Social Work Commons^™

Savings Incentives And The Secure 2.0 Act: New Evidence On Employer-Sponsored Emergency Savings Accounts And The Saver’S Match, Stephen Roll, Mathieu Despard, Selina Miller

Center for Social Development Research

credit. Analyses drawn upon data from the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility Survey, a survey experiment testing the appeal of employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts. The findings indicate that interest in employer-sponsored emergency savings programs is generally high and that, for low-wage workers, offers of matching contributions are more salient than automatic contributions.

IMPLICATIONS for SECURE 2.0 This is the first research brief in a series examining the implications of the SECURE 2.0 Act for the retirement security of low-wage workers in the United States. All briefs in the Implications for SECURE 2.0 series can be found at https://csd.wustl.edu/tag/secure-2.0/

Matching Student-Debt Payments With Retirement Contributions Has High Appeal For Low-Wage Workers: Implications For Secure 2.0, Stephen Roll, Mathieu Despard, Guangli Zhang

Center for Social Development Research

Whether to prioritize paying down student debt now or saving for future retirement is a difficult choice, especially for low-wage workers. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 allows employers to match employees’ qualified student-debt payments with contributions into their retirement plans, essentially allowing the employee to save and invest while paying down debt. This research brief draws upon data from the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM) survey of a nationally representative sample of vulnerable workers in the United States to examine how such student-loan matching programs affect the retirement savings behaviors of how low-wage workers and how offering these …

Parental Deprivation: The Impact Of Parental Leave Policy On Infant Attachment, Development, And Posterity, Grace E. Snyder

Senior Honors Theses

This literature review evaluates the lack of paid parental leave policy in the United States through the lens of attachment theory. While attachment theory has been extensively studied in the fields of Psychology and Social Work, a lack of research has been conducted to connect this theory to parental leave policy. The literature review examines parental leave policy and attachment theory along with how these topics connect. Social work is a profession that values the importance of human relationships and social justice, so understanding this relationship is important in forming the disciplinary knowledge upon which evidence-based advocacy is built.

Memory Stewardship: Preventing Confabulation In Child Victim Statements, Dixie Blair Ivey

Master of Arts in Human Services

Confabulation consists of a false memory report. Some scholars consider confabulation a clinical symptom of a neurological disorder. Others view the subject more broadly. Regardless of the boundaries of the definition, confabulation is an example of false memory. False memory reports can occur under many circumstances. The details of these circumstances, as well as the general cognitive processes that dictate memory, are important to understand, particularly to those who rely on memory for the purposes of forensic investigations. In order to use memory statements to reliable effect, the investigator or interviewer must understand how their own actions, the actions of …

Analysis Of The At-Risk Mental Health Of Military Children And Proposed Intervention Plans To Be Implemented By Mental Health Professionals, Claire E. Anderson

Senior Honors Theses

Mental health for military children is an unseen life-threatening epidemic that must be brought to the attention of Americans. The statistics surrounding the mental health of the average military child are alarming and saddening. Access and knowledge of mental health resources for military children may significantly decrease the high percentage of military children who experience poor mental health. To raise awareness, increase research findings, and support military children well, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the problem both presently and historically, to be aware of current resources in place, to understand current and past policies surrounding the …

Toward A Theory Of Resistance For An Emancipatory Social Work, Sungsim Lee, Katherine Tyson Mccrea, Brianna L. Sorensen, Nora Wynn, Kevin M. Miller

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

This paper proposes a theory of resistance as crucial for an emancipatory social work. Using five stories as case study illustrations, the paper explores the nature of resistance and social change. The concepts, principles, and assumptions comprising a theory of resistance for social work are derived from the examples and existing research. The paper discusses how individual acts of resistance are necessary for fostering transformational change and advancing social justice. The role of social workers in embodying and promoting resistance in their practice is underscored.

Intimacy Versus Isolation In Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Video-Series For Caregivers, Aubrey Lynn Brinkley

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of care-recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have sufficient resources to assist their care-recipients with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This capstone considers the occupational and developmental impacts that growing individuals with IDD face, namely the developmental stages including healthy relationships, sexual safety, and intimacy. The literature review covers the scientific, statistical, and historical importance of this developmental milestone. Varied opinions and needs that surround the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships for adults with IDD were considered. Sexual abuse statistics were highlighted. A multitude of feedback from organizations, personal caregivers, scientists, psychologists, …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Substance Use And Its Impact On Peer Relationships At Providence College, Catherine Hien, Clara Johnson, Ava Zakhour

Social Work Student Scholarship

Catherine Hien ’26, Social Work major

Clara Johnson ’26, Social Work and English major

Ava Zakhour ’26, Social Work major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Robert Hasson, Social Work

Our research delves into the use of substances among students at Providence College and how it may impact the quality of their peer relationships.

The Leading Causes Of Homelessness In Two Southeastern Counties Of Pennsylvania, Lucia Christine Spargo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted leading social issue in the United States. Society tends to focus on the individual as the cause of their own homelessness, blaming the victim rather than larger social and/or economic factors. There is an excess amount of data surrounding why/how an individual becomes homeless, but there is very little research examining the leading causes of homelessness in smaller geographic areas, such as counties. This study provides a better understanding and analysis of the leading causes of homelessness in two suburban counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania using binary logistic regression. Using ArcGIS, the study identified potential …

Environmental And Systemic Barriers To Pursuing Postsecondary Education For Young African American Men From Single Parent Households, Felix A. Weston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American men often face significant environmental and systemic barriers in pursuing postsecondary education as shown by research on the experiences of African American male high school students and first-generation college students. The experiences of African American men who have not attended college or postsecondary education have received less attention. The purpose of this study was to explore the environmental and systemic barriers experienced by African American men aged 18–24 who have not attended or pursued college or postsecondary education. A qualitative study was conducted with 15 African American men aged 18–24 from single parent households utilizing the ecological model …

The Renal Social Workers' Perspective: Attitude, Behaviors, And Barriers To Sexual Health Inclusion, Sapphira L. Blount Murray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sexual health, an important factor of perceived wellness and quality of life, is adversely impacted by renal disease and treatment. The social worker is uniquely positioned on the renal clinical care team to address sexual health. There is a dearth of literature on renal care and sexual health, and no national study on whether or how sexual health is being addressed in renal care planning by the social worker. This qualitative case study was aimed at exploring the attitudes, behaviors, and perceived barriers based on the lived experiences of renal social workers in incorporating sexual health assessments into routine renal …

An Exploration Of Factors Impacting Child Welfare Professional Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Jeffrey L. Nitz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Child welfare professionals (CWPs) have challenging and stressful jobs that routinely expose them to the traumatic narratives of children and other individuals. As a result of this, and when added to the reality that CWPs have a significantly higher average of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) compared to the general population, the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout and high turnover rates is substantial. This non-experimental quantitative survey study of 212 direct service CWPs from both public and private agencies sought to examine the relationship of ACE scores to burnout, and whether secondary traumatic stress plays a mediating role in …

A Qualitative Exploration Of The Incorporation Of Nature Into Multilevel Social Work Practice, Tessa Palmer

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Humans have an innate connection to nature, often referred to as biophilia. Besides providing the basic necessities for life, interacting with nature has been connected to lower rates of depression and hypertension, improved hospital outcomes, reduced stress, better cognition, and many other benefits. Conversely, increased urbanization is being linked to more chronic medical conditions than in the past due to social inequalities, lifestyle factors, and environmental degradation. People of color and lower socioeconomic status are being disconnected from nature through environmental racism that leads to higher exposure to toxins and pollutants, less access to clean drinking water, and lack of …

Pouring From An Empty Cup: A Qualitative Exploration Of Early-Career School Social Workers' Lived Experiences With Secondary Trauma, Chatelah D. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how early-career school social workers in public schools in Georgia described their lived experiences of secondary trauma. This study examined the contextual elements that contributed to secondary trauma. The findings may inform training for school districts to improve climate and culture, develop learning workshops, and create supportive systems for early-career social workers exposed to student traumas. Theories guiding this study included Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory and Bruce Biddle’s role theory. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory addresses the levels of influence on mental and physical wellness and their impact on human development. It …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

"Guided By A Global Perspective": The Global Teaching Practices Of Social Work Faculty, Janine M. Speiser

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) states that the social work profession is guided by a global perspective and the enhancement of life for all people, both locally and globally. Per the CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2022 EPAS), the social work curriculum of an integrated program includes global content that is specifically related to racism, oppression, and policy. However, literature suggests that the incorporation of global content into social work education has been slow, sparse, and siloed. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which social work faculty have integrated global content from …

Analyzing The Special Supplemental Nutrition For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) In Texas, Misty Ledesma

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research explores food insecurity and how WIC addresses nutritional risks in Texas. It examines past and present efforts, policy gaps, and potential improvements to enhance WIC's effectiveness.

Introducing 'Society Work': The Professionalization And Localization Of Chinese Social Work In A New Era, Ke Cui, Timothy Sim, Chenxi Huang, Bowen Mcbeath

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study focuses on current discussions around the newly-built Society Work Department in China. It argues that ‘society work’ helps to clarify the internationally recognized concept of ‘social work’ and this institutional reform promotes development of the social work profession and discipline, it also helps to decolonize social work in China.

Their Voices, Their Work: The Challenges And Experiences Of Resettled Female Refugees In West Michigan, Cristhel Vanessa Morlidge

Masters Projects

Resettled female refugees often hope to improve their life in the country and community that they settle in. However, they can instead face multiple challenges due to their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and language. The objective of this qualitative study is to identify the unique experiences and challenges of female refugees as they enter the formal workforce in the United States. Participants in this research are from two different countries in Africa, and all currently reside in West Michigan. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a small-focus group to learn about their experiences through their own words. While generalizations …