Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Matthew's Professional Portfolio, Matthew James Feth

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A comprehensive summary of my experiences thus far and my mastery of the core competencies of the social work profession.

Unified In Christ, David Morris

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

Statement of the Question/Problem

The United Methodist Church is facing a season of incredible struggle. The modern American United Methodist Church is facing a crisis of Division during this season of disaffiliation and restructuring. Division within church is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it is not new in the Methodist tradition. This repeating cycle of denominational fracture begs the question, “why does division in the church happen, and how can we avoid it in the future?” Currently the United Methodist Church is dividing supposedly over the issue of human sexuality. I would argue these divisions do not solely rely …

Msw Portfolio, Mallory Phillips

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

"La Experiencia Universitaria"- Asset-Based Community Needs Assessment For Uconn Waterbury’S Hispanic Community, Ilene Garcia

Honors Scholar Theses

An asset-based community needs assessment for the Hispanic community of the University of Connecticut’s Waterbury campus was conducted. The community needs assessment uncovered assets that support students, as well as the need for additional resources to promote success in higher education. Information was gathered from the campus community regarding current documented practices such as informal or formal support to aid Hispanic students in their college experience relating to their wellbeing, academic success, and career development. A town hall meeting for the community of students on campus was conducted to impart the information gathered and gather further feedback from students. The …

Impact Of Parent Reported Adverse Experiences And Other Family Stressors On Child Development And Home Visitation Participation Among Immigrant Families, Fithi Andom

Brown School Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines variations in early childhood developmental and socioemotional health as well as level of participation in home visitation among recent immigrant families according to reports of adverse experiences (including poverty, intimate partner violence (IPV), and prior history of child protective services (CPS) involvement), maternal depression, and parent–child relationship measures. The period of early childhood is dependent on positive parenting to support optimum development, but parenting may be particularly sensitive to the detrimental influences of adverse experiences. Less is known about how the relationship between parenting, adverse experiences, and child development may differ for immigrant families. Home visitation has …

Pennsylvania School Social Workers’ Trauma-Informed Practices: Status And Future Needs, Jessica L. Schoonmaker

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

The idea of trauma-informed practices is a broad concept that can be utilized to create a safe environment in which individuals, families, communities and organizations that have been exposed to trauma can be and feel supported. Trauma-informed practices are important due to the pervasive nature of trauma exposure (Kilpatrick et al., 2013). Traumatic experiences can impact individuals’ physical and mental health over the course of their lifespans (Avery, et al., 2021; Centers for Disease Control, 2021; Gonzalez et al., 2016; McWey, 2020; Mersky et al., 2019; Porche et al., 2016; SAMHSA, 2014a; Trauma Informed Care Implementation Resource Center, 2021; Zyromski …

Dual-System Youth And Emancipating From Foster Care: Examining The Relations Between Delinquency, Independent Living Services, And Criminal Justice Involvement, Dylan Monahan Jones

Brown School Theses and Dissertations

Youth who touch both the child welfare system (CWS) and juvenile justice system (JJS), termed dual-system youth, represent a particularly high needs population at risk of poor outcomes into adulthood. Among CWS involved children, youth aging out of foster care are particularly high risk of dual-system status. To help these teenagers in foster care prepare for adulthood, states offer independent living services (ILS). Despite the high risk of JJS involvement of these youth, we know very little of the association between ILS receipt and dual-system involvement. This dissertation has two aims, the first focusing on ILS and delinquency onset during …

Emotion Regulation Strategies And Perceived Emotional Intelligence: The Effect Of Age., Iwanna Sepiadou

Adultspan Journal

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We also investigated the possible effects of age on the aforementioned variables. The total sample consisted of 379 people (158 men, 220 women, 1 unreported). Across participants, 273 were young (20-39 years old) and 106 were middle-aged (40-65 years old). We found statistically significant positive correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and negative primarily correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of …

A Qualitative Study Of In-School Support For Lgbtq+ Students, Sara N. Barry

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Research suggests that LGBTQ+ students experience higher rates of bullying and harassment due to their gender identity in school. Therefore, the need for schools to create a positive school climate and provide interventions for these students is imperative. This study aimed to understand the effectiveness of these interventions from the perspective of adjustment counselors. This study followed Moustakas's methods of transcendental phenomenology and used semi-structured interviews to collect data. The sample consisted of seven adjustment counselors interviewed on their usage and perceived effectiveness of in-school supportive interventions for LGBTQ+ students. Five themes surfaced: an open and accepting climate, policies, professional …

Lifecourse Patterns Of Productive Engagement Among Rural And Urban Older Adults, Peter C. Sun

Brown School Theses and Dissertations

Many older adults are engaged in productive activities that have important ramifications for health in later life. However, little is known about rural-urban patterns of productive engagement across the lifecourse. This dissertation used six waves (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) of the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study to identify patterns of working, volunteering, and caregiving activities over a ten-year period using multichannel sequence analysis and cluster analysis. The antecedents of the patterns were studied using multinomial logistic regression, and the associations of the patterns with longstanding rural-urban disparities in cognitive functioning and self-rated health were studied using multiple …

Paying Caregivers More Could Boost Nebraska’S Economy − New Research, Susan Reay, Ernest Goss

Social Work Faculty Publications

Paid caregivers foster independence and improve quality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities, many of whom need help getting dressed, preparing meals, showering and dealing with other activities of daily living.

School Social Workers Conducting Home Visits: Practice And Perceptions, Sadie K. Kinnarney

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

School districts are serving populations of students being faced with more multiplex sets of individual, school, family, and community level risk factors (Berzin & O’Connor, 2010; Boske & Benavente-McEnery, 2010; Frey et al., 2012; Kelly et al., 2010). Many children are unable to respond effectively to the school setting due to the stress in their family’s lives and the stressors in their home environment (Openshaw, 2008). There is knowledge that social and environmental constraints can negatively affect a child’s role in an educational setting and a student’s capability to learn tends to be challenged if their emotional and physical needs …

An Exploration Of Forgiveness In Social Work Practice, Allison Carter

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This thesis explores the practice of forgiveness and forgiveness therapy and its implications for social work practice and education. An extensive literature review discusses the history, present uses, and benefits of forgiveness therapy, exploring real-world examples of forgiveness in practice, specifically macro examples relating to generational trauma including the national apology in Australia, and the truth and reconciliation commission in South Africa. The review will also touch upon trauma informed practice and the gaps related to the concept of diversity in professional and scholarly literature. This work utilizes grounded theory, using the extensive literature review to build upon the applications …

The Role Of Social Support In The Mitigation Of Social Worker Burnout During The Aftermath Of Hurricane Maria, Miguel Angel Soto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers are among the first responders to be activated during a natural disaster, and they remain aiding victims through the final stages of the recovery process. During the aftermath of natural disasters, social workers are required to work under extreme pressure and are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues that can affect their ability to provide adequate services. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of social workers who responded to Hurricane Maria regarding the role of social support and its relation to burnout. A purposive selection methodology was applied to …

Comparative Analysis Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy’S Effectiveness In An Intensive Outpatient Program Setting, Efrain Frank Ellin Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and treatment as usual (TAU) within an intensive outpatient program setting, evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing various dimensions of psychological well-being. Guided by two main research questions, the study investigates whether ACT demonstrates greater or equal effectiveness compared to TAU and if it provides more immediate effects on psychological well-being within three weeks. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research incorporates a comprehensive array of measurement tools to assess outcomes related to anxiety, depression, stress, psychological flexibility, cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, mindfulness self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among participants. The …

Stress And Help-Seeking In Farmworkers In The Coachella Valley, Alexis Garcia, Daniela Mejia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

California farmworkers are a vulnerable population who face unique stressors that may increase their risk for mental health problems. The study’s purpose is: (1) to quantitatively investigate the relationship between stress and help-seeking attitudes among Coachella Valley farmworkers and (2) to qualitatively explore the factors affecting the utilization of mental health services. Data came from 28 participants recruited through the snowball sampling method. Quantitative data from the Migrant Farmworker Stress Inventory (MFWSI) and the Mental Health Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS) suggests no relationship between help-seeking attitudes and stress levels. Qualitative data analysis revealed themes that reflected cultural views. Results show …

Exploring The Experiences Of Minority Former Foster Youths During And Post Care: A Qualitative Study, Caithlyn Snow

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The intersectionality perspective states that the challenges of minority foster youths are amplified by their status as racial and ethnic minorities, making them more vulnerable to adverse experiences during and after the foster care system. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of minority FFYs as they are in-care, transitioning out of care, and as they strive for self-sufficiency post-care. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design with a phenomenology approach. Primary data collection utilized non-probability sampling. Participants had to be 18 years or older and a former foster youth (FFY). Participants were recruited from …

Justice-Involved Students: Effects Of Using Support Services To Overcome Barriers, Gabby Walker, Sofia Alvarenga

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study investigated formerly incarcerated students' perspectives on the effectiveness of re-entry programs in alleviating barriers to higher education. The study focused on six barriers: parole and probation, collateral consequences, admission, housing, and stigma, aiming to provide insights into program effectiveness. Using an exploratory, quantitative approach, data was collected through surveys distributed via social media and online platforms. Parole and probation were not perceived as significant barriers by participants. Challenges related to collateral consequences, such as limited access to housing and employment opportunities, were highlighted as barriers. Participants did not view recidivism as a significant obstacle to pursuing higher education. …

Treatment Not Punishment: Youth Experiences Of Psychiatric Hospitalizations, Maira Ferrer-Cabrera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to better understand adolescent psychiatric hospitalization regarding the use of coercion at the hands of clinical staff from the perspectives of former hospital staff and former patients' family members. This study was conducted from a critical theory perspective. The researcher surveyed a total of fourteen former staff members and former patients' family members. This research study emphasized quantitative data as the way data was collected. The methods utilized to gather data were online surveys that were collected through Qualtrics and further analyzed using SPSS statistic data editor. The findings of this study showed that 25% of former …

The Present Struggles Of Immigrant Farmworkers In California, Leslie Torres, Angelica Huerta

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Immigrant farm workers continue to be a vulnerable community despite the numerous services available to them. By interviewing people who work with immigrant farmworkers, we can determine what has worked in terms of efforts to help immigrant farm workers and what issues persist today. Prior research has shown the many troubles these individuals have faced due to the type of work they do, as well as the ramifications due to their undocumented status. The purpose of this research was to find what can be causing these persistent barriers to a more safe, healthy, and long fulfilling life, and attempt to …

Gender Dysphoria In Adolescence And The Models Of Care: A Systematic Literature Review, Arnold Briseno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic literature review examines and compares the efficacy of gender-affirming care and mixed-method approaches in treating adolescents with gender dysphoria. Through a detailed analysis of existing empirical studies, the research aims to identify optimal strategies that support the mental health and well-being of adolescents who are exhibiting criteria of gender dysphoria. The findings suggest a nuanced landscape where gender-affirming and mixed-method care models offer valuable benefits, highlighting the importance of individualized and flexible treatment approaches. This work contributes to the ongoing discourse on adolescent mental health care, advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the needs of this population, …

Spirituality And Recovery From Addiction: Experiences Of Narcotics Anonymous Members, Elizabeth Romberger

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the most common treatment recommendations for addiction is to attend 12-step programs. In such, spirituality is considered a critical component to long-term recovery. This research project sought to better understand the relationship between experiencing a spiritual awakening and recovery from addiction within the Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) 12-step program. Using a post-positivist paradigm and the Cognitive- behaviorism theory, data gathered from interviews with 15 participants was transcribed and then coded. Online platforms that host 12 step recovery forums were used to reach interested participants with approved engagement material. Then snowball sampling was used - participants used their social network …

Non-Binary Identity Within Competency Training For Mental/Behavioral Health Providers: A Systematic Review, Alexis Mcintyre

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project aimed to identify the level of inclusion of the identity “non-binary” within LGBTQ+ competency training for mental/behavioral health service. Non-binary has become more widely used within the last decade as LGBTQ+ identifications evolve and become more open. Existing research shows the need for mental/behavioral health services within this community, as well as the biases and misinformation that providers hold about gender identity. This study utilized a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles discussing research on conducting LGBTQ+ competency training for staff providing mental/behavioral health services to look for education on non-binary identity.

Databases searched were Social Work Abstracts, …

Parity In Higher Education In Prison Programs: Does It Exist?, Michael Lee Griggs, Vianey Luna

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The expansion of college-in-prison (CIP) programs, especially in California, where incarcerated college enrollment increased from 11,472 students to over 15,000 in two years, has spotlighted higher education for incarcerated individuals. This increase, supported by legislation that expands funding for CIP programs and allows time off sentences for successful course/degree completion, is further bolstered by the restoration of Federal Pell funding for incarcerated students after a 28-year ban. Despite the acknowledged benefits of CIP programs in reducing recidivism and enhancing post-release outcomes, existing research highlights the need for additional exploration into the quality of CIP programs. Senate Bill 416 further emphasizes …

A Systematic Review On The Effectiveness Of The Gun Violence Restraining Order, Bonnie Galloway, Yasmeen Gonzalez-Ayala

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) is a type of restraining order that prevents individuals, who pose a significant risk to themselves or others from having, owning, and buying firearms, firearms parts, ammunition, or magazines. This gun law was enacted in January 2016, in response to the many mass shootings that had occurred prior to this legislation. Objective: This study systematically reviewed published articles to examine the effectiveness of GVRO. Methods: We used the following databases to identify articles: OneSearch, Google Scholar, and Google. The search terms used included “gun violence restraining orders” and its abbreviation “GVRO,” combined with other …

Barriers To And Facilitators Of Care: Exploring How Low-Income Women Access Reproductive Healthcare In A Rural Community, Sydney Taylor Casey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of low-income women living in a rural community when accessing reproductive care and bring awareness to the barriers and facilitating factors they encounter. The present study adopted a post positivism paradigm and was conducted in a rural county in Northern California. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was gathered through demographic surveys and individual interviews with twenty-two participants. A bottom-up approach was utilized for the phases of qualitative data analysis, which included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Data analysis revealed thirteen open …

Progression Of Black Women In Tenure Ranked Positions, Unique Givens

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The intersectionality of race and gender affects the progression and experience of Black women in tenure-ranked positions in higher education. As Black women navigate the tenure process, they encounter systemic issues while fulfilling the criteria of teaching, service, and research. Black women's experiences while obtaining and maintaining tenure-ranked positions in Southern California reflect the discrimination, biases, lack of respect, and value of their roles and contributions to academia. In addition, Black women are being challenged more and questioned regarding their abilities and roles by peers, students, and academic administration. Research studies in the past have demonstrated the underrepresentation of Black …

Bridging Training Gaps: Assessing Knowledge And Confidence Of Mental Health Interns In Opioid Misuse Intervention For School-Aged Children And Adolescents, Carolina Rodriguez, Gabriela Guadalupe Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rising threat of opioid misuse among children and adolescents demands urgent attention. Despite documented increases in opioid misuse among school-aged children and adolescents, internship placements in conjunction with academic institutions neglect training of mental health interns in school-based settings, specifically in the areas of opioid education and intervention. To meet the multifaceted needs of children and adolescents who misuse opioids, it is imperative to conduct research and provide thorough training for mental health interns. The purpose of this study is to assess the levels of knowledge and confidence of mental health interns concerning opioid misuse and the perceived benefit …

Social Media Told Me I Have A Mental Illness, Kathleen Knarreborg

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Objective: This study assessed and addressed the attitudes and behaviors towards mental health information on social media, specifically regarding how it influences viewers behaviors and attitudes relating to mental health. Method: Using a quantitative research design, the study collected data through Qualtrics from a 15 question survey called the Mental Health Information Scale (MHI). The survey, distributed across several social media platforms, aimed to understand user attitudes and engagement with mental health content into three dimensions: stigma, self-diagnosis, and confidence in the validity of the content. Findings: There were 99 participants in this study, 69.9% female, 21.4% male. The factor …

Stressors, Caffeine Consumption, And Mental Health Concerns Among College Students, Stacey Trejo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between mental health challenges, life balance concerns and caffeine consumption among college students. As caffeine is considered a psychoactive and cognitive enhancer that enhances physical performance, consuming an excess of caffeine can result in caffeine intoxication, which may include experiencing negative side effects.

Utilizing quantitative methods and availability sampling, 61 college students completed a self-administered online survey via Instagram and, with the assistance of professors, in classrooms. The self-administered Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) reveals that college students are experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. A majority …