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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