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- Creator:
- Figueroa, Erica
- Description:
- Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to learn about the self-care practices that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are engaged in while also identifying the barriers impeding DACA recipients from implementing self-care practices in order to be able to better support their usage of current self-care practices while also identifying ways to eliminate or reduce barriers. Descriptive study of self-care practices of DACA. The research design for this study was descriptive with the use an anonymous online survey created with Qualtrics. The results revealed that there was a relationship between the hours worked and time spent on physical activity. The results revealed that the most common self-care practices were listening to music, watching a movie and spending time with family or friends. Based on the findings, it is recommended for more research to be done in order to further explore how we can better support the self-care practices most used by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Villa, Mayra
- Description:
- Background and purpose: Domestic Violence has become a nationwide problem, affecting communities of all races, socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, and geographical settings. However, some groups may be especially vulnerable as they may encounter additional challenges in reporting the abuse or seeking help. For Latina women, their traditional and cultural beliefs may put them at higher risk of not reporting the violence due to the belief that domestic violence is a private matter and that men hold all the power. Specifically, this study explored whether there are unique barriers that prevent Latina women from reporting domestic violence. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using anonymous semi-structured phone interviews to examine Latina women's perspective of being in an abusive relationship and barriers they faced in reporting the abuse. Participants needed to be female, Latina, English and/or Spanish speaking, between the ages of 25-55 years old, previously in an abusive relationship, and currently enrolled in domestic violence services. Results: Eight participants between the ages of 27-48 were interviewed. Findings showed that the participants experienced the common barriers that prevent women from reporting domestic violence found in previous research studies. In addition, participants revealed four additional unique barriers. Discussion: Study findings support previous research on barriers to reporting domestic violence for Latina women and identified additional barriers may also interfere with reporting domestic violence. Based on the findings, recommendations suggest the importance of suicide prevention awareness, making resources available throughout the community, and increased training for law enforcement about domestic violence.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Chavez, Jacqueline
- Description:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very serious mental health condition that is associated with an anxiety disorder (U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015). This disorder can emerge after someone has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, although it is still unclear why some people develop PTSD and others do not (U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015). Veteran women are reported to have more psychological distress than men among those who have deployed to Iraq (Seppala et al, 2014). The purpose of this qualitative research paper is to analyze the results that compare and contrast the experience of veteran women with PTSD using deep breathing meditation and how this type of exercise helps them live with the disorder. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of exercise while living with the disorder. This paper measures the efficiency of deep breathing meditation. The results suggest that mind-body interventions, such as deep breathing meditations showed a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD. The study of this small population of veterans with PTSD, especially women suffering from PTSD can further help improve their quality of life.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Viens, Aemon
- Description:
- The disproportionate disenfranchisement of people of color is compounded in states that have strict felon disenfranchisement laws and therefore, voter disenfranchisement policies perpetuate the second-class status of people of color. In response to a growing trend to enfranchise felons across the country, Florida voters passed Amendment 4. In response, the Florida legislature made multiple attempts to limit the reach of the policy. The author uses Bell's Critical Race Theory as a framework to assess how the policy advances social justice and what barriers impede it. The analysis found that Amendment 4 is a progressive policy that has the potential to enfranchise felons of color, although the exclusion of felony murder and sexual offenders promotes the further legal disenfranchisement of an already marginalized community. In addition, the benefits of Amendment 4 are undermined by the Florida legislature, which is currently litigating the policy's implementation and intends to uphold a neo-poll tax that disproportionately impacts people of color. Other considerations and policy recommendations are discussed.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Quevedo, Yvette
- Description:
- The rationale behind this study is to identify how effective parent support groups are in minimizing stress levels amongst mother caring for children with special speeds. Chihiro (2011), states, parents of children with disabilities can be effectively educated through parent support groups, workshops, psychological intervention or counseling if right approach or channel were utilized. Additionally, our goal is to help bring awareness to the disparities with accessing services for Latino mothers. Furthermore, Hispanic families have reported they have experienced difficulties using services because of language, communication or cultural problems with providers (Ngui and Flores, 2006). This is why it is especially important to further study what services Latino mothers find most helpful and accessible.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Barnes, Breanna
- Description:
- Purpose: To establish unique consequences of religious abuse experienced in childhood on mental health and development. Hypothesis: What is the impact of religious abuse on mental health and development? Methods: Systematic literature review utilizing research from five databases. Results: 599 potential articles were narrowed down to 17 that were deemed appropriate for the study. These articles were further explored for relevant information and reveal of themes. Discussion: Five themes were identified including: unique consequences present in abuse cases perpetrated by clergy, developmental and mental health consequences, diagnostic considerations and implications for treatment.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Starnes, Melissa
- Description:
- Transitions Mental Health Youth Treatment Program (YTP) in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a grant to ensure foster youth who are placed within YTP are equipped with basic health, hygiene, self-care, and school essentials. The purpose of this service is to help ease the transition into residential treatment, support foster youth in feeling comfortable in their new environment, and give them the confidence and reassurance that their basic needs are met. Additionally, the purpose is to equip foster youth with basic school essentials (school supplies, materials, and clothing) to prepare them as they start a new school and enter within a new community to increase the likelihood of developing new peer relationships. This service is based on research studies that focus on protective factors for foster youth. Studies show that youth who have developed healthy peer relationships, engage in youth development programs, and develop independent living skills have greater social, emotional, physical, and developmental health outcomes. Funding in the amount of $8,500 is requested to purchase the necessary materials for the basic needs baskets for up to 10 foster youth who enter into YTP.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Starnes, Melissa
- Description:
- Transitions Mental Health Youth Treatment Program (YTP) in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a grant to ensure foster youth who are placed within YTP are equipped with basic health, hygiene, self-care, and school essentials. The purpose of this service is to help ease the transition into residential treatment, support foster youth in feeling comfortable in their new environment, and give them the confidence and reassurance that their basic needs are met. Additionally, the purpose is to equip foster youth with basic school essentials (school supplies, materials, and clothing) to prepare them as they start a new school and enter within a new community to increase the likelihood of developing new peer relationships. This service is based on research studies that focus on protective factors for foster youth. Studies show that youth who have developed healthy peer relationships, engage in youth development programs, and develop independent living skills have greater social, emotional, physical, and developmental health outcomes. Funding in the amount of $8,500 is requested to purchase the necessary materials for the basic needs baskets for up to 10 foster youth who enter into YTP.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Cruz, Ruth
- Description:
- Housing Instability may impact educational achievement of college students, but has been understudied. Purpose: This study examines the relationship between housing instability and stress among college students. Hypothesis: CSUN students with housing instability will report higher perceived stress compared to CSUN students with housing stability. Methods: CSUN students (N=361) completed a short, anonymous survey on their housing situation and stress using self-designed demographics and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4). Results: There was a significant difference in stress scores for students who reported housing stability in the past 12 months (M = 6.06, SD = 2.81) and students with housing instability (M = 6.94, SD = 2.12; t (358) = 2.86, p = .00, two-tailed). Discussion: Students with housing instability have higher stress levels than students in housing stability.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
10. From Our Perspectives: Untold Stories of LGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care System in Los Angeles County
- Creator:
- Solis Flores, Humberto
- Description:
- Abstract From Our Perspectives: Untold Stories of LGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care System in Los Angeles County By Humberto Solis Flores Master of Social Work The current study explored the experiences of LGBTQ foster care alumni in the Los Angeles County child welfare system. The researchers interviewed six participants and utilized life history interviews and Photovoice methods. Participants were between the ages of 18-26, identified as LGBTQ, and resided within the Los Angeles County foster care system. Individuals first participated in a face-to-face semi-structured interview where they were asked a series of questions relating to their experiences before, during, and after foster care. Following the interview, the participants were asked to take 5-10 photographs over the course of 7-14 days that represented past experiences and hopes for the future. Participants then scheduled a follow-up dialogue session with the researcher where they were able to discuss their photographs. All data collected in this study was analyzed and then consensually coded into twelve domains: pre-placement history, placement history, transitioning out of foster care, educational experiences, mental health, substance abuse, LGBTQ identity, mentorship, resilience, systemic change, sexual/romantic relationships, and significant relationships. The results suggest that LGBTQ youth in foster care face unique challenges before, during, and after their involvement with the child welfare system. Some of these challenges include substance abuse, homelessness, and barriers to accessing mental health services; however, despite these obstacles, participants remained hopeful and resilient. Many participants attributed their resilience to faith, religion, and/or spirituality; creative activities and outlets, such as music or writing; and volunteering/community involvement. They also spoke highly of mentors and family members, or family members of choice, that assisted them throughout their transition from foster care. Recommendations for systemic change include recruitment of more LGBTQ foster parents, additional access to resources, and increased support and awareness from those working directly with this population. Keywords: LGBTQ, foster care, Los Angeles, Photovoice, qualitative interviewing
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Cornejo, Joaquin
- Description:
- This research pursued the following question: Is there a relationship between self-compassion and coping mechanisms for stress among college students? Stress is something that college students face throughout their academic journey; however, this stress can be mitigated by coping skills implemented by students. In this contribution, I present the results of a systematic literature review on stress and coping mechanisms among college students to establish what research has been conducted and to what extent there is evidence of the relationship of self-compassion as a coping mechanism for stress among college students. The major topics associated to stress and how college students cope with stress are stressors, maladaptive behaviors, and coping mechanisms. Students experience numerous stressors that negatively impact their learning capabilities and practice effectiveness (Adonizio, 2012). Countless students have numerous role expectations and demands such as academics, internships, family, friends, intimate relationships, work, and conflicting demands on time, all which increase stress levels. In an effort to manage this stress, students either engage in maladaptive behaviors or implement coping mechanisms. Self-compassion can be a valuable strategy for students to practice to manage their stress. The purpose of this study is to assess if there is a relationship between higher levels of self-compassion and college students' coping skills when dealing with stress.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Citlali, Christian
- Description:
- The purpose of this research study was to explore how healthcare providers’ understand barriers that Transgender youth face when accessing health services in the East San Fernando Valley. This exploratory study used a survey design and convenience sampling of healthcare providers’. An online survey was used to capture the narratives of participants’; responses were coded and analyzed for emerging and reoccurring themes. A total of nine (9) participants’ completed the online survey. Analysis of the data revealed three major themes related to the access to services for Transgender youth: 1) how healthcare providers’ viewed their role when providing services to Transgender youth; 2) the quality, usefulness, and implementation of healthcare professional training and education; 3) healthcare provider’s perspectives on the barriers that Transgender youth face in accessing health services. The results of this study indicated that six out of nine healthcare providers’ saw their role as having empathy and providing equitable service when providing health services to Transgender youth. Participants’ acknowledged that it is important to provide quality care with respect and equal treatment to Transgender youth. Seven out of nine participants’ reported the need for additional training and education to improve their skills and knowledge related to the delivery and quality of Transgender care within the healthcare field.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Murguia, Tita
- Description:
- A major challenge in child welfare and child protection services includes a large number of children living in households with absent fathers. To date, few studies have explored individual efforts by states to engage and involve fathers in child welfare case planning. Focus of Inquiry: This study explored the perspective of both fathers and families as well as the agency practices in an effort to better understand the practices, strengths and challenges to engaging fathers in case planning by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) caseworkers. Methods: The study utilized de-identified administrative mixed data from a sample of 91 case reviews gathered from the Federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR); the CFSR assesses a state's performance in achieving safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families. Results: The study found 45.5% of father's received a comprehensive assessment, 36% of fathers received services, 48% were involved in case planning and 51.4% had quality visits. Discussion: Future studies should continue to make fathers a priority, conduct more studies using larger samples.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Hernandez, Moses
- Description:
- The purpose of this policy analysis is to evaluate the current state of amateurism in collegiate athletic programs and the impact it is having on student-athletes. Research question: How will California Senate Bill 206: Student Athlete Compensation and Representation impact the well being of student-athletes and their families? Methods: The Family Impact Analysis (FIA) model was utilized to the measure the impact of SB 206. SB 206 was viewed through the lens of four of the FIA principles, Family Responsibility, Family Stability, Family Relationships, and Family Diversity. Results: SB 206 takes steps in the right direction for student athletes to be able to maximize their opportunity of access to higher education and participating in collegiate athletics while promoting family stability. Discussion: The NCAA's longstanding position to disallow student athletes from benefiting from their name, image, or likeness was stance taken to protect them from unscrupulous actors and avoid exploitation. However, the NCAA managed to commercialize the collegiate athletics, distribute the revenue with involved participants other than student athletes, and in the process gain the attention of legislators willing to advocate for student athletes.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Phillips-Brown, Angela
- Description:
- Research shows that social workers' attitudes and feelings about suicide and their level of preparation related to suicide are not being taught or discussed in graduate level programs. According to data, there is very minimum education provided by the social work graduate program regarding the subject of suicide. The Garrett Lee Smith suicide prevention exposure, awareness, and knowledge questionnaire surveyed 35 CSUN MSW students in the year of 2014. This survey provided further information regarding social work students and their linkage to the topic of suicide. There were no significant findings on the attitudes and feelings of students and their linkage to their level of preparation and interest in training. Implications regarding students' attitudes, feelings, preparation and their interest in training about suicide are discussed.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
16. The Experiences of African American men in an Informal health care setting such as the Barbershop
- Creator:
- Curry, Michael
- Description:
- Purpose: The barbershop is a landmark in the black community which has been utilized for physical health outreach (Hypertension detection) exclusive of mental health (Hess et al., 2007). An understanding of African American men's perspectives could aid current and future social workers, educators and stakeholders in formulating interventions and practices catered to African American men. Research Question: What are the experiences of African American men in an informal health care setting, such as the barbershop? Methods: Utilizing the video voice methodology in a qualitative study, 10 (N = 10) African American men, Natives of San Bernardino County or Los Angeles county, 18-75 years old, who have had experiences in an informal health care setting, recorded short videos responding to prompts about their experiences in the barbershop in regard to mental health. Results: Understandings of mental health, the black man's country club, vulnerability in the chair, healing in the shop and informal vs. traditional therapy were the main themes identified and analyzed for insight to providing for better outreach, intervention creation and practices to support for education and development for this population. Discussion: African American men are willing to embark on conversations about their mental health within informal healthcare settings. Participants felt that their experiences within the barbershop yielded them much psychological, emotional and social well-being.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Bambakyan, Marine
- Description:
- The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers that prevent older Armenian-Americans aged 55 and over, who live in residential buildings, from accessing mental health services. Limited research exists on the berries older Armenian-Americans encounter while trying to access mental health services. The available research found that there is a significant under-utilization rate of mental health services by ethnically diverse groups. This research was a quantitative study, for which sampling took place in Magnolia Towers, a residential building which houses a diverse group of older Armenian American adults. Survey questionnaires were distributed to one hundred Armenian residents at the building and a sample size of 37 completed surveys was collected as a result. Researchers concluded that, depending on the age, length of residency, language proficient and education levels, the significance of identified barriers of accessing mental health services might wary among Armenian American older adults.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Amigon, Cristal
- Description:
- Families throughout the income spectrum experienced economic strain during the 2007 Recession. This then resulted in stress and worry regarding financial stability needed to in order to meet their basic needs. The Stress Process Model was used to guide the research on how the social climate affects families, not only financially but also emotionally and physically. Purpose: This study aimed to examine how families respond to financial instability and economic pressures during the time of the recession. Method: This study utilizes data from "Familial Responses to Financial Instability and How the Family Responds to Economic Pressure: A Comparative Study, 2009 (United States)" in order to address this studies research question. The research question is, "How do families facing economic burden respond to financial hardships?" The data collected in these surveys were completed by 1,169 respondents. Results: The study identified that although the respondent's expenditures remained the same, nearly 66% of respondents stated they were getting by with their family's income with great difficulty and nearly 69% often worried about their family's income. Discussion: In identifying how economic stressors affect individuals throughout the income spectrum, social workers can provide these families with resources that will assist with managing those hardships. It is important to understand the role social climate has on families' economic stability.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- West, John
- Description:
- Purpose: Youth homelessness is an ongoing societal crisis throughout the United States. This research project seeks to integrate frameworks from positive youth development, therapeutic songwriting, and nondeliberative social work practice as it examines the potential of utilizing music studio sessions, such as those offered at Mic City, to create safe spaces for engaging and mentoring homeless youth. Research Question: What are the experiences of homeless youth within a collaborative music studio space? Additional research subquestions investigate the role of collaboration, experiences of mentorship, and unique qualities inherent to Mic City, as experienced by participants. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, participants in the weekly music production group, known as Mic City, were interviewed about their unique experiences. Additional field notes were used to triangulate research data. Results: Interviews revealed consensus among participants regarding the important role which music plays in their lives. Most participants reported experiencing a mentoring relationship with the group facilitator, who was frequently framed as a supportive educator. An assortment of attitudes towards creative collaboration were voiced, with most participants indicating that collaboration was useful under the right conditions. Discussion: This exploratory research indicates that a music studio setting holds promise as a site for engaging and mentoring homeless youth. Further research may seek to explore quantitative outcomes of participation in similar programming.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Hernandez, Liliana
- Description:
- The study examined the prevalence of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMADS) and perceived social supports, and effects of PMAD and perceived social supports on child rearing practices among 50 Latina immigrant mothers. Most of the sample (98%) had some level of postpartum depression and anxiety with 8-12% at high risk. Although 12% had a high risk of using corporal punishment, those with perceived social supports by friends had adequate expectations of children, r (50) = .334, p=.009. Mother's with perceived family support had lower rates of postpartum depression, r (50) = -.331, p= .019. Furthermore, three interview participants shared the desire to have had additional support, increased financial hardships, lack of support, and fear of deportation due to the current political climate. It is crucial to support mother's rights in legislature and to obtain an appropriate diagnosis in the DMS-5 to provide mothers with screening and services to decrease the risk for child maltreatment.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Social Work