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Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2018 2018.

Transition of Persons with Developmental Disabilities from Parental to Sibling Co-Residential Care: Effects on Sibling Caregiver Well-Being and Family Functioning , Richard Steven Glaesser

An Exploratory Study of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Communication among Haitian Mother–Daughter Dyads in West Central Florida , Stacy Eileen Kratz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

An Exploration of the Relationship between Child Welfare Workers’ Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about Father Involvement , Katrina Lee Brewsaugh

Physical, Verbal, Relational and Cyber-Bullying and Victimization: Examining the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Participants , Melanie Mcvean

Understanding the Experience of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: A Phenomenological Study of Emerging Adults , Kristin M. Smyth

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

A Mixed Methods Inquiry of Caregivers of Veterans with Sustained Serious "Invisible" Injuries in Iraq and/or Afghanistan , Bina Ranjit Patel

Exploring the Relationship of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics with Food Behaviors of Low-Income, Food Insecure Women in the United States (US) , Kimberly Ann Wollard

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Development of the Professional School Social Work Survey: A Valid and Reliable Tool for Assessment and Planning , Catherine E. Randall

Clinical and Criminal Justice Outcomes in the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery (JDTR) Program , Daniel Harold Ringhoff

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Barriers Among Juvenile Justice Professionals , Esther Chao Mckee

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Efficacy of Aggression Replacement Training with Female Juvenile Offenders in a Residential Commitment Program , Jody Anne Erickson

Rural Communities: How Do Individuals Perceive Change When Industry Enters the Area? , Katherine Danielle Ferrari

The Baby Blues: Mothers' Experiences After Adoption , Brigette Barno Schupay

Use of Services by Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: In Their Own Words , Michele M. Scordato

Efforts to Engage Parents and Case Outcomes in the Child Welfare System , Patty Sharrock

Continuing Attachment Bonds to the Deceased: A Study of Bereaved Youth and Their Caregivers , Erica Hill Sirrine

Spiritual Life Review With Older Adults: Finding Meaning in Late Life Development , Alicia Margaret Stinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Children Who Die of Abuse: An Examination of the Effects of Perpetrator Characteristics on Fatal Versus Non-Fatal Child Abuse , Donald L. Dixon

The Mediating Role of Social Support and Fulfillment of Spiritual Needs in End of Life Care , Kimberley A. Gryglewicz

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Examination of the Effect of Child Abuse Case Characteristics on the Time a Caseworker Devotes to a Case , Christopher J. Card

Evaluating Social Work Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Disability , Rachael A. Haskell

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Prevalence of Client Violence against Social Work Students and Its Effects on Fear of Future Violence, Occupational Commitment, and Career Withdrawal Intentions , Pamela Myatt Criss

An evaluation of the influence of case-method instruction on the reflective thinking of MSW students , Marleen Milner

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Developing a School Social Work Model for Predicting Academic Risk: School Factors and Academic Achievement , Robert Lucio

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Home > School, College, or Department > SSW > Dissertations and Theses

School of Social Work Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Understanding the Other: Mentor Ethnocultural Empathy and Relationship Quality and Duration in Youth Mentoring , Miriam Miranda-Diaz

The Mirror Project: Reflections on the Experiences of African-American Female Adolescents Experiencing Foster Care , Bahia Anise-Cross DeGruy Overton

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Does Structural Racism Influence How Black/African Americans Define Memory Loss and Cognitive Impairment? An Africana Phenomenological Study , Andre Pruitt

Prosecutors or Helpers: An Institutional Ethnography of Child Protective Services Casework , Anna Maria Rockhill

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Critical Discourse Analysis of How Youth in Care Describe Social Support , Jared Israel Best

Examining Demographic and Environmental Factors in Predicting the Perceived Impact of Cancer on Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors , Nazan Cetin

Health Literacy and People Diagnosed with Mental Illness , Beckie Child

High School Persisters and Alternative Schools , Hyuny Clark-Shim

Examining the Role of Social Support and Neighborhood Deprivation in the Relationship Between Multiple ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors , Marin L. Henderson-Posther

A Typology of Foster Home Quality Elements in Relation to Foster Youth Mental Health , Paul Sorenson

"I'm Very Enlightened:" Assisting Black Males Involved in the Criminal Justice System to Deal With and Heal From Racism , Darnell Jackie Strong

The Mechanisms Connecting State Marijuana Policies to Parent, Peer, and Youth Drug Perception Leading to Youth Marijuana Use , Eunbyeor Sophie Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

E(Raced): Race and Use of Self Amongst BIPOC Social Workers , Anita Reinette Gooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Colorless Nature: Exploring the Mental Health (Help-Seeking) Experiences of Pre-Adolescent Black American Children , Christopher Ashley Burkett

The Economically Disadvantaged Speak: Exploring the Intersection of Poverty, Race, Child Neglect and Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System , Angela Gail Cause

Examining the Narratives of Military Sexual Trauma Survivors , Maria Carolina González-Prats

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Our Vision of Health for Future Generations: an Exploration of Proximal and Intermediary Motivations with Women of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma , Danica Love Brown

Interrogating the Construction and Representations of Criminalized Women in the Academic Social Work Literature: a Critical Discourse Analysis , Sandra Marie Leotti

Learning From Culturally Specific Programs and Their Impact on Latino Parent Engagement , Analucia Lopezrevoredo

Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence and Child Welfare: a Critical Realist Exploratory Study , Katherine Elizabeth Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Is Therapy Going to the Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy for Early Identified At-Risk Children , Leah Faith Brookner

Investigating Time During Residential Program Until Transition for Adjudicated Youth: a Mixed Methods Study Using Event History Analysis with Follow-Up Interviews , Emily Carol Lott

Role of Spouse/Partner in Fertility Preservation Decision Making by Young Women with Cancer , Aakrati Mathur

Exploring the Association of Victimization and Alcohol and Marijuana Use among American Indian Youth Living On or Near Reservations: a Mixed Methods Study , Lindsay Nicole Merritt

The Intersections of Good Intentions, Criminality, and Anti-Carceral Feminist Logic: a Qualitative Study that Explores Sex Trades Content in Social Work Education , Meg Rose Panichelli

Latinas and Sexual Health: Correlates of Sexual Satisfaction , Christine Marie Velez

A Foucaultian Discourse Analysis of Person-Centered Practice Using a Genealogical Framework of Intellectual Disability , Nick Winges-Yanez

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Foundational Knowledge and Other Predictors of Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care , Stephanie Anne Sundborg

An Analysis of Oregon Youth Authority Populations: Who Receives Treatment and What Factors Influence Allocation of Treatment Resources? , Rebecca Arredondo Yazzie

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Importance of Online Peer Relationships During the Transition to Motherhood: Do They Decrease Stress, Alleviate Depression and Increase Parenting Competence? , Bobbie Sue Arias

Bridging the Worlds of Home and School: a Study of the Relational Worlds of First-Generation Students in a School of Social Work , Miranda Cunningham

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Long-Term Mentoring Relationships from the Youth Perspective , Kevin Richard Jones

The Development and Validation of the Social Recovery Measure , Casadi "Khaki" Marino

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Queer Liberation Movement? A Qualitative Content Analysis of Queer Liberation Organizations, Investigating Whether They are Building a Separate Social Movement , Joseph Nicholas DeFilippis

Got Hair that Flows in the Wind: The Complexity of Hair and Identity among African American Female Adolescents in Foster Care , Lakindra Michelle Mitchell Dove

Assessing the Impact of Restrictiveness and Placement Type on Transition-Related Outcomes for Youth With and Without Disabilities Aging Out of Foster Care , Jessica Danielle Schmidt

Fathers Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Experiences of Work-Life Fit , Claudia Sellmaier

Investigating the Impact of Sibling Foster Care on Placement Stability , Jeffrey David Waid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Understanding Sexual Assault Survivors' Willingness to Participate in the Judicial System , Mildred Ann Davis

The Relationship between Mindfulness and Burnout among Master of Social Work Students , Jolanta Maria Piatkowska

Out of the Way and Out of Place: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Social Interactions of Bisexually Attracted Young People , A. Del Quest

Strengths in Action: Implementing a Learning Organization Model in a Human Service Setting , Barbara Ann Whitbeck

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

"Who Would Have Thought, With a Diagnosis Like This, I Would be Happy?": Portraits of Perceived Strengths and Resources in Early-Stage Dementia , Jutta Elisabeth Ataie

Lost in the Margins? Intersections Between Disability and Other Non-Dominant Statuses with Regard to Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Distress Among Oregon Teens , Marjorie Grace McGee

Teachers' Negative Comments Toward Youth in Foster Care with Disabilities: How Do They Relate to Youths' Problem Behaviors, School Attitudes, and School Performance? , Sunghwan Noh

Exploring the Effects of Multi-Level Protective and Risk Factors on Child and Parenting Outcomes in Families Participating in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO) , Peggy Nygren

Public Opinion and the Oregon Death with Dignity Act , Peggy Jo Ann Sandeen

The Role of Psycho-Sociocultural Factors in Suicide Risk Among Mong/Hmong Youth , TangJudy Vang

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Increasing Social Work Students' Political Interest and Efficacy: The Experience and Impact of a Social Welfare Policy Course from the Students' Perspective , Christie Dianne Bernklau Halvor

Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care , Jennifer E. Blakeslee

Understanding the Experience of Air Force Single Parents: A Phenomenological Study , Samantha Everhart Blanchard

Implementer Perspectives: The Implementation of a School-Based Mentoring Program , Amanda Angela Fixsen

Risk Factors for Homelessness Among Community Mental Health Patients with Severe Mental Illness , Rupert Talmage van Wormer

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Gender, Culture, and Prison Classification: Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Prison Classification System , Aimée Ryan Bellmore

An Investigation of the Relationships between Violence Exposure, Internalizing and Externalizing Problems, and Adolescent Alcohol Use , Gregory Lloyd Forehand

Identifying Modifiable Factors associated with Depression across the Lifespan in Stroke Survivor-Spouse Dyads , Michael Joseph McCarthy

Investigating the Predictors of Postsecondary Education Success and Post-College Life Circumstances of Foster Care Alumni , Amy Michele Salazar

Runaway and Homeless Youth: Changing the Discourse by Legitimizing Youth Voice , Donald Dale Schweitzer

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Visions and Voices: An Arts-Based Qualitative Study Using Photovoice to Understand the Needs and Aspirations of Diverse Women Working in the Sex Industry , Moshoula Capous Desyllas

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment , Teresa Chianello

Parental Differential Treatment (PDT) of Siblings: Examining the Impact and Malleability of Differential Warmth and Hostility on Children's Adjustment , Brianne H. Kothari

Understanding the Development of Self-determination in Youth with Disabilities in Foster Care , Jennifer L. Powers

Child Welfare Workforce Turnover: Frontline Workers' Experiences with Organizational Culture and Climate, and Implications for Organizational Practice , Melanie Dawn Sage

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Developing One's Self: Adoption and Identity Formation Through the Eyes of Transracially Adopted Native American Adults , Jody Becker-Green

Primary Care, Males, Masculinity, and Suicide : a Grounded Theory Study , John Thomas Casey

Dependent Care and Work-Life Outcomes : Comparing Exceptional Care and Typical Care Responsibilities , Lisa Maureen Stewart

Factors Associated with Inclusion of Spirituality in Secular Social Work Education , Leslie Grace Wuest

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Up a Creek : the Perilous Journey of Recently Uninsured Low-Income Adults in Oregon , Heidi Allen

Attributes of Effective Head Start Mental Health Consultants : a Mixed Method Study of Rural and Urban Programs , Mary Dallas Allen

Staying Within the Margins: The Educational Stories of First-Generation, Low-Income College Students , Diane Lyn Cole

Children with Incarcerated Parents : a Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Parental Incarceration on Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors , Jean Mollenkamp Kjellstrand

The Child Care Self-Sufficiency Scale: Measuring Child Care Funding and Policy Generosity across States , Karen Tvedt

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Family-Friendly Workplace Culture, Flexibility, and Workplace Support for Dependent Care : the Perspectives of Human Resource Professionals , Katherine June Huffstutter

Family Participation : Exploring the Role it Plays in Outcomes for Youth with Serious Emotional Disorders , Jodi Lee Kerbs

"Creative Interpretation and Fluidity in a Rights Framework": the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Human Rights in the United States , Karen Lynn Morgaine

Food Security and Hunger among Low income US Households: Relations to Federal Food Assistance Program Participation , Rebecca Elizabeth Sanders

Engaging Our Workforce: How Job Demands and Resources Contribute to Social Worker Burnout, Engagement and Intent to Leave , Sara Laura Schwartz

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Is It Just Me? Felt HIV -Related Stigma among Adults with HIV , Rebecca Gila Block

Social Workers Addressing Student-Perpetrated Interpersonal Violence in the School Context : Awareness and Use of Evidence-Supported Programs , Natalie Diane Cawood

Sons Providing Care at End-of-Life : Common Threads and nuances , Patricia Ebert

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Cigarette Smoking by Pregnant and Parenting Adolescent Females , Barbara Mary Sussex

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Identifying and Building on Strengths of Children With Serious Emotional Disturbances , Michael Orval Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

A Dissertation on African American Male Youth Violence: "Trying to Kill the Part of You that Isn’t Loved" , Joy DeGruy Leary

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Voices of our past: the rank and file movement in social work, 1931-1950 , Richard William Hunter

The Assessment of Children with Attachment Disorder: The Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Attachment Types Framework , Alice Myrth Ogilvie

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Grandmothers Laughing: Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Beliefs About Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Native American Women , Claudia Robin Long

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

The needs of older people as seen by themselves and support providers , Sarah Movius Schurr

Theses/Dissertations from 1981 1981

Non-work-related services at the workplace : an exploratory study , William Roland Adix, Elizabeth March Christie, James J. Christrup, Carol M. Kaulukukui, Jennifer Idris Lenway, Cynthia A. Nelson, Linda S. Rielly, Steven Sorlien, Kathleen A. Sweeney-Easter, Lynn Campbell Tate, Patricia Jones Warman, and Donn C. Warton

Assessment of Needs of Adolescent Mothers in Washington County , John L. Arnold, Jean C. Austin, Gary L. Brink, Jane Hall, Patricia C. Hanson, Valerie A. Ivey, April A. Moran, John P. Pank, Mark J. Skolnick, James A. Tarr, and Roberta B. Vaughn

Burnout: Multi-Dimensional Study of Alienation Among Social Service Workers in the Willamette Valley , Sally Carignan, John Deihl, Judy Harris, Jay Jones, Bonnie Rothman, Sabrina Ullmann, Beth Weinberg-Gordon, Phyllis Weter, Patricia Whitty, and Loretta Wilson

Alternative Agencies: An Exploratory Study , Linda Crane, Carolyn M. Curnane, Mike Echols, Mary Ann Hanson, Susan Kouns, Richard Ono, Mark Pierman, Susan K. Rademacher, Sara Weisberg, and Bea Zizlavsky

An Alumni survey of the School of Social Work, Portland State University , Stephen R. Fishack, Robert A. Forlenza, Susan D. Fredd, Gigi Gandy, William P. Goldsmith, Thomas L. Grier, and Sheila K. Lehto

A Description and Evaluation of the Self-Help Information Service , Cathy Tuma and John Wadsworth

The Portland, Oregon ASAP : an evaluation of treatment effectiveness , Joan M. Wildebush Berry, Stefani K. Cuda, Judi L. Edwards, Mary E. Ericson, Emilie Ford Frisbee, Steve Ernest Hand, Mary Anne Hannibal, Laurel M. Myers, Sharon Lee Perry, Loree Richards, Barbara Burns Schmidtke, Stephen Walker Voris, and Barbara M. Westby

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

Multiple impact therapy : evaluation and design for future study , Jacqueline H. Abikoff, Dennis C. Anderson, Patricia C. Bowman, Carolyn Crawford Caylor, Nancy W. Freeland, Jan A. Godfrey, Marlene Graham, Kelly Ann Mason Hall, Mary J. Hatzenbeler, Susan C. Hedlund, Carol Lewis Kast, Gayle Matson Lansky, Janet M. Lewis, Kathleen Patricia Muldoon, Victoria A. G. Stoudt, and Anita Waage

Salem Teen Mother Program : a follow-up study , Frances L. Barton, Florence C. Berman, Sharon M. Bertoli-Nordlof, Marilyn L. Cooper, Claire K. Murray, Rosanne Peratrovich, Arlene M. Showell, and Julio C. Velazquez

Evaluative Styles of Clinicians in Private Practice , Daniel R. Brophy, Elliot M. Geller, Stephan L. Grove, Nancy E. Hedrick, A. Jill Nelson, and Babette A. Vanelli

Adaptation to dominant society : a self study of a woman of mixed race, black/Indian , Helen Marie Camel

A study of the crisis nature of the preparenthood period and implications for preventative social work practice , Julie Jean Colton

A Generalist approach to social work practice : model and synthesis , Chuck H. Johnson, Paul S. Knight, Michael W. Krumper, and John H. Rademaker

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Li, Ke (2023) Social Isolation and Psychological Well-being of U.S. Older Adults: Exploring the Moderating and Mediating Effects of Psychosocial Factors  

VanHook, Cortney (2023) A Person-Centered Approach to Increase the Uptake of Mental Health Services among Young Black Men

Ballard, Adrian (2023) Development, Validation, and Exploratory Utilization of the Sexuality-Affirming/-Negating Sexual Socialization Messaging Measure

Thyberg, Christopher (2023) Pushed out and Locked up: How School Policy Contributes to the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Mangum, Laurenia (2022) Individual, Contextual, and Social Network Factors on Perceived Barriers to HIV Care and Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) Treatment Adherence among Black Maternal Custodial Caregivers with HIV

Fussell-Ware, Dashawna (2022)  A Psychometric Validation of a Mental Health Literacy Measure with Black Adolescents

Gordon, Jacob (2022)  A Quantitative Exploration of Geosocial Dating Application Use, Belongingness, and Depressive Symptomatology in Young Adult Gay and Bisexual Men .

Woo, Jihee (2022)  Exploring multiple mechanisms through which economic and non-economic dimensions of low-wage work influence worker health: A mixed-methods study

Ashcraft, Laura (2021) Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based Chronic Pain Management Among Primary Care Providers

Huerta, Christine (2021) Examining Coping Strategies as Mediators between Traumatic Event Exposure and Hyperarousal among First Responders

Lee, Hyunji (2021) Is Emotion Regulation the Key to Breaking the Cycle of Violence?  The Roles of Emotion Regulation in Buffering the Effects of a Childhood History of Maltreatment on Intimate Partner Violence in Emerging Adulthood

MacKenzie, Kristen T.  (2021) Obtaining a First Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Process and Contributors from a National Study

Omowale, Serwaa   (2021) Work-related stress and birth outcomes: A longitudinal study using ecological momentary assessment

Sewall, Craig (2021)  Identifying mechanisms that explain the relationship between digital technology use and psychosocial risk factors for suicide

Song, Hae Ran (2021) The Role of Multicultural Social Network in the Relationship between Acculturative Stress and Depression among Korean Immigrants in the U.S.

Ballentine, Kess (2020)    “You Have No Idea What It Takes”: An Examination of How Low-wage Single Parents Navigate Work and Home

Yuan, Yan (2020) Trauma, Emotion Dysregulation and Borderline Personality Disorder Features in Young Women

Hruschak, Valerie (2019) Integrated Psychosocial Group Treatment (IPGT): A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Harm Reduction and Preventative Approach for Patients with Chronic Pain at Risk for Opioid Misuse   

Jacobson López Daniel (2019) El Proceso: Understanding Facilitators and Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault Among Gay Latino Men

Jang, Heejung (2019) Effects of Social Relations on Mortality in the Context of Grandparenting

Wojtalik, Jessica (2019)  Functional Significance of Gray Matter Plasticity Following Cognitive Enhancement in Early Schizophrenia

Bamwine, Patricia (2018) An Exploration of the Co-Victimization Experiences of Black Adolescent Males in Urban Environments  

Johnson, Heath (2018) Girls with Incarcerated Parents:  A Longitudinal Analysis of Adolescent Delinquency and Juvenile Arrest     

Joseph, Andrea (2018) Restorative Justice and the Discipline Gap:  Exploring the Impact of Restorative Practices on Racially Disproportional School Discipline      

Lee, Hyung Jik (2018) Social and Cultural Contributions to Mental Health Service Utilization for Asian Americans       

Lee, Lewis (2018) The Longitudinal Analysis of Moderated Mediation on the Relationship Between Employment Quality and Antisocial Behavior Among Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults      

Ylioja, Thomas (2018) Access, Engagement, and Tobacco Treatment by Telephone Quitines Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults         

Jung, Nahri (2017).  Economic Integration of Immigrants in the United States.

Goode, Rachel Woodsom (2017)  The Feasibility of a Binge Eating Intervention in African-American Women who are Overweight or Obese .

Kim, Yoo Jung/YJK (2017)  Longitudinal relationship between emotion regulation and aggressive behavior: The moderating effect of caregiving.

Kyere, Eric (2017)  Examining the Relationships between Racial-Ethnic Socialization, Racial Identity, and African American Youth's Academic Outcomes: An Analysis with Implications for Social Work Research, Practice and Policy .

Queen, Courtney (2016)  Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation: An Exploratory Study of the Psychological Health Outcomes in Tanzania

McCall, Janice (2016)  An Examination of Gender-neutral and Gender-responsive Characteristics on Program Participation among Female State Prisoners.  

Song, Hyun-a (2016)  The Effects of Parents’ College Savings on College Attendance Among Students from Families with Low-Incomes: The Mediating Role of Parent’s Discussions about College with Their Children.

Bahorik, Amber  The Longitudinal Impact of Intrinsic Motivation on Substance Use Severity in Schizophrenia and its Patterns in Men and Women

Bishop-Fitzpatrick, Lauren (2015)  Social Functioning in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role Of Biological Stress Response and Psychosocial Stress.

Hunsaker, Amanda E (2015)  Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Amyloid Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease.

Lim, Crystal  The Influence of Illness Burden and Social Support on the Completion of Kidney Transplant Evaluation 

Nguyen, Ngoc/N (2015)  Factors Influencing Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use: The Role Of Religiosity, School-Based Prevention Programs, Parental Influence, and Peer Influence.

Phillips, Chereese (2015)  Assessing The Impact Of Maternal Stressors on the Occurrence of Child Neglect Among At-Risk Mothers.

Teixeira, Samantha  "It seems like no one cares":  Youth Perspectives on Housing Abandonment and Urban Blight

Choi, Eun Hee   Racial/Ethnic Inequality Among Older Workers: Focusing on Whites, Blacks, and Latinos Within the Cumulative Advantage/Disadvantage Framework

Constance-Huggins, Monique  TANF Entry and Exit in the Post Welfare Reform Era:  The Contributions of Human Capital and Social Capital

Kim, Yoon Mi   Linking Acculturation Patterns, Acculturative Stress, and Education Policies to Educational Competence Among Mexican-American Children

Schelbe, Lisa   "Some Type of Way":  An Ethnography of Youth Again Out of the Child Welfare System

Thomas, Tammy   "Hey, Those are Teenagers and They are Doing Stuff":  Youth Participation in Community Development

Friedline, Terri  Predicting Savings From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Early Access to Savings Leads to Improved Savings Outcome

Kim, Yoonmi  The Effects of Acculturation, Perceived Discrimination, and Educational Policy on Educational Achievements Among Latino Youths

Kolivoski, Karen  Patterns of Justice System Involvement Among Child-Welfare Involved Youth

Lee, Yeonjung  Family Caregivers' Labor Force Participation and Financial Well-Being:  A Longitudinal Study

Nam, Ilsung  Effects of Economic Hardship on Complicated Grief 

Weaver, Addie  Is Family Therapy Effective, Acceptable, and Sustainable for Mothers and Children?: An Examination of Structural Family Therapy Implemented Within a Semi-rural Community Mental Health Setting

Breneman, Catherine Crawford  Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mentoring Program for Behavioral Health Service Coordinators in Allegheny County Carrick, Kathleen Rose A Comparison Among Healthcare Students at the University of Pittsburgh in Attitudes about Lesbians and Gay Men and Support for Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Hackman, Ruthanne  Immigrant Elder Women and Their Long-Term Care Planning Jung, Hyunzee Attitude, Associates and Recidivism: Relationship Patterns Among Allegheny County Jail Ex-Inmates Kanno, Hanae Hidden Victims in Social Work Practice with Traumatized Populations: Predictive Factors of Secondary Traumatic Stress for Social Workers in New York City Mallinger, Gayle M. Placing Children in Need with Gay and Lesbian Couples: Influences on Placement Decisions Smith, Mary Lindsey Just one more: An examination of the prevalence, correlates, and consequences of concurrent alcohol and medication use in older adults

Block, Azadeh Masalehdan Exploring Barriers to Outpatient Adolescent Therapeutic Interventions Eack, Shaun Michael Social Cognition and Social Disability in Schizophrenia: The Role of Emotional Intelligence Heo, Jeongim Grace The Role of Religious Coping in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Sarteschi, Christine Marie Assessing the Effectiveness of Mental Health Courts: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Recidivism Outcomes Singer, Jonathan B. M others Seeking Mental Health Services for their Children: A Qualitative Analysis of Pathways to Care

Conner, Kyaien O. Mental Health Treatment Seeking Among Older Adults with Depression: The Impact of Stigma and Race Gilkey, So'Nia L. Shelter as Sanctuary: A Narrative Inquiry of the Experience of Homelessness Gjesfjeld, Christopher D. Economic Hardship, Social Support, and Maternal Depression: A Test of the Social Support Deterioration Model McCabe, Elizabeth Blocher Predictors of Readmission in Hospitalized Anorexia Nervosa Patients Mohanty, Jayashree Ethnic Socialization,  Identity Development, and Psychological Adjustment in International Adoptees as Adolescents and Young Adults Santhouse, Robin Correlates of Service Utilization and Adherence to Dietary and Exercise Modifications in a Sample of Women Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Baker, Parris J. Self-Efficacy, Co-Parenting Relationship, and Parent Satisfaction: Variables that Predict Paternal Involvement by Non-Custodial Fathers Bell, Melissa M. Barriers in the Provision of Family Planning From Social Workers to their Clients Bulcke, Gina Identifying Barriers to Treatment Among Women Gamblers Davis-Jones, Latika Psychological Dysfunction, Drug Treatment Engagement and HIV Risk Behavior Among Methadone Maintained Clients Fisher, Mary Anne Social Support for the HIV+ Client: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Traditional Versus Volunteer Case Management Intervention Kim, Jean-ie Mothers' Depression and Parenting Efficacy Among Economically Disadvantaged Korean Women: Test of a Mediation Model Peters, Solveig S. Relations Among Interparental Relationship Quality, Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Parenting in the Home Environment, and Pre-School Child Behavior in African American, Low-Income, Single-Mother Families Pivetz, George Retirement, Control, and the Challenges of Aging Woodcock, Karen Mental health Help-Seeking: Attitudes and Experiences of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Ford, Angela A.  Exploring Health Behavior in Older Black Women

Hart, Carol L.  Post-traumatic Stress Symptomatology in Aging Combat Veterans:  The Direct and Buffering Effects of Stress and Social Support

Trunzo, Annette C.  Engagement, Parenting Skills, and Parent-Child Relations as Mediators of the Relationship Between Parental Self-Efficacy and Treatment Outcomes for Children with Conduct Problems

Fevola, Antonio V.   The Impact of Services Integration:  Outcomes in Two Early Intervention Programs

Grater. Joyce J.   The Impact of Health Care Provider Communication on Self-Efficacy and Caregiver Burden in Older Spousal Oncology Caregivers

Kaijage, Theresa J.   Factors Influencing Adherence to HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

Lee, Bongjae   Alcohol-Induced Stress and Social Support as Influences of the Adult Substance Abuser's Health and Well-Being

Lichtenwalter, Sara    The Relationship Between Auto Ownership and Employment Outcomes:  Race and Gender Variations

McDonough, Kathleen E.   Internal EAPs and the low-wage Worker: Practitioners' Perceptions of Services

Momper, Sandra L.   Maternal Gambling, Parenting in the Home Environment, and Child Outcomes in Native American Families

Stevenson, Andre P.  Barriers Affecting Women's Ability to Make the Transition from Welfare to Work in a Rural Community

Aurand, Beverly   Access to Health Care for Uninsured Women

Hilko, Tamara Lynn   The Impact of the Permanency Planning Process on Achieving Permanency for Children Active in a County Children and Youth Agency

John-Langba, Johannes  The Relationship of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to Sexual-Risk Behavior Among Refugee Women in Botswana:  The Medicating Role of Depression

Lee, Jee-Sook   Intergenerational Conflict, Ethnic Identity, and Their Influences on Problem Behaviors Among Korean American Adolescents

Little, Stacey   Understanding the Sociological Factors of Poverty and Their Impact on Prenatal Care Utilization Among Low-Income Women

Oh, Yunjin  The Role and Effect of Psychosocial Resources and Gender Differences in Caregiving Stress

Ohmer, Mary Louise   Citizen Participation and its Effects in Neighborhood Organizations:  The Influence of Perceived Organizational Characteristics and Effectiveness

Renzeli, Cara   Parental Participation in Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment:  Predictions and Outcomes

Richel, Carrie   Child Outcomes in Community Mental Health:  Effects of Maternal Mental Health Status

Smith, Christine   Correlates of Burnout Among Providers Who Serve the Homeless

Stork, Elizabeth P.   Analyzing Decision Making:  Women Seeking Shelter from Intimate Partner Violence

Daniel, Jerry   Survey of Clinicians' Perception of Inmates' Satisfaction with Mental Health Services

Frank, Marsha  Factors Influencing Belief in the Validity of Delayed Trauma Memory

Knudsen, Kraig  The Diffusion of an Evidence-Based Practice:  A Case Study of High and Low Adopters of Assertive Community Treatment

Lowe, Tony   Management Practices as a Factor in Male Social Workers Increased Exposure to Client-Related Violence in Mental Health Service 

Lynch, Mark T.   The Effects of Research Training and Research Efficacy on Empirical Research Productivity by Practicing Social Workers

Modie-Moroka, Tirelo  Community and Individual Life Stressors, Health Status and Social Capital:  A Study of Low-Income Areas in Francistown City, Botswana

Slawinski, Tonya  The Intensive Case Manager/Client Relationship:  Understanding the Factors Influencing Boundary Development and Compliance

Stubenbort, Karen  The Effectiveness of Intervention for Maltreated Preschoolers:  An Attachment Theory Perspective

Breitenstein, Larry  Managed Care Effects on the Reporting and Substantiation of Child Abuse and Neglect

Faber, John  HIV Prevention and Sexually-Active, High Risk Young People:  A Collaborative and Empowering Approach to Intervention 

Friedman, Mark  Gender-Role Nonconformity, Bullying, and Suicidal Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Adolescents

Leahy, Dean  Improving the Organ Donation Process:  Can Social Work Help?

Lindsey, Michael  Social Network Influences on African-American Adolescents' Use of Mental Health Services

Bonach, Kathryn   The Mediating Role of Forgiveness in the Relationship Between Post-Divorce Cognitive Processes and Co-Parenting Quality:  A Context, Process, Outcome Model

Manfred Gilham, Jerry Jo  Use of an Orientation Engagement Strategy to Enhance the Therapeutic Alliance with a Child's Caregiver

Meyer, Susan  Effects of Upper Managers' Conflict Handling Styles on Subordinate Managers' Conflict Handling Styles and the Frequency, Intensity, and Resolution of Conflict in a Hierarchical Organization

Schutz, William   A Nationwide Study of Goal Attainment Among Health Resources and Services Administration-Funded Traumatic Brain Injury State Demonstration Grantees

Winter, Elizabeth  The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment and Co-Morbidity on Depression Treatment Response in Adult Women

Montrose, Deborah   Children and Adolescents at Risk for Schizophrenia:  Influence of Familial Expressed Emotion

Robinson, Bonnie  The Impact of Gender Role Adherence, Gender Role Stress, and Sexist Attitudes on Violence Against Women

Sukitz, Sr. Carol  A Study of Parish Social Ministry and Delivery of Social Services in the Neighborhood Community

UKnowledge > College of Social Work > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Fathers’ Perspectives on the Role of Spirituality in Substance Misuse Disorder Treatment and Engaging with Their Children , Kendra Michelle Eubank

CHANGES IN CRIMINAL THINKING AMONG HOMELESS VETERANS RECEIVING HOUSING FIRST SERVICES , deirdra robinson

Exploring the Therapeutic Relationship in Mental Health Therapy with Queer and Disabled Adults , Rachel Womack

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

FOSTER CAREGIVING: HOW INTERACTIONS WITH THE CHILD WELFARE AGENCY IMPACT FOSTER PARENT SATISFACTION, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION , Ethan Engelhardt

Factors Associated with Successful Military-to-Civilian Transition Among Special Forces Veterans , Edward Richter

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

THE INFLUENCE OF DISTANCE LEARNING ON UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY , Christine K. Fulmer

Conceptualizing Attorney Motivation: A Study of the Representatives for Parents and Children in the Child Welfare System , Shannon Moody

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS ON LABOR MARKET INTEGRATION IN A GENDER STRATIFIED SAMPLE OF REFUGEES IN GERMANY , Theresia M. Pachner

RURAL SUICIDE: A THREE MANUSCRIPT DISSERTATION UTILIZING THE NATIONAL VIOLENT DEATH REPORTING SYSTEM , James Watts

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

THE ROLE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACEs) IN THE MILITARY AND PREDICTING CURRENT DISTRESS , Douglas A. Foote

Hospital Nurses' Moral Distress and Coping during COVID-19: A Pilot Study , Abigail Latimer

ENHANCING EVIDENCE-BASED TOBACCO TREATMENT SERVICES FOR CLIENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES , Janet Otachi

DOES BULLYING VICTIMIZATION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD INFLUENCE ADOLESCENT RISK BEHAVIORS: DIFFERENCES ACROSS RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS? , Shawndaya Sabrina Thrasher

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

National Guard Members with Suicide Ideation: The Impact of Stigma, Mental Health, and Trauma History on Treatment-Seeking Outcomes , Amy Brown

KINSHIP CARE PROVIDERS: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP OF CHILD TEMPERMENT, COMBINED FACTORS OF PROVIDER’S RELATIONSHIP TO PRIMARY PARENT AND REASON FOR PLACEMENT, AND INTENSITY OF PARENTING TASKS TO PARENTING STRESS , Shelagh Larkin

EMBODYING INEQUALITY: THREE PAPERS ON THE ROLE OF GENDER AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE LIVES OF WOMEN , Stefana I. Moldovan

Olmstead Mandated Statewide Implementation of Assertive Community Treatment: Precipitating Factors and Participant Experiences , Elizabeth Nelson-Cooke

FIX SOCIETY, PLEASE: THREE PAPERS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES, AND SUICIDOLOGY OF TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE ADULTS , Annie Snow

INVESTIGATING WHETHER ECOLOGICAL MODELS OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED VARIABLES IMPROVE PREDICTION OF CHILDHOOD RESILIENCE OVER A SET OF PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC VARIABLES SUCH AS IMPULSE CONTROL, EMOTIONAL REGULATION, RELATIONAL MOTIVATION, AND SELF-RELIANCE , Vinod Kumar Srivastava

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Veterans' Treatment Courts in Kentucky: Examining How Personal Characteristics and During-Program Occurrences Influence Program Completion and Criminal Recidivism , Monica Lynn Himes

SUICIDE ATTITUDES AND TERROR MANAGEMENT THEORY , Athena Kheibari

DOES CHILDHOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE STRENGTHEN OR WEAKEN MSW SOCIAL WORKERS AND ALLIED PROFESSIONALS’ COMPASSION FATIGUE AND COMPASSION SATISFACTION? , Andy S. C. Reynolds

SOCIAL WORKERS’ AND TEACHERS’ FEELINGS OF SELF-EFFICACY IN DEALING WITH SCHOOL BULLYING , Sharon Lynn Simmons

THE DRUGS/VIOLENCE NEXUS: THEORY TESTING AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACTORS AMONG JUSTICE-INVOLVED APPALACHIAN WOMEN , Grant Victor

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A MIXED METHODS ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOM PROGRESSION AND TRAUMA NARRATIVES DURING TRAUMA-FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY , Sarah A. Ascienzo

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Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Social Work Programs

Frequently part of accredited social work programs, capstone and thesis programs must meet guidelines to earn accreditation. General requirements for capstone or thesis courses are set by an accrediting council, but specific coursework requirements are set by program leads. A social work capstone is typically completed as an internship. Thesis programs, on the other hand, are in-depth professional and clinical field experiences documented in a final essay. Students should be aware of capstone or thesis requirements when choosing a program and whether their program requires one or both as options for graduation.

General requirements for capstone or thesis courses are set by an accrediting council, but specific coursework requirements are set by program leads.

Students typically complete the capstone or thesis in their final semesters. Both the capstone and thesis review learning objectives and apply the student’s learning to practical scenarios and research. Capstone or thesis projects offer students the opportunity to explore work and research opportunities in social work while receiving college credit and constructive feedback on their work. The capstone or thesis can be completed in a local social services agency, hospital, or nonprofit, wherein students observe client and social worker interactions and apply their research. This guide discusses the differences between a capstone and thesis and some of the ways social work students can choose, complete, and present a project.

Featured Programs in Social Work

What’s the difference between a capstone and a thesis in social work programs.

Sometimes used interchangeably, capstone and thesis projects actually differ in important ways. Capstone projects are usually part of undergraduate program, whereas a thesis is typically required for master’s programs.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs require a practicum for the capstone or thesis project. Many undergraduate program capstones emphasize the practicum component and require a report or presentation of students’ experiences, focusing on the student’s learning about entry-level social work experience. Master’s program thesis projects underscore professional experience and research and may require a research paper. The thesis also develops clinical skills and research explored in the classroom.

What Is a Capstone Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work capstone format.

Many social work programs require two capstone courses and a seminar, a one- or two-credit course that introduces students to the practicum experience and runs concurrent to a capstone course. In the seminar, students describe their goals for the project and may participate in group workshops and discussions. The first practicum takes place in the second or third semester and is usually completed in 200 hours, and students conclude with the 400-hour second practicum in their final semester. Students may complete an individual project as a part of the practicum. A final presentation to the student’s cohort or a report to the faculty adviser may be required to complete the capstone.

Choosing Your Social Work Capstone Topic

Carefully consideration of your capstone topic can enhance your education and career opportunities. A capstone topic should be a relevant, current issue in the social work field that also correlates to your specific interests. Students work closely with a faculty adviser to select their topic. The capstone adviser is a professional in the field who helps students make professional connections, as students develop their practicum placement through networking. This combination of professional guidance, exposure to the field, and exploration of current issues benefits professional development.

Completing Your Social Work Capstone

A customizable experience at its core, students design the goals for their social work capstone, develop learning objectives, and determine the topic they will address. Student and faculty work together to choose an appropriate setting for the capstone research, which may be a hospital, care facility, or a mental health clinic. You may be given permission to complete the capstone at your current place of employment, but all capstone work must be accomplished outside of your normal work duties.

A customizable experience at its core, students design the goals for their social work capstone, develop learning objectives, and determine the topic they will address.

Once you have chosen your topic, designed your capstone, and selected a setting, you will submit a proposal to your faculty adviser. When the adviser approves your topic, design, and setting, the practicum begins in earnest. Social work students keep close records of their practicum experience. Depending on the format, you may file case notes or reports. Students also maintain a log of hours worked that is signed by the site supervisor and the faculty adviser.

Presenting Your Social Work Capstone

Students often present on their capstone at the conclusion of the experience. The presentation typically takes place during the seminar course; students present their work to faculty and their cohorts. Some programs may invite the public to attend, so your family and friends can view your hard work. Hallmarks of capstone presentations include PowerPoints, handouts, and oral reporting and explanation of data collected. The seminar class tends to work together in small groups to develop the final presentations. Not every program requires a presentation, however; a final paper reviewed by an adviser can replace the capstone presentation requirement.

How Is a Social Work Capstone Graded?

Social work capstones are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students receive a rubric of objectives and expectations, which includes the number of hours required for a successful capstone. The goals and objectives designed by the student, as well as feedback from the site supervisor also determine the final grade earned. If a student fails the capstone, schools have a grade appeals process. Most programs allow students to retake a capstone course once to earn a passing grade.

What Is a Thesis Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work thesis format.

Master’s in social work programs require advanced field experiences as a thesis. MSW students complete a minimum of 900 hours of field experience, earned through two to four practicum courses, one course per semester. Programs generally offer a seminar course that is completed prior to or concurrently with the final practicum course. Completed individually in a communal setting, practicum students are free to collaborate with other professionals in the field. MSW students may also conduct new research projects or case studies. A paper is often required at the conclusion of the practicum, which may be presented to faculty and students.

Choosing Your Social Work Thesis Topic

MSW students receive hands-on training while developing their social work theses. The social work thesis topics students choose may focus on private practice, clinical work, or organizational development, and often reflect a student’s ultimate career goals. In a thesis program, students must utilize networking skills, professional experience, and receive faculty advisement. Students may rely on previously developed professional connections and networking to develop their field experiences. Graduate programs employ faculty with extensive professional experience. Research and select a program with faculty advisers that benefit your professional development goals.

Completing Your Master of Social Work Thesis

Field experiences introduce students to clinical and professional practice, develops their skills, and practices interventions. MSW students design their two field experiences to achieve two overarching goals: generalist experience and professional development.

MSW students design their two field experiences to achieve two overarching goals: generalist experience and professional development.

A generalist experience runs between 200-300 hours, with any remaining hours completed in a specialized field. Students conduct observations and case reviews during the generalist experience, then design the specialized practicum to develop their professional skills and respond to a thesis topic. The design of your field experience is highly customizable, but should include concrete objectives with opportunities for hands-on experience. Students submit their plan to the the faculty adviser, who then approves their planned social work thesis topic and field experiences. MSW students record their work through completing observation reports, case notes, and approved logs of hours.

Presenting Your Social Work Thesis

MSW students who complete practicum experiences typically do not defend their thesis in front of a panel. You may be required to give a presentation to the faculty and other students in your program, which can include a PowerPoint, other visual aids, and handouts. Graduates may have the opportunity to present their work to the public through the university or a conference.

Programs that focus on research and policy may require the a thesis presentation, but this is uncommon for a master’s program. A panel of qualified faculty and professionals hear the thesis. Following their presentation, thesis candidates must answer questions and explain the applicability of their work to the field. Students should determine if the program they are applying to requires a thesis presentation or field experience report.

How Is a Social Work Thesis Graded?

Social work thesis projects are typically graded as pass/fail. The number of practicum hours are set according to accreditation and licensure requirements; students must complete all hours to pass the course. Requirements are given to students before they begin coursework, with additional grade requirements outlined in the thesis design syllabus. Feedback from field supervisors is also considered. Students who fail their field experience may appeal through the school’s appeal process or repeat the course.

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Theses and Dissertations School of Social Work

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Full text for dissertations and theses included in this collection dates back to 2011. For older dissertations, check the library’s catalog CatalogUSMAI or Dissertations and Theses database .

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Moving Beyond ‘A white Man’s Thing’: A Case Study of Urban Kenyan Youth Mental Health

Attitudes Toward Medical Aid in Dying in a National Sample of Hospice Clinicians

Push Factors, Moving, and Mental Health Among Older Adults: The Moderating Effects of Indicators of Social Support

Oral Histories of Black Women Advocates in the Civil Rights Era: Illuminating Perspectives of Black Healing, Wellness and Spirituality

Moving from Moral Distress to Moral Emotion: A Socioecological Model

Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Parenting Stress in Mothers of Preschoolers

Exploring Child Welfare Placement Pathways to Residential Treatment Settings: A Three Paper Dissertation

Surviving High School Transfers: A Multilevel Study of Student and School Characteristics Related to School Transfer, Graduation, and College Entry

Perceived Need for Care and Mental Health Service Use: The Moderating Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Military Veteran Status among a Population-based Sample of U.S Adults

Understanding Financial Behavioral Health and Race (Racism), and their Association with Investment Risk Willingness

Time-Use and Well-Being in Family and Other Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extended-Release Naltrexone

Centering Black Lives: Exploring Oral Histories of Legacy African American Women in the Black Belt to Heal the Wounds of Racialization as Justice

Examining depression and social and emotional development outcomes in parents and children in migrant and seasonal farmworker families

The Interplay of Home Visitors’ Personal and Professional Identities in Effectively Screening and Supporting Women around Sensitive Topics

Youth Worker Perspectives on Building and Maintaining Relationships with Older Adolescents and Emerging Adults in Strongport

Covariates Associated with Completing Short-Term Residential Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder Among Adults in the U.S.

Parents’ Experiences and Perspectives of Early Childhood Mental Health Services and Child Welfare

Comparing the impact of community-based mediation vs. prosecution on assault recidivism among adults

The Role of Self-efficacy, Technology Acceptance, and Support, in E-Learning for Child Welfare Workers

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Critiquing the presence and absence of children and young people's participation in policies for looked after children in scotland , interrogating the ethics of telecare services: a conceptual framework for dementia home care professionals , forever home the complexity of adoption breakdown in scotland , exploring experiences of children who migrate to delhi: understanding gender and space , looking after grandchildren: the motivation, pattern, and the impact of intergenerational engagements on grandparents in rural china , topping up the tank: enhancing the emotional resilience of social workers in local authority adult services , intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal childhood adversities via poor infant outcomes , contributing to the development of social pedagogy in the uk: a case study at 'santiago 1' residential care home in spain , helping the 'problem child' become loveable again a discourse analysis on childhood adhd in switzerland and implications for social work , health needs and services for refugee women and children in uganda’s settlements: articulating a role for social work , unpicking social work practice skills: an interactional analysis of engagement and identity in a groupwork programme addressing sexual offending , turkish fathering today: an enquiry and discussion arising from the views of turkish fathers and turkish young people , twenty first century contact: young people in care and their use of mobile communication devices and the internet for contact , quickening steps: an ethnography of pre-birth child protection , low income employment in dhaka: women’s lives, agency and identity , partnership, power and policy: a case study of the scottish partnership on domestic abuse , feedback systems, interaction analysis, and counselling models in professional programmes , the participation of looked after children in permanency planning , everyday social work practice: listening to the voices of practitioners , quality of life experiences of parents of children with autism in scotland .

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Social Work - Theses

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• Smith College School for Social Work Digital Dissertations. 2009+ Abstracts and full text PDFs of recent Smith College School for Social Work doctoral dissertations.
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Home > College of Social and Behavioral Sciences > Social Work > Social Work Theses

Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Theses/projects/dissertations from 2020 2020.

Perceptions Of Compassion Fatigue Amongst Master Of Social Work Students And Self-Care Strategies To Build Resilience , Daniel Wright

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2019 2019

SPIRITUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK: A SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVES ON THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY WITHIN THEIR PRACTICE , Kimberly Abrahamson

THE EFFECT OF PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT ON TREATMENT AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES AMONG LATINO STUDENTS RECEIVING SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES , Angel R. Agudo and Victor M. Lezama

EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK COURSE , Hazel Aguilar and Celeene Moreno

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AN EXCLUSIVE LATINO COMMUNITY VERSUS A DIVERSE COMMUNITY , Karina Amador and Natalie Salas

Compassion Fatigue Among Play Therapists , Victoria Arce

Stress Among Caregivers of Individuals with Special Needs , Ida Benavides

CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVE ON FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE LONGEVITY , Veronica Betancourt-Perez

WHAT CRUCIAL COMPONENTS SHOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO BEREAVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE LATINO POPULATION? , Aida Blanco

AFTER THE ATTACK: POLICE PERSPECTIVES ON PROMOTING RESILIENCY FOLLOWING THE 2015 SAN BERNARDINO ATTACK , Hannah Patricia Capps

EXPLORING KNOWLEDGE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION PROGRAMS , Pammeli M. Carlos

SOCIAL WORKER PERSPECTIVES ON WORKING WITH THE INCARCERATED POPULATION , Diana Cetina-Garcia

Social Workers' Perceptions of Resource Family Approval , Hannah Chavez

STRESS, SELF-COMPASSION, AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Elizabeth Contreras

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG DIALYSIS PATIENTS: A STUDY ON MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS ENHANCING SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS , Brandy Marie Covarrubias and Eloisa Cisneros Vizcaya

PERCEPTIONS ON THE AGING POPULATION: DISPARITIES AMONG GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Ashlee Taylor Crosson and Kelsey Marie Goodwin

Social Work Students' View on the Integration of Religion in Social Work , Araceli Delgado

Empowering the Female Offender: Barriers And Perceptions of Inmate Success , Joanna Delgado and Karina Barragan

SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS’ REPRESENTATION OF ACTUAL MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG ADOLESCENTS , Alva M. Dominguez

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE: AN EXPLORATION OF RELUCTANCE AMONG PRACTITIONERS. , David Drew and Jessica Banks

WHAT IS THE PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ON-CAMPUS SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WHO STRUGGLE WITH SUBSTANCE USE BASED ON THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE STAFF MEMBERS? , Karen Rocio Flores and Megan Lee Urquidi

CHILD WELFARE: TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE AT TIME OF CHILD REMOVAL , Ester Garcia

Childhood Risk Factors That Impact The Likelihood Of Becoming A Victim Of Domestic Violence , Mallory Ann Gers and Daniela Paola Gomez

DO CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS PROMOTE SELF-EFFICACY AND DO THEY IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES? , Adan Gomez

COMPASSION FATIGUE, SELF-CARE, AND CLERGY MEMBERS: HOW SOCIAL WORKERS CAN HELP , Tifani-Crystal Enid Hanley

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORKING WITH TRANSGENDER CLIENTS , Devin Hoff and Edgar Camacho

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS ON SYMPTOMS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER , Sean Howell

Components of Food Insecurity on a University Campus , Aranya Huour

SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVES ON THE CAUSES OF PLACEMENT INSTABILITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS , Adella Jimenez

SOCIAL WORKERS' PERCEPTION ON THE NEEDS AND SERVICES FOR FOSTER CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS , Jessica Joanna Jimenez and Winnie Wing Yang Lee

SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONSTRAINTS OF MANAGED CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT , Lana Kaissi

Understanding Implicit Bias in Public Defender Social Workers , Jess Laird

Coping Mechanisms Utilized by Single Mothers in College , Natasha Elise Maness and Kristina Rene Munoz

Latino Parent School Involvement: Do Parents Read and Respond to Teacher Invitations? , Celia Marquez

Child Welfare Concurrent Planning and Bonding for Foster Parents , Priscilla McCarthy

Factors That Contribute To Foster Youth Pursuing Higher Education , Amanda Minters

The Impact of Parental Support on Social Work Students' Well-Being , Marina Munguia

SERVICE READINESS AND DELIVERY FOR COMMERCIALLY SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN (CSEC): A CASE STUDY , Jennifer Y. Navarro

PERSPECTIVES FROM SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SOBRIETY AFTER BEING SUCCESSFULLY DISCHARGED FROM A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM , Samantha Navarro

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE USEFULNESS OF THE STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING TOOL IN ASSESSING SAFETY AND RISK , Chinwe Erika Nwufo and Carol Yareli Castillo

COMMON SOURCES OF ANXIETY FOR STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCE SUICIDAL IDEATION , Austin Nystrom and Fabian Ortiz

Parent Partners Contribution to Reunification Rates , Marilyn Obispo and Cynthia Cuevas

JOB READINESS OF SOCIAL WORKERS SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES , Danielle Marie Orozco

RELIGION AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG HISPANIC COMMUNITIES , Victor Ortega

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS PREPAREDNESS WHEN WORKING WITH MIXED-STATUS FAMILIES , Delia Ann Pacheco and Brenda Carolina Pacheco

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Coping Methods for Social Work Students , Treyveon Parks and Alex Hernandez

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON MINDFULNESS MEDITATION IN CURRICULA , Deyssi Partida

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM MEETINGS IN CHILD WELFARE , Deepa Patel

The Effects of Trauma from Multiple Placements of Foster Youth , Savannah Perez

Foster Parent Attitudes Toward Birth Parents and Birth Parent Visitation , KATHERINE PERSON

Barriers to Higher Education Among CalWORKs Recipients , Esther Ramirez and Melissa M. Rodriguez

FACTORS OF RESISTANCE: SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE , Nancy Ramos and Jessica Chavez

The Impact of Stigma on Adolescents Willingness to Seek Treatment , Alejandra Randol

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT EDUCATION ON TEEN PREGNACY , Diogenes Anthony Roman III

THE PRACTICE OF SELF-CARE STRATEGIES AMONG MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Gracie Romero

VOLUNTEER SERVICE AS A COPING STRATEGY FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AGAINST PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT , Jessy Jean Salloum and Francesca Maria Augusta Twohy-Haines

FAMILY STRUCTURE CORRESPONDING WITH DELINQUENT BEHAVIORS , Miranda Santiago and Shirley Tamayo-Contreras

Policy Practice of Master of Social Work Students: An Analysis of a Policy Practice Intervention , Wright Sarah

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-CARE AND BURNOUT AMONG SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Andrew Semedo

FOSTER YOUTHS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE SOCIAL WORKER’S ROLE IN THEIR PURSUIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION , Elisa Elvira Sequeira Delgado and Anedia Suarez Arroyo

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS OF COLORISM AMONGST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN; AND HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE LIVES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN? , Iris Sumo

The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Perceptions of Social Workers Working with Veterans , Anne Thompson

SOCIAL MEDIA'S INFLUENCE ON YOUNG ADULTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS , Natalie Aliana Valdepeña and Ulises Ivan Lozano

Social Work Student's Perception of Canine Therapy for Children of Trauma , gia Valdez

FOSTER PARENT SATISFACTION WITH THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM AND THEIR INTENTIONS TO DECERTIFICATION , Karla Valdez

THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK , Adriana Vera and Elena Marie Rendon

INCARCERATED MOTHERS ACHIEVING REUNIFICATION: PROVIDING SUPPORT TO CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKERS , Francesca Villarreal

PARENT PARTNERS' PERCEPTIONS OF REUNIFICATION CELEBRATION AND THE IMPACT ON REUNIFIED PARENTS , Marley Leila Walker and Tre'Nise JeMel Anderson

ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING , Clarissa Welch and Nancy Villalta

Accessing Children's Mental Health Services In A Rural Northern California County , Deborah Wingate

Mental Health Services for Single Homeless Mothers with Children , Andrea Zermeno and Maria Alejandra Perez

SOCIAL WORKERS' PERSPECTIVES ON DISRUPTIVE MOOD DYSREGULATION DISORDER , Jenna Lee Zscheile

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2018 2018

PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-DISCLOSURE IMPACTING THE SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP AND RECOGNIZING COUNTERTRANSFERENCE , Melissa Alvarez Torres and Jessica Elizabeth Wilinski

Does Resilience Occur from Predisposed Characteristics, or from Experiences, Moments, and/or People The Individual Encounters Throughout his/her Childhood , Marlene Anceno

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and Self-care Strategies Amongst Los Angeles County Child Welfare Workers , Chigolum Anene

Permanency Planning for Youth in Foster Care , Elisa Arteaga

WORK WITH ELDERS EXPERIENCING COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: EXPLORING THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Cindy Avelar and Gabriela Maria Cantu-Reyna

LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS PREPAREDNESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES , Zina Basom

The Effectiveness of Disciplinary Interventions in School-Based Counseling , Dakota Blue Bates

BARRIERS TO RECRUITING NATIVE AMERICAN FOSTER HOMES IN URBAN AREAS , Shirley Mae Begay and Jennifer Lynn Wilczynski

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH COURTS , Nicholas Bettosini and Conrad Paul Akins-Johnson

TEAM DECISION-MAKING AND CHILD/FAMILY TEAM MEETINGS: A SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVE , Marian Buzga

CHALLENGES FOR MALE THERAPISTS WORKING WITH COMMERCIALLY AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED FEMALE ADOLESCENTS , John Caballero

SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOSTER FAMILY AGENCY SOCIAL WORKERS' AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING , Cristin Elizabeth Campbell

RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOUNG ADULTS: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR A COLLEGIATE RECOVERY PROGRAM AT A MIDSIZED PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LOCATED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA , Micah Carlson

SPANISH-SPEAKING CLIENT-WORKER EXPERIENCES AT A CALIFORNIA CHILD WELFARE AGENCY , Koressa Castillo

FILIPINO SERVICE CARE PROVIDERS' EXPERIENCE OF COMPASSION FATIGUE WHILE WORKING IN RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES , Leizel Cerezo-Pann

Knowledge of School Resource Officer's Roles and Their Perceptions on School Social Worker's Roles , Cynthia Crystal Cervantes and Vanessa Vazquez

RIVERSIDE COUNTY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS’ PERSPECTIVE ON PRIMARY FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HOMELESSNESS , Megan Irene Chaney

THE SYSTEMIC ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENT CRIME IN PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES , Abraham Coles

Social Work Students' Views and Attitudes Towards Working with Previously Incarcerated Individuals , Tiffany Comptois and Brianda Villa

THE CHALLENGES FACING SINGLE HISPANIC PARENTS AND THEIR NEEDS TO IMPROVE FAMILY SERVICES , Gabriela Contreras

EFFECTS OF CHILD NEGLECT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS , Veronica Daniel

BRIDGING THE GAP: EXPLORING SOCIAL WORK STUDENT PREPAREDNESS FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES , Shauna Lei De Jesus and Mariela Licon

ATTITUDES AND EXPERIENCES OF UNDOCUMENTED LATINO IMMIGRANTS WHEN SEEKING MEDICAL SERVICES , Susana Michelle De Leon

CHILD WELFARE WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON PLACEMENT INSTABILITY AND THE IMPACTS ON FOSTER YOUTH , Steven Joseph Delgado and Amanda Marie Fuerte

EFFECTS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER ON MOTHERS , Angelica Del Villar

PLANNING FOR A FUTURE: A DEVELOPMENTAL BLUEPRINT TOWARDS SUCCESS AMONG CURRENT AND FORMER FOSTER YOUTH , John Devine

The Self-Percieved Grief Competency of Masters Level Therapists , Emily Rae DeVries

ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING , Berenice Dougherty and Nyemal Thuok Chuol

Page 5 of 17

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Thesis process and proposal overview.

The UW School of Social Work's MSW Program includes an OPTIONAL thesis option, which works well for a small number of students, particularly those who are interested in continuing on into a doctoral program or in academia.  The thesis credits (9) may count toward the student's elective credits.  A student graduating with a thesis has this noted on their transcript along with the title of the thesis.  EDP students interested in doing a thesis should contact Lin Murdock at [email protected] before starting other steps.

A thesis (SOC W 700) must involve empirical research focusing on issues of human service practice, social service organization, or social policy.  A literature review is acceptable only if it is a systemic or meta-analytic review with a methods section. 

FINDING A THESIS PROJECT

Many students may find potential research ideas and faculty to work with by checking current research occurring at the UW School of Social Work:

• School of Social Work Research website: https://socialwork.uw.edu/research
• Current SSW Research Search: https://socialwork.uw.edu/research-projects

REQUIRED FORMS

All required thesis forms and documentation are available on the MSW Program Reference Area website at:

https://socialwork.uw.edu/students/msw/msw-program-reference-area

These include:

• Thesis Process and Proposal Overview (this document)
• Statement of Intent form
• Thesis Proposal and Committee Constitution Coversheet
• Use of Human and Animal Subjects for UW Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations form
• Student and Thesis Committee Member Roles and Expectations

All documents get turned in to Lin Murdock, Director of Student Services for inclusion in the student file.

Most students who are interested in completing a thesis have begun preliminary conversations regarding a research topic and have lined up at least a Thesis Committee Chair before the end of their generalist curriculum (for day students, by winter/spring of their 1 st year, for EDP students, by fall/winter of their 2 nd year.) 

What?                                                             When?

Submit Preliminary Statement of Intent          Before end of generalist curriculum

Complete IRB proposal                                   Before end of generalist curriculum

Committee Selection                                       Before the start of first registered quarter of Soc W 700

Literature Review                                           Often before, but complete by end of 1 st quarter

Research Proposal and 1 st Committee Mtg     First 3 weeks of first registered quarter of Soc W 700

Methodology draft to Committee                    End of first registered quarter

Data-collection/coding                                     First and second registered quarters

Data analysis and writing                                Third registered quarter of Soc W 700

Get warrant from Lin                                      Week 7 of last quarter of registration of Soc W 700

Near-to-final draft to committee                      Week 7 of last quarter of registration of Soc W 700

Submit signed approval form  to grad school  5pm on last day of instruction

Submit signed warrant to Lin                          5pm on last day of instruction

Submit final thesis                                           5pm on last day of instruction

REQUIRED COMPONENTS

• Must involve complete process of empirical research
• Must involve a minimum of 9 credits typically over 3 quarters
• Committee must include at least 2 members, one of which must have Graduate Faculty Status with the Graduate School.
• Must include:
• Problem formation (This includes review of the literature, concept exploration and development, and the specification of questions and hypotheses.)
• Development of a design (This includes selection of and rationale for type of design, sampling procedures, data-gathering methods, instruments, and measures.  Instruments may be existing ones or developed for the study.)
• Data collection/coding and data analysis or re-analysis. (This includes gathering, collating, and coding data.)
• Interpretation and implications for practice.

STATEMENT OF INTENT  

A statement of intent is completed at least 3 months before the planned start of a thesis, usually in the spring of the student’s first year in the MSW Program.  It is designed as an opportunity to make sure that both the student and the faculty advisor are clear about expectations and timeline – and to make sure that the project is a reasonable one.  It also provides time to get an IRB Review done, if necessary.  Form available on the MSW Program Reference Area website: https://socialwork.uw.edu/students/msw/msw-program-reference-area

HUMAN SUBJECTS REVIEW

Students should discuss early any need for an IRB review with their proposed chair, since getting human subjects approval can take an extended period of time.  Best place to start is the UW Human Subjects Division website to determine if your project requires IRB review. 

All proposals must have attached the following form, available on the MSW Program Reference Area website:

“Use of Human and Animal Subjects for UW Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations.”

A proposal for research should contain clear descriptions of the plans for accomplishment of the particular combination of research tasks, which will be implemented, plus human subjects review.  Where the research is concerned only with implementation of previously designed research, the proposal should include a statement summarizing the problem formulation and design tasks.  Where the research is a secondary analysis of previously collected data, the proposal should contain a summary of the original problem formulation, design, and data-collection procedures as a framework for considering a newly proposed hypothesis which will be examined via the available data. 

Sample generic thesis proposals available at the following sites but yours must include all required components on the Thesis Proposal and Committee Constitution Form on the MSW Program Reference Area:

• https://www.tadafinallyfinished.com/thesis-proposal.html
• https://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/communication/graduate/maproposals.cfm

DATA ANALYSIS CONSULTATION AND SUPPORT

The UW School of Social work provides financial support to the Center for Social Science Computation and Research (CSSCR).  This on-campus resource center provides workshops on the use of different software programs used for data analysis.  They also provide 1:1 data consulting for students. 

http://csscr.washington.edu/

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP, MEETINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The committee chair MUST be a member of the Graduate School Faculty and be approved to chair thesis committees for the School of Social Work.  Students must verify that their proposed chair has such an appointment at: https://grad.uw.edu/for-faculty-and-staff/faculty-locator/

The committee must have a minimum of 2 members and the second member may be a teaching or research faculty member at the UW (in or out of the department), a practicum instructor or agency supervisor, but if a student would like a 3 rd member, that 3 rd member must again be approved by the Graduate School (but may be in a department other than social work.)  This ensures that at least half of the committee are UW Graduate Faculty on any committee.

Students should review themselves and provide a copy to all committee members of the “Thesis Student and Committee Roles” document, which can be found on the MSW Program Reference Area website at: https://socialwork.uw.edu/students/msw/msw-program-reference-area

REGISTRATION FOR THESIS CREDITS

Students will submit their Statement of Intent (see above) to [email protected] , and, once all permissions have been granted, will be given a faculty ID code which will be used to register for their first quarter of Soc W 700.  Students will need to submit their full thesis proposal to receive the code to register for their subsequent quarters of thesis. 

THESIS DEFENSE

The UW School of Social Work does not require a thesis defense nor will a masters “warrant” be necessary.  Students may choose to defend their thesis if they would like to do so.

UW GRADUATE SCHOOL THESIS PROCEDURE

Students considering a thesis should watch the video concerning the UW Graduate School processes, which includes the process for submitting the thesis electronically, at:

https://grad.uw.edu/for-students-and-post-docs/thesisdissertation/

SUBMISSION OF THE THESIS

The thesis must be submitted by 5pm on the last day of instruction in the quarter of completion through the UW ETD site.  Along with the thesis, the student must submit a “ Master’s Supervisory Committee Approval Form ” with signatures from all committee members. More information and that form may be found at:

https://grad.uw.edu/for-students-and-post-docs/thesisdissertation/final-submission-of-your-thesisdissertation/​

*Note: students who have registered a preferred name with the UW may use it on their thesis title page and in the ETD administrator site.  Students may add a preferred name at identity.uw.edu.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING DOESN'T WORK OUT?

Students who have started a thesis but find that they are unable to complete the full scope of the project will have any completed Soc W 700 credits converted to Soc W 600: Independent Research in Social Work on their transcript and will be able to continue to use those completed credits toward their MSW elective requirement. 

These standards were updated September 2017.

Theses and Dissertations (Social Work)

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Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Social Work Programs

Most social work programs culminate in a final capstone or thesis. Usually, students complete a capstone or thesis in their final quarter, semester, or year of study, but some may begin preparing for the project weeks or even months in advance. Schools assign capstones and theses to assess a prospective social worker’s ability to apply classroom concepts in a professional social work setting.

In general, both kinds of projects require students to undergo internships or complete field work in a social work role. Oftentimes, students must critically analyze a social justice or human rights issue relevant to their field experience. Alternatively, students may offer potential solutions to problems their employers face. In combining research with field work, social work programs also prepare graduates to transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Students can complete their capstones or theses in a diverse range of settings. Common placements for both projects include clinical or hospital environments, public policy organizations, and nonprofits. Within these core settings, students work with underserved populations and address issues such as systemic racism, economic inequality, access to healthcare and education, and substance abuse.

This guide outlines the similarities and differences between the social work capstone and thesis, and provides general guidelines for both projects.

What’s the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis in Social Work Programs?

Both a capstone and thesis are supervised research projects that include a practicum or internship in a professional social work setting. These projects also include a written essay synthesizing the student’s internship experience and applying relevant lessons from the social work curriculum. At the end of the process, students give a final presentation.

However, significant differences exist between the two options. Social work bachelor’s students usually complete a capstone, while social work master’s students usually complete a thesis. In general, a capstone demonstrates a student’s ability to apply classroom principles in a professional setting. By contrast, a thesis combines internship work with original, publishable research. Thus, while students prove their mastery of social work theory in completing a capstone, students contribute new ideas to the field in writing a thesis.

What Is a Capstone Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work capstone format.

Typically, a social work capstone is a final project embedded within a required research or practicum course. Field work for the capstone project requires a time commitment of one quarter to one academic year, with many students beginning their practicum or internship experience the summer before their senior year. Capstone projects include extended written components, usually an essay of 30 to 40 pages. In the written portion, students identify an issue or need at their field experience site. They then research the topic and suggest potential solutions. Students often present their papers to an audience of their professors and peers. Most capstones are individual projects, but some programs ask students to collaborate.

Choosing Your Social Work Capstone Topic

Since the capstone incorporates an internship in a social work setting, it also provides an opportunity to network with industry professionals and launch a post-graduation career. As such, students’ professional goals within social work should determine their capstone focus. After choosing a topic, students hone their research goals with the help of faculty advisers, professors who typically have work experience relevant to each student’s interests. Capstone topics vary depending on the program, but students often analyze current human rights or social justice issues such as multicultural family systems, health and wellness, public policy, and sustainable development.

Completing Your Social Work Capstone

While each social work program maintains unique capstone requirements, the project’s timeline typically follows a similar sequence. Prior to securing a field work site, students attend informational forums in which instructors explain field work expectations and available partnership locations. Students apply for field work locations that most closely align with their academic interests and professional goals, and professors assign sites accordingly. Field work usually takes place in social service institutions such as hospitals, children’s welfare agencies, or housing transition programs. Occasionally, students can complete capstone research in their current workplace if they already hold employment in an eligible social work setting.

Once students start field work, they meet regularly with advisers, either one-on-one or alongside a group of peers. During these meetings, students analyze their field work experiences, identify problems or needs in a given area, and design a research topic that offers potential solutions. Usually, social work interns also work with a field site supervisor. This supervisor acts as a mentor and ensures that students meet expectations and log the required number of hours.

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Presenting your social work capstone.

Most social work students present their capstone projects in front of a panel of professors and peers. Capstone panels range in size from a few faculty members to audiences of 30 to 40 people. Occasionally, presentations open to the public. Since capstone presentations cover research data, panels generally encourage visual aids, such as PowerPoint or Prezi, to illustrate measurable statistics. During the presentation, students describe their internship role, analyze the communities this internship served, and reflect on the potential solutions to problems they encountered.

How Is a Social Work Capstone Graded?

Students receive a grading rubric at the beginning of their capstone course outlining the program’s unique assessment requirements. While each program determines the success of a capstone differently, professors usually assess how well a student develops a professional identity, engages in critical thinking, conducts research, and cultivates an ethical practice serving human rights or social justice. Assessors grade a capstone on an “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Students who fail can occasionally appeal their grades, retake the capstone seminar, or edit their research essay.

What Is a Thesis Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work thesis format.

Most master’s programs include a social work thesis. For the thesis, students complete in-depth research or data collection, write an extended essay of about 50 pages, and present an oral defense of results. Typically, master’s students conduct research on a topic of interest while participating in a field work placement or internship. Candidates then outline their research in a written thesis. This process requires at least a year of work, and students usually complete thesis projects individually. Occasionally, however, graduate students’ theses are collective projects that contribute to larger, faculty-led research studies. In such cases, a group of several students and faculty members conduct research together.

Choosing Your Social Work Thesis Topic

Like the capstone, a thesis offers the chance to conduct academic research while earning relevant work experience and networking with social work professionals. Students should communicate with a faculty member or professor who shares their professional or academic experiences and interests. With the help of their adviser, students can determine their research interests and find field work placement sites.

Though thesis topics vary widely, students often address human rights and social justice concerns they encounter during clinical, public policy, or nonprofit work. Rather than relying on established claims, theses propose new ways of understanding and combating social inequality. Social work thesis topics grapple with issues such as the efficacy of community centers in impoverished neighborhoods, strategies for palliative care social work, and success rates for bully prevention programs.

Completing Your Master of Social Work Thesis

Before designing a thesis, students often spend at least one semester, or two quarters, working in their chosen field placement site. During this process, master’s students work alongside a field supervisor, who regularly conducts one-on-one evaluation meetings to measure the student’s progress. The advisers also record student hours. Depending on a program’s requirements, master’s students spend 15 to 30 hours a week at their placement sites. This experience is crucial to identifying eligible social work thesis ideas.

After this initial work, students partner with a faculty adviser to identify a narrow research topic addressing a question or problem in their field. Students form this question by synthesizing their field work with an in-depth review of relevant literature and case studies from peer-reviewed sources. Finally, master’s students present their topic of inquiry to either their adviser or an advisory committee, usually in the form of a short, ten-page summary of their research interests. If the adviser approves the topic, students then begin formally collecting data and writing the thesis.

Presenting Your Social Work Thesis

The master of social work thesis presentation generally takes the form of a formal thesis defense. During the defense, master’s students present their research and conclusions to a faculty panel consisting of at least three professors, including the student’s faculty adviser. Similar to the capstone presentation, thesis defenses often include visual aids such as PowerPoint or Prezi presentations. The visual aid is especially important if the presentation involves graphs, pie charts, or other mediums of data analysis. Only the faculty panel typically attends a formal thesis defense, but master’s students often present their findings again in informal sessions open to the university community.

How Is a Social Work Thesis Graded?

The thesis should display a student’s ability to conduct independent research and meet the demands of a professional social work position. Professors grade a student’s formation of research questions, analysis of secondary literature, collection of data, and organization of research in a coherent report. Advisers always state their expectations in advance of the deadline. Students who don’t meet these goals can occasionally rewrite the thesis, but failure seriously endangers and delays degree conferral. Professors award grades based on a “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Passing projects generally receive an “A,” while underdeveloped projects receive failing grades.

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Theses and Dissertations (Social Work and Criminology)

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• A student-informed sexual harassment policy framework for higher Educational institutions in South Africa  Nunlall-Hiralal, Reema ( University of Pretoria , 2023-07 ) The study aimed to develop a student-informed sexual harassment policy framework for higher educational institutions in South Africa because it was recognised that students are voiceless in the policy-making process. The ...
• Trauma-informed care : a programme for caregivers in child and youth care centres within the South African context  Van der Burgh, Nanet ( University of Pretoria , 2023-08-31 ) There is growing apprehension about the quality of care provided to the vulnerable children residing in child and youth care centres (CYCCs). Children in CYCCs often have unique care needs stemming from their complex trauma ...
• Young adult’s reflections on their experiences of social media use during adolescence  Madikgetla, Malehlohonolo Lorraine ( University of Pretoria , 2023 ) Social media is an Internet-based application that enable people to communicate and interact with others online, form relationships, access information, and create and share content with people known or not known to them, ...
• Children's views at Camp Sizanani Life Skills on mitigating environmental risks and poverty for a sustainable future  Mudira, Awelani Constance ( University of Pretoria , 2023 ) Environmental risks and poverty are prevalent and have negative effects on all community members, including children. Children are exposed to health risks such as asthma, airborne diseases and lung diseases caused by ...
• Children's views at Camp Sizanani Life Skills on mitigating environmental risks and poverty for a sustainable future  Dukada, Nomzamo ( University of Pretoria , 2023-07 ) Children’s participation in decision making processes was affirmed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to be a cornerstone of their human rights (United Nations (UN), 1989). The South African ...
• Young adults' reflections on their experiences of social media use during adolescence  Fourie, Evadne Celesti ( University of Pretoria , 2023 ) Approximately forty percent of the world population currently has access to the internet, with growing popularity among adolescents who can access social media and the internet at any time and place. Social media use can ...
• Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Strasheim, Aureal Veronica ( University of Pretoria , 2023 ) Child well-being is associated with positive outcomes in life, therefore, promoting children’s well-being can lead to sustainable futures for them. The goal of this study was to explore children’s perspectives on child ...
• Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to a sustainable futures  Van Vuuren, Simoné ( University of Pretoria , 2023-04 ) Child well-being is a multi-dimensional concept that includes physical, mental, social, cognitive, material, and environmental domains, which are interrelated. Children’s well-being influences their quality of life during ...
• Children’s perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Mojela, Kagiso ( University of Pretoria , 2023 ) Well-being is a subjective construct, meaning each individual can determine their view of well-being the best. Children are considered a vulnerable group and to align interventions aimed at improving their sustainable ...
• Die uitdagings en behoeftes van versorgers van jong volwassenes met traumatiese breinbesering (TBB) : ‘n ondersteuningsprogram raamwerk  Erasmus, Martha Aletta ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) 'n Traumatiese breinbesering (TBB) is 'n ernstige en lewensveranderende besering wat veroorsaak word deur 'n eksterne krag soos 'n val, motorongeluk, aanranding of deur 'n voorwerp wat skade aan die brein veroorsaak. 'n ...
• Children’s perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Gwambe, Tinyiko Cathrine ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) Research indicates that adults' views on children's well-being have been used to describe child well-being (Casa & Frönes, 2019:3). Bammer, Michaux, and Sanson (2010:15) emphasise the significance of the subjective well-being ...
• Children's Perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Lotheringen, Bianca ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) In an analysis of the General Household Survey 2002-2018 of Statistics South Africa it was found that children make up 34% of the total population in South-Africa. Large numbers of children in South Africa are exposed to ...
• Service delivery within the criminal justice system : the experiences of adult female rape survivors and service providers  Bougard, Nigel Bradely ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of post-rape services rendered to adult female rape survivors within the criminal justice system. The population comprised of both adult female rape survivors and service ...
• Children's agency in reducing poverty and environmental risk : case study of drop-in- centre, care-net development and support organisation  Mokhema, Ditlhare Miranda Cathrine ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) In terms of Section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 1996), children who are at an age, maturity and stage of development where they are able to participate in decisions concerning their ...
• Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Majuru, Beauty ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) Many decisions that are related to children’s well-being are made based on social policies and on the conceptions of adults. However, adult conceptions of child well-being may not be relevant to children. Therefore, ...
• Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Mtsweni, Zandile ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) In 1989, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child which set out to have children’s voices heard and included in decision-making processes affecting them (United Nations, 1989). The goal of the ...
• Young adults’ reflections on their experiences of social media during adolescence  Smuts, Petronella ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) Globally, social media use is on the rise. Initially, social media was targeted at young adults, however younger adolescents and children are now becoming active social media users. Due to social media users becoming younger ...
• A psychoeducational programme for caregivers of people with intellectual disability within the Western Cape  Gordon, Bonita Karen ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) In the Western Cape, 98% of people living with intellectual disability are being taken care of by caregivers. These caregivers often sacrifice their own aspirations in their devotion to the person living with intellectual ...
• Pathways to maternal filicide among women incarcerated in Gauteng Province  Castlemaine, Melissa ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) The unfathomable crime of murdering one’s own child, referred to as filicide, is increasingly reported on in media and evokes disbelief in society, especially when committed by the victim’s mother. Mothers who murder their ...
• Children’s perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures  Kotze, Martie Johanna ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) Child well-being is defined as a multidimensional concept as it measures the quality of a child’s life by looking at the physical, mental, social, and material domains of well-being. Children’s well-being can contribute ...

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Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Dissertations

This series contains dissertations from Penn's Doctorate in Social Work program. For more information about University of Pennsylvania dissertation requirements and guidelines, please consult the dissertation manual .

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• Publication Technology as the Third Spouse - The Impact of Smartphones on Newlywed Couples ( 2021-05-15 ) Mandel, Sarah Show more Background Recent research has explored the impact of technology and smartphone use on relationships. This is the first study to address smartphone use in the newlywed stage of marriage. The newlywed time period is the foundational phase of a marital relationship. Technological changes have become part of our culture and smartphone technology has become central to individuals’ lives. The accessibility and size of the smartphone, along with the features it provides, is different from all other devices, thus creating a more intimate and dependent relationship with it. Methods The aim of this study was to expand upon the existing research related to smartphone technology by addressing the gap in the literature on smartphone use during the newlywed time period. This qualitative study explored the experiences of smartphone use in newlywed couples when in each other's presence and how smartphones were part of a newlywed couple’s interaction. Twenty newlywed couples, married between one and four years were interviewed separately, totaling a sample of 40 participants. Data were collected from June 2020 through July 2020 until saturation was met. Results The five themes that were illuminated in this study were, Vehicle, Mindset, Phone Rules, Interface, and Circular Use. The themes were developed based on the appreciation of the common experience of all the participants within their newlywed marriage in relation to their smartphone use (n=40). The results indicated that the smartphone is a neutral reflection of its user and is a vehicle that can be used to either magnify or minimize the value of the couple’s interaction when together. The user’s needs and mindset drive the use of the smartphone. Depending on the spouse’s mindset, the smartphone was used to either enhance bonding or to create a momentary outlet within the relationship. The unexpected finding that a person’s mindset effected their smartphone use informed the reason why individuals used their smartphone object in the moment when with their spouse. Discussion These findings support that when the newlywed couple either employed rules or made quality time a priority by putting the brakes on their smartphone consumption, smartphone use did not have a negative effect on their feelings of attachment to each other. This study suggests the importance of understanding a spouse’s mindset as a motivating factor for smartphone use during shared interactions in order for the couple to better acknowledge each other’s needs and support their developing marital bond. This research has provided information that stresses the importance of helping couples exchange their seeking of connection to their devices in exchange for live and conscious connection to their partner. Show more
• Publication The Impact of the Therapeutic Alliance, Therapist Empathy and Perceived Coercion on Engagement in Outpatient Therapy for Individuals with Serious Mental Health Conditions ( 2020-05-18 ) Mallonee, Jason R Show more Purpose: Individuals with serious mental health conditions disengage from treatment at a higher rate than other populations. Factors associated with treatment engagement for this population in other contexts, or in outpatient therapy for other populations, include the therapeutic alliance, therapist empathy, and perceived coercion. This study tested the hypothesis that a stronger therapeutic alliance, a greater degree of therapist empathy, and a lower degree of coercion will be associated with a higher degree of engagement in outpatient therapy for individuals with SMHC when controlling for other factors found to be associated with engagement. Methods: 131 participants completed an anonymous web-based survey measuring the study’s constructs with established scales. The relationship between variables was tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: After separating the therapeutic alliance and therapist empathy in the multivariate analysis due to multicollinearity, both the therapeutic alliance and therapist empathy were found to be significant predictors of change in client engagement. Perceived coercion was not found to be a significant predictor of change in client engagement. It was also found that participant treatment utilization at the time of survey completion was significantly less intensive than their historical treatment utilization, and that participants reflect a range of symptoms and levels of impairment. Conclusions and Implications: The therapeutic alliance and the quality of therapist-client interactions are the most important factors in maintaining engagement in outpatient therapy for individuals with SMHC. Individuals with SMHC are managing their conditions with less intensive and less restrictive treatments, despite a varying range of symptom severity and functional impairment. Additional research is needed to better understand engagement in therapy for individuals with SMHC and to develop more sensitive measures for evaluating these constructs. Show more
• Publication THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEMIC, TRAUMA-INFORMED GROUP MODEL TO REDUCE SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG VIOLENCE INTERVENTION WORKERS ( 2019-05-20 ) Vega, Laura Show more ABSTRACT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEMIC, TRAUMA-INFORMED GROUP MODEL TO REDUCE SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG VIOLENCE INTERVENTION WORKERS Laura Vega, MSW, LCSW Lani Nelson-Zlupko, Ph.D., LCSW Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among violence intervention workers is pervasive and increases the risk of negative psychosocial and health outcomes. Compelling evidence demonstrates the virulent impact of STS on individual workers, clients, and organizations (Bride, 2007; Figley, 1995; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). STS is an occupational hazard and organizations have an ethical obligation to implement strategies to address it, ultimately protecting workers and clients. However, research is limited on effective interventions to address this issue, with existing interventions focusing narrowly on self-care strategies. Due to the significant and consistent trauma exposure inherent in violence intervention work, it is essential for STS interventions to be proactive, ongoing, and agency-based. This dissertation identifies key risk and protective factors, reviews existing interventions, and describes gaps in those interventions. The development of a group model, Stress-Less Initiative, is presented, an evidence-informed, theoretically grounded intervention that is proactive, ongoing, and embedded within the organization to prevent secondary trauma. The Stress-Less Initiative is a team-based model that provides a safe context to reflect on the impact of trauma work while increasing collegial support, coping strategies, team cohesion and resilience. Recommendations for agency use of this intervention are provided and implications for practice, research and policy are presented. Show more
• Publication PARENTAL "SENSE OF AGENCY": A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF PARENTS EXPERIENCES ASSISTING THEIR CHILDREN IN OUTPATIENT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. ( 2022-08-05 ) Erickson, Eric G Show more Parental “Sense of Agency”: A Qualitative Study of Parents Experiences Assisting their Children in Outpatient Community Mental Health Treatment. ABSTRACT In the United States, there are approximately 17 million children under the age of 17 that have commonly diagnosed mental health disorders which include ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression (Bitsko et al., 2019). In efforts to provide access to mental health treatment, there are approximately 11,682 mental health facilities as of 2018, 62% of which are comprised of community mental health centers and outpatient mental health clinics that provide mental health services for children and families (SAMSHA, 2018). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of parents and/or primary caregivers “sense of agency” in reference to working with mental health professionals in outpatient community mental health settings. For the purposes of this study, “sense of agency” is defined as actions that are experienced as voluntary and in which we may not feel as simply happening to us rather, we experience agency when we are in control of our actions (Synofzik et al., 2008; Moore, 2016). The assumption in the study is that parents “sense of agency” is a critical aspect of parents being able to effectively engage and implement evidenced based interventions utilized for their children in outpatient community mental health settings. Furthermore, parents increased or improved “sense of agency” would have a lasting impact on their ability to assist their children with mental health conditions even after their children are no longer receiving mental health treatment. The theoretical framework that was utilized in the study to explore parents “sense of agency” was Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. The study was comprised of N=10 participants who had one or more children participating in one outpatient clinic in Central Harlem. Parents engaged in a one-hour semi-structured interview which explored their experiences assisting their children in mental health treatment and their interactions with their child, mental health practitioners and other supports. After the study was completed, four major themes emerged. The four themes included: parents locus of control, parental activation, parental attributions, and issues related to the utilization of psychotropic medication by some of the children in the study. These themes impacted parents “sense of agency” in how they were able to engage in their child’s treatment, what they believed were potential causes of their child’s mental health condition, their orientation of control (whether external or internal) in reference to their child’s progress in treatment, as well as, navigating their children’s resistance to psychotropic medication. Social work practice implications would incorporate interventions that can increase parents “sense of agency”, specifically due to its relational nature which may lead to a transmission of agency to future generations considering the ongoing systemic challenges that families may face in their own communities. The implications for future studies may focus not only on parents “sense of agency” during their child’s mental health treatment but parents “sense of agency” before the start of their child’s treatment process in relation to their capacity to implement interventions that are formulated alongside the mental health practitioner. Furthermore, studies may seek to follow up with parents after their child’s completion of treatment in efforts to understand parents’ experiences or changes in their “sense of agency” as it relates to their children’s mental health. These studies would further allow to improve the understanding between parents “sense of agency” and long-term outcomes in mental health treatment for their children. Show more
• Publication A Comparative Effectiveness Study of the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) and an Attachment-Informed Variation of TREM ( 2017-05-15 ) Masin-Moyer, Melanie Show more Abstract A Comparative Effectiveness Study of the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) and an Attachment-Informed Variation of TREM (ATREM) Melanie Masin-Moyer, University of Pennsylvania Dr. Phyllis Solomon, Dissertation Chair, University of Pennsylvania Dr. Malitta Engstrom, Dissertation Committee Member, University of Pennsylvania Objective: An evidenced-based women’s trauma group was modified to create a new protocol, Attachment-Informed Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (ATREM), which included attachment-based concepts and strategies to determine if well-being could be enhanced beyond the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM). A quasi-experimental design was used to test the hypothesis that ATREM would be associated with greater improvement in attachment security, perceived social support, emotion regulation, substance use, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms than TREM. Methods: Sixty-nine women completed the group interventions (n = 37 ATREM; n = 32 TREM), along with pre- and-post-test questionnaires. The questionnaires included sociodemographic questions and the following standardized scales: Relationship Scale Questionnaire, Social Group Attachment Scale, Social Support Scale, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation, Brief Symptom Inventory 18, PTSD Symptom Scale, and modified versions of the Lifetime Stressor Checklist Revised and the Addiction Severity Index. The continuous variables were analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons, and the categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-Square or Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: Both ATREM and TREM were associated with statistically significant within-group improvement in individual and group attachment styles, perceived social support, emotion regulation capacities, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Only ATREM was associated with statistically significant improvement in individual attachment avoidance. The gains associated with ATREM did not exceed those associated with TREM as hypothesized. Conclusion: This pilot study extends prior findings on TREM by demonstrating that novel infusions of attachment-focused strategies into this evidence-based practice can facilitate comparable growth across a variety of measures of well-being. ATREM was also able to promote significant reductions in individual attachment avoidance, a style of interacting often considered challenging to modify. ATREM’s integrated design with cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic elements holds potential to enhance responsiveness and effectiveness of TREM in meeting the diverse needs of women who have experienced trauma. Further, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of brief trauma-focused group therapy and provides insight into the emerging concept of group attachment style. Show more
• Publication It’s the Journey: The Developmental and Attachment Implications of Animal Assisted Play Therapy(TM) for Children in Emergency Housing ( 2018-05-14 ) Wenocur, Katharine P Show more BACKGROUND: Child homelessness is correlated with a wide range of health and psychosocial challenges including poor school performance, juvenile justice involvement, and heightened risk of exposure to early-life violence and trauma. Despite this, participation in therapy tends to be low. Animal Assisted Play TherapyTM (AAPT), a comprehensive model that systematically integrates trained therapy animals into play therapy, serves as a compelling modality for engaging this population into treatment. The tenets of AAPT are aligned with several clinical goal areas that homeless children might address in therapy, including the strengthening of attachment relationships with primary caregivers. METHODS: The study integrated analysis of projective drawings and accompanying narratives with the treatment records of 11 children (ages 6-11) who received canine assisted therapy while residing in an urban, mid-Atlantic family homeless shelter. All children worked with a clinician trained in AAPT and participated in at least three therapy sessions with a qualified therapy dog present. Each child created a drawing in response to the prompt: “Draw a picture of a child and a dog”, and told a story based on the contents of their drawing. Parent/caregivers of each child participated in a qualitative interview that elicited feedback and reflections on the therapy process. Grounded constructivist theory and interpretive description were used to conduct both individual and cross-participant analysis. Analysis was further informed by children’s case history files and parent interviews about children’s developmental history. RESULTS: The projective drawings communicated aspects of homeless children’s relationships with the therapy dog and, in turn, with their primary caregivers. Developmentally, children drew at lower levels than would be expected for their age. Each child personalized their drawing, either by identifying the protagonist as their gender, or including a physical characteristic (e.g. clothing, hairstyle) unique to the child; this suggests that the children tapped into their personal experience. Several themes emerged from analysis of the drawings and narratives including representations of lived and wished-for attachment experiences. Children depicted relationships between the characters in their drawings and narratives that were characterized by emotional closeness as well as frequent separations and reunions. Children also highlighted the importance of learning tasks related to training and caring for the dogs. These themes were reflected in the children's treatment records and the parent/caregiver interviews. Parent/caregivers described their child's experience in therapy positively, and identified the therapy dog as a component of the treatment's success. IMPLICATIONS: Projective drawings enabled homeless children to communicate their attachment experiences in a manner sensitive to their developmental needs. Themes that emerged from this study inform further research on specific benefits of animal assisted therapy. Specifically, the themes of lived and wished-for attachment experiences suggest that further research on this modality might focus on the ways that the modality allows children to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The drawings created during this study are a valuable tool in understanding the experiences of homeless children, and lay the groundwork for further study of the use of projective drawings for exploring children's experiences in therapy. Show more
• Publication TRAUMA-INFORMED CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS: CONNECTION, HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION ( 2018-05-14 ) McAlpin, Frank Show more Young people experiencing homelessness in the United States are some of the most resilient individuals in our society. They, like all young people, are filled with extraordinary potential. However, the multiple and chronic trauma that these young people experience, caused by systemic injustices such as poverty, violence and oppression, both before and while experiencing homelessness, deeply violate their dignity and human rights. For youth experiencing homelessness, their very survival physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and economically is threatened daily. Experiences such as: abuse, neglect, poverty, housing instability, loss, family and community violence, victimization, exploitation, hunger, illness, criminalization, social isolation, rejection and marginalization profoundly influence a young person’s sense of safety and ultimately their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this project is to create a response to youth homelessness that restores and enhances dignity and provides opportunities for connection, healing and transformation. This will be accomplished by the creation of a Trauma-Informed Case Management Toolkit for case managers working with youth experiencing homelessness. In short, this response addresses the individual needs of young people experiencing homelessness while also encouraging social change. The trauma-informed case management toolkit, a holistic guide in delivering case management services, connects theory to practice for case managers, infusing principles of trauma-informed care, attachment theory, youth development and social justice into case management practice with youth experiencing homelessness. The intention is that the trauma-informed case management toolkit can be used as part of the larger response in addressing youth homelessness from an individual, community, societal, and policy perspective. Show more
• Publication Client-Clinician Texting: An Expansion of the Clinical Holding Environment ( 2015-05-19 ) Innocente, Gina M Show more While there has been a surge in the texting literature related to the innovative uses of mobile technology in clinical social work practice, there is a dearth of knowledge related to the use of texting between clients and clinicians. Regardless of a clinician’s individual preference for using texting, cultural paradigm shifts in communication and interpersonal expectations will require incorporation of texting technology to meet client demands. This two-part dissertation provides a critical review of the literature that chronicles the rapid diffusion of texting into American culture and identifies its current use in psychotherapy. It demonstrates a significant gap related to its impact on the therapeutic relationship, as well as the absence of theoretical evolution to guide practice. An accompanying article expands relational theory as a way to conceptualize texting and texting behaviors in order to make responsible and purposeful decisions when integrating this technology. Composite case vignettes will demonstrate how “theoretical knowing” can be translated into “clinical doing” to address this current gap between theory and practice. Show more
• Publication EXPLAINING THE LONG-DISTANCE PARENT CAREGIVING BURDEN OF THE UNITED STATES FOREIGN SERVICE AND MILITARY ( 2022-08-05 ) Holmes, Christine D Show more Purpose: To respond to global trends in aging, healthcare, technology and mobile labor markets, this cross-sectional, correlational study examined the burden of long-distance parent caregivers, or adults coordinating parent care remotely, by using a convenience sample of U.S. active-duty military personnel and Foreign Service Officers. Methods: 79 respondents completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. The relationship between variables was tested using multiple regression analysis and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Preparedness for caregiving was negatively correlated with subjective and objective caregiving burden in multiple regression analysis. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in subjective burden based on caregiving intensity. There was also a significant difference in objective burden based on the reason the recipient needed care, but post-hoc analysis found no inter-group differences that passed the Bonferroni adjusted cutoff for significance. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the gender of the caregiver, availability of a sibling support network and instrumental support were not significantly correlated with burden. Conclusions and Implications: Preparedness for caregiving had the strongest relationship to distance caregiving burden in this study. Findings may inform intervention strategies to limit the strains of caregiving and support other distance caregiver subgroups, such as other U.S. Government employees and other Americans living overseas. Future longitudinal research is needed to understand causality and the relationship between variables in the long-distance caregiving trajectory over time. Show more
• Publication THIRD CULTURE KIDS (TCKs) GO TO COLLEGE: A RETROSPECTIVE NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF INTERNATIONAL UPBRINGING AND COLLEGIATE ENGAGEMENT ( 2018-05-14 ) Espada-Campos, Shakira Show more BACKGROUND: Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are those who have been raised in a culture outside of the culture of their parents, usually in a host country that differs from the country of their birth, because of their parents’ work or religious endeavors. Some of the groups that identify themselves as TCKs include children of military service members stationed overseas, children of members of the Foreign Service, and the children of missionaries. These children are growing up in a culture and society that is different from their parents’ passport country and may vastly differ in language spoken, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. Pollock and Van Reken (2001) explain TCKs as being between cultures, stating that the third culture is developed by the child to explain an identity that is different from that of the host country or the parents’ home country. This retrospective narrative inquiry explored the undergraduate college experiences of Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) to understand the risk and protective factors associated with repatriation and collegiate engagement. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative approach combining heuristic analysis and procedures of grounded theory during data collection, analysis, and interpretation of findings. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with individuals who self-identified as ATCKs and had completed a four year undergraduate program earning a degree. RESULTS: Concepts related to understanding the self, and meaningful connections and relationships emerged from the data revealing how repatriation can be simultaneously volatile and emotionally grounding. Themes uncovered during data analysis included perceptions of self-identity, investment, the concept of home, uneven development, and factors contributing to college choice. DISCUSSION: Research findings suggest the need for culturally informed administrative practices to mitigate psychosocial challenges associated with academic engagement. Interventions related to student identification procedures, supportive resources, and campus life programs should be incorporated to support multicultural students starting at the time of application and continuing through to graduation. Show more
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