for families with children and raises awareness of the different types of assistance programs available. Findings for this study are expected to inform social workers of the public assistance programs that help with the mitigation of poverty and its effectiveness of mitigating the poverty levels for families with children in the US. Additionally, …

Utilizing A Social-Ecological Approach To Understand Healthcare Professional's Ability To Identify Child Sexual Exploitation, Vanessa Gudiel, Alyssa Fierro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) are an underrecognized population who face barriers when receiving healthcare services in emergency settings. A common theme that prevents them from receiving services is the healthcare professionals' (HP) inability to recognize warning signs and engage with victims. This stems from an absence of CSEC-focused curriculum in institutional settings, leading to a lack of education and confidence in identifying CSEC. CSEC screenings are not mandatory in most healthcare settings, leaving the discretion to the HP and enabling the continued missed opportunity to identify victims. The proposed study will utilize an exploratory design to conduct qualitative interviews …

A Qualitative Study Of Maternal Morbidity And Mortality In The United States, Stacy D. Harris

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Maternal morbidity and mortality (MMM) in America are largely preventable. The aim is to analyze disparities found in women of color regarding MMM in America and evaluate: How does adequate maternal health care affect the morbidity and mortality disparities found in communities of disadvantaged mothers? This research will employ a qualitative analysis of mothers, a more specified age group, and region (West Coast) of the United States. Previous work neglected to obtain in-depth, first-hand interviews with mothers residing regionally in the United States from a specified age group. An interview guide will be used to conduct comprehensive interviews virtually. Expert …

Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Causes, Effects, And Prevention Strategies, Darssy Franco, Jovi Lazo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study will examine the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents’ mental health, in relation to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Cyberbullying is identified as a growing digital phenomenon that threatens adolescents' emotional development. The proposed study would examine cyberbullying, school-based interventions, policy development, and mental health outcomes. The proposed research would utilize a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025 to identify trends, gaps, and effective prevention strategies. A structured data extraction tool would be used to collect data related to prevalence rates, sample characteristics, independent variables such as cyberbullying exposure, and dependent variables, including mental …

Deferred Dreams: Mental Health Challenges And Access To Services Among Daca Recipients, Jamie G. Ruiz, Marlene Ortiz, Denisse Salvatierra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an administrative program that protects young immigrants from deportation while granting them access to education and employment. DACA recipients face challenges in accessing resources due to their temporary status and the unpredictability of immigration laws, leading to mental health risks from stigma, anxiety, and fear of deportation. However, little research has examined how DACA's instability and immigration politics affect psychological well-being and access to services over time. This study examines how restrictive immigration policies affect DACA and undocumented people's mental health and access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and social services. This …

The Impact Of Implicit Bias On The Therapeutic Dyad: A Study Of Clients' Perceptions, Nicholas Taylor Walsh

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the influence of implicit bias on the therapeutic dyad, focusing on how clients perceive its impact in their therapeutic process. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews will be conducted with Black clients of White clinicians to capture their perspectives on therapist bias, particularly its subtle, unconscious manifestations and their perceived impact on treatment. It is hypothesized that the findings will reveal that implicit biases related to race can subtly affect the therapeutic alliance, communication dynamics, and overall treatment outcomes. This study seeks to illuminate how clients perceive and navigate implicit bias within the therapeutic relationship, ultimately …

Trauma-Informed Care: Msw Students’ Perceptions Of Readiness And Factors Influencing Readiness, Naomi M. Jackson, Brittany Samperio, Kayla Broughton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Although social workers frequently engage with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, limited research has examined whether Master of Social Work (MSW) students feel prepared to apply trauma-informed principles in professional settings. Objective: This study examined MSW students perceived readiness to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) and identified factors that may influence their preparedness. Methods: This study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In Phase I, MSW students enrolled at CSUSB were invited to complete an anonymous online survey consisting of demographic questions, the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) scale, and the Readiness to …

Impact Of Parental Immigration Status On Latino Adolescents’ Mental Health, Kassandra Gomez, Stephanie Montero, Odalys Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Latino adolescents in the United States face unique stressors related to family immigration status; however, this issue has not been paid much attention in the literature. Guided by the Ecological Systems theory, this quantitative study seeks to explore and describe how parents’ immigration status impacts adolescents’ mental health (Bronfenbrenner, 1979. Two hundred adolescents, who will be randomly sampled across seven different Colton Joint Unified Schools, will be engaged in a survey. Data will be collected from respondents using a self developed questionnaire, which captures variables including student demographics, parental immigration status, immigration related stressors in relation to depression and anxiety …

The Left Behind: The Impact Of Community Program Cuts On Transition Age Foster Youth Without Family Support., Jessica J. Mcdowell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine how cuts to community-based programs affect housing stability among transition age foster youth in California. Youth aging out of foster care face disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing instability, which are often compounded by reductions in transitional housing, case management, and supportive services. The significance of this study lies in addressing a critical gap between policy intent and lived experience by centering the voices of former foster youth while also documenting measurable patterns of service access and housing outcomes. A mixed-methods research design would be used to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative …

Secondary Traumatic Stress In Children And Family Services Workforce, Jasmyne Schinhofen, Karina Urena

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine secondary traumatic stress among employees at Children and Family Services, addressing the growing concern that child welfare professionals experience significant emotional strain from ongoing exposure to client trauma. Although trauma-informed care initiatives often focus on improving outcomes for children and families, less attention is given to workforce well-being, which directly impacts service quality, case management, and organizational stability. This quantitative study would use a cross-sectional correlational design and collect anonymous survey data with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, along with selected workplace and demographic variables, including perceived workplace support, length of employment, weekly work hours, …

Examining The Influence Of Race, Gender Identity, And Sexual Orientation On Homelessness Among Lgbtq+ Youth, Francisco J. Trujillo Jr., Lauren E. Flynn

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this proposed study is to examine how race, gender identity, and sexual orientation influence the experiences of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 18 and 24. Existing research shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of homelessness compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, with even greater disparities among youth of color. While previous studies have identified increased risks related to discrimination, family rejection, and mental health challenges, there is a need to further examine how intersecting identity factors relate to housing instability outcomes.

This proposed study would use a quantitative research design and …

Exploring Mental Health Service Disparities Among First-Generation Latino College Students, Diane Zepeda-Rodriguez, Samantha Ramirez, Desiree Robledo, Merina Leo-Urroz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

First-generation Latino college students experience barriers to mental health in the form of cultural stigmas and systemic disadvantages, which prevent them from obtaining support and cause disparities within mental health services within their community. Existing research addresses how cultural factors, such as religion, gender roles, and stigma, play a part in their willingness to obtain services. However, despite the limited literature found regarding research addressing barriers to Latinos receiving mental health support, little to no research addresses the specific population of first-generation Latino college students. This study will aim to explore how systemic barriers and cultural stigmas impact help-seeking behaviors …

Assessing Family Burden In Borderline Personality Disorder: Family Functioning, Relationship Dynamics, And Emotional Well-Being, Alina Palomino, Gabriela Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the impacts of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) on the family system, specifically in the areas of family functioning, relationship dynamics, and emotional well-being through the assessment of burden. The proposed study would employ a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of how families adapt to the behavioral and emotional patterns of this mental health condition. Quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews would be incorporated to enhance understanding of this dynamic. Semi-structured interviews would provide deeper insight into emotional dynamics, communication patterns, caregiving roles, and coping strategies, while the Burden Assessment …

Maltreatment In Out-Of-Home Care: Former Foster Youths' Perspectives On Experiences And Investigation, Sarah Avila

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the tasks of the public child welfare system (PCWS) is to remove children from their home when abuse or neglect has occurred at a level that warrants removal. The PCWS places these children in licensed foster homes under the assumption that they will be safe and nurtured under the care of licensed foster caregivers. However, previous research have consistently shown that children experience ongoing maltreatment while in out-of-home care. This negligence is especially alarming when considering the United States’ rates of children in the foster care system. Despite the prevalence of this issue, little qualitative studies have been …

Motivational Factors And Developmental Outcomes In Adolescent Marijuana Use: A Mixed-Methods Study, Antonio E. Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adolescent marijuana use has become increasingly normalized within the United States, particularly as legalization policies expand and social attitudes continue to shift. While many adolescents report using marijuana for relaxation, socialization, or coping, early use has been associated with psychological, cognitive, and social challenges during a critical developmental period. Although prior research has examined either the motivations for marijuana use or its effects, limited studies have explored how adolescents’ motivations relate to psychological, cognitive, and social outcomes. Guided by self-determination theory, this study examines the motivational factors associated with adolescent marijuana use and explores how these motivations relate to psychological, …

Exploring How Acculturation In Childhood Impacts The Adult Identity Of Children Of Hispanic/Latinx Immigrants, Maritza De La Torre, Irene Zapata-Macareno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to provide perspective of struggles with identity for children of Hispanic immigrants. There is limited existing literature on the impact of acculturation on children of Hispanic/Latinx immigrants in the United States. The intention is to provide insight about common experiences and underlying traumas faced by individuals who grow up in immigrant Hispanic/Latinx families. The objective is to provide adults with some insight into their identity based on their specific family dynamic since there is a gap in society about the topic. This study will use a phenomenological qualitative approach to collect data through semi-structured …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Mental Health And Substance Use Among Black Foster Youth And Young Adults With Foster Care Experience, Jessica Davis, Leslie Del Pozo, Lorina Ramos-Delgado, Jarren Ho See

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Historically throughout the U.S, Black youth have been overrepresented in the foster care system and are more likely to experience high levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), racial discrimination, and frequent placement changes. Over time, these experiences can increase the risk of long-term mental health challenges and substance use. While research shows a strong link between ACEs and negative health outcomes in general, fewer studies focus specifically on ACES affecting Black foster youth or consider the role of culturally grounded resilience. This study examines how high ACE scores affect mental health and substance use among Black adolescents and young adults …

When Health Meets The Classroom: Diabetes, Depression, And Absenteeism, Megan Lindsay Meyer, Victor Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed study would examine how diabetes and depressive symptoms influence school attendance among students ages 10 to 17 in one school district. Students with diabetes who experience higher levels of depressive symptoms might be at increased risk for chronic absenteeism, which could negatively affect both academic performance and emotional well-being. Despite growing awareness of pediatric diabetes and school-based mental health needs, gaps would remain in understanding how diabetes self-management relates to depression and attendance outcomes. This proposed quantitative comparative study would include students with and without diabetes. Participants would complete standardized measures assessing diabetes self-management and depressive symptoms, and …

Trauma-Informed School Practices, Mental Health, And Academic Engagement Among High School Foster Youth, Ashley Avila, Vanessa Ramirez, Jaden Simmons

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Exposure to abuse, neglect, family separation, and violence can negatively affect foster youths’ well-being and their ability to succeed in school environments. Studies have shown that punitive disciplinary responses may contribute to retraumatization and school discouragement, while school settings are often one of the few stable environments in the lives of foster youth. Although trauma-informed school practices have been associated with improved school climate and student engagement, limited research has specifically examined how foster youths’ perceptions of these practices are associated with their mental well-being and academic engagement in high school settings. The purpose of this proposed study is to …

Gaps In Therapeutic Services For Foster Youth In Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, Kaniqua Tainiaja Stewart, Maria Del Rosario Sanchez, Rachelle Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines rehabilitation outcomes among foster youth who are currently or were previously placed in Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs), also known as group homes. With more than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States, and approximately 39,000–57,000 residing in group homes, limited research has explored why rehabilitation efforts in these settings often fall short. Existing literature emphasizes policy reforms, compliance, and placement outcomes under California’s Continuum of Care Reform, but gives less attention to youths lived therapeutic experiences and the consistency and quality of mental health services delivered within STRTPs. This study addresses this gap …