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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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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 .

Home > USC Columbia > Social Work, College of > Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A Mixed Method Study of How Teachers’ Racial Bias Relates to Student-Teacher Relationships , Tasha Marie Childs

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Place Identity and Gentrification-Induced Social and Cultural Displacement Among Longstanding Black American Residents: Theory, Case, and Innovating Methodology , Brittany B. Davis

Where the Home Fires Burn: The Heart of Geographic Mobility in Rural Southern America , Mariah Moran

Black and Blue: An Exploratory Investigation Of Black College Students’ Experiences of Exposure to Police Killings , Betty L. Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Younger Residents Through the Looking Glass: Perceptions of the Residential Experience of Non-Traditionally Aged Residents Living in the Long Term Care Setting , Sara J. English

Correlates of Attitudes Toward Violence and Dating Violence Perpetration Among U.S. College Students , Jeongsuk Kim

Association Between Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Depression in Caregivers from Low Income Families , Weizhou Tang

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Family And School Impact On Psychological Functioning From Childhood To Late Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study Of Rural Chinese Youth , Yang Yue

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Broke but not without Hope: Exploring Exits from Housing First and Returns to Homelessness , Jennie Ann Cole

Acculturation Stress And Depression Among First-Year International Graduate Students From China And India At The University Of South Carolina , Kyunghee Ma

African American End-Stage Renal Disease And Medication Adherence: What Are The Effects Of Everyday Racism? , Tamara Estes Savage

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

People Who Live Unsheltered: The Role of Trust In the Bond Component Of Their Working Alliances , Candice Morgan

On Becoming An Ecologically Conscious Social Worker: Exploring Professional Identities That Include A Response To The Environmental Crisis , Meredith C. F. Powers

Race, Place, And Access To Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In South Carolina , Marissa E. Yingling

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Vocational Readiness: The Effect of Pre-Prison and Incarceration-Based Trauma on Cognitive Appraisals and Self-Perceptions of Incarcerated Women , Joi Dykes Anderson

Parent To Parent Support For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Perspectives Of Parents And Program Staff , Nina Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Non-offending Mothers of Sexually Abused Children: How They Decide Whom to Believe , Lynn McMillan

How Welfare Reform Act Affects Elderly Immigrants' Health and Healthcare Service Utilization: Comparisons Before and After Welfare Reform , Younsook Yeo

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Identity Journeys: Life Stories of Women Adopted Transnationally As Children , Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter

Effects of Family Ses, Multiple Types of Child Abuse, and Parental Attachment On Early Sexual Activity: Analysis of the National Longitudinal Study On Adolescent Health (Add Health) , Mugdha Galande

Juggling Demands and Resources: Low Wage Women Making Sense of Bill-Paying Hardships , Susan Taylor Parlier

Flying' Female Sex Workers in Kolkata, India: Using "Cultural Biography" to Understand HIV Risk Perceptions , Sunny Sinha

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Stress, Coping, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among MSW Students , Frank Patrick Addonizio

Caught Between Two Worlds: The Experiences of Newly Arrived Mexican Immigrant High School Students , Maria Lourdes del Castillo-Gonzalez

Individual- and Unit-Level Coping Among Combat Veterans Subject to Army Force Stabilization System Personnel Policy , Ronald James Whalen

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Marital Attitudes of Never Married Black Women , Kendra Pili DeLoach

A STUDY OF OPTIMISM, COPING STRATEGY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WHITE, KOREAN, AND AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE OLDER ADULTS , HeeSoon Lee

Starting the Journey: From Novice to Expert Social Worker Through Cognitive Apprenticeship , Robert Jay Palmer

Summated Scale Construction: Development of the Inventory of Professional Competencies (Ipc) , Melissa Catherine Reitmeier

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

The University of South Carolina School of Social Work, 1934-1954 , Elaine Walker Townsend

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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 2023 2023.

Examining The Relationship Between Technological Skills and Success In Higher Education Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals , Ebony Cubias

SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TREATING ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSERS , Monica DeLucia and Kethura Solano

MINORITIZED GROUPS AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND RECOVERY CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN MUTUAL AID FELLOWSHIPS , Kaelyn Doyle and Benjamin Wahl

EXAMINING EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PREPAREDNESS ON THE NEEDS OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS , Imelda Duran Herrera

RESILENCY AND FATHERLESS HOUSEHOLDS , Joshua Ellis-Kennedy and Crystal Angelica Orellana

THE INCREASE OF SUICIDE RISKS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , Joanna Flores

Staff Turnover in Child Welfare , Maleena Flores

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT'S PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND PREPAREDNESS IN SERVING UNACCOMPANIED MIGRANT CHILDREN , Miriam Flores Portillo and Estela Flores-Portillo

PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL MENTAL HEALTH ON ADULT CHILDREN , Samantha Ann Gallo-Vargas and Queray McMihelk Jr.

HOW ARE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING TO DETECT AND REPORT ELDER ABUSE IN HOSPICE , Crystal Garcia and Katherine Barba

How Stigma Impacts the Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Young Adults' Within Three Different Ethnic Minority Communities , Ivette Garcia and Melissa E. Gomez

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION OUTCOMES , Kelly Gasso

INTERVENTIONS AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH OPPOSITIONAL DIFIANT DISORDER: A SCOPING REVIEW , Megan George and Jacqueline Laitano

HOW DOES HAVING A PET DURING THE CORONAVIRUS-19 PANDEMIC AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AFFECT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION , Sugey Gonzalez-Escobedo and Jessica Morales Sanchez

SCHOOL FACULTY’S KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS , Bianca Gonzalez Vargas and Cristal Cortes-Vazquez

HOW LATINO PARENTS COPED WITH FINANCIAL CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19 , Melissa Gradilla and Valerie Malagon

ASSESSING RURAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES , Ava M. Hagwood

SOCIAL WORK’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING POLICE OPPRESSION: SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES , Jess Husband

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE , Adelola Ige

EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE , Aida Justiz Skipper and Ericka Ross

PROMOTING RESILIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE , Brenda Lara

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND THE SEXUAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Irad Leon

HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED CLIENTS OF THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTER , Daniella Loera

FACTORS THAT INCREASE SOCIAL WORKER LONGEVITY IN CHILD WELFARE SERVICES , Heather Lovejoy

SAFETY ORGANIZED PRACTICE TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA , Alison Lucado

Indigenous Women and Traditional Paths to Healing , Lisa Mariano-Grise

SERVICES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVES FOSTER YOUTH VICTIMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: THE SOCIAL WORKER’S PERSPECTIVE , Maria Marquez

RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF VIEWS ON THE TRAINING THAT THEY RECEIVE AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS ON PREPAREDNESS IN REGARD TO WORKING WITH RESIDENTS , Deziray Sorieya Marroquin

EFFECTS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ON PARENTS , David Martinez and Linda Saleh Borghol

THE CHALLENGES HOMELESS MEN WITH HIV/AIDS FACE WHEN SEEKING HOUSING , Rosey Yvette Martinez

EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAMILY COHESION AND THE RISK OF SUBSTANCE USE IN OFFSPRING , Angelica Mendoza

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF NON-MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS , Hannah Metz

EFFECTIVE RESOURCES FOR ONLINE LEARNING A STUDY ON ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN , Marlene Mora-Lopez

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING, RETENTION, AND SATISFACTION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY , Dennisse Moreno Romo and Dulcinea Catota

AGED OUT YOUTH'S PERCEPTION ON THE NEEDS OF EMANCIPATED FOSTER YOUTH , Linda Murillo

Attitudes of Social Work Students on the Use of Psychedelics as a Mental Health Treatment in Clinical Settings , Amanda Nickles

CHRONIC SORROW AND THE IMPACT ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , Rhianna Mayra Nordlund

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. , Stephanie Nunez-Rivera

Examining the Obstacles in Rehoming the Homeless with Substance Use Addiction , Denise Ortuno

Access to Gender-Affirming Care and Mental Health of Transgender Individuals , Paola Osuna Berumen

EXAMINING SUPPORT SEEKING BEHAVIORS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS , Ashley Padilla

THE BARRIERS DIRECT SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS FACE WHEN WORKING WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH , Elizabeth Padilla and Valerie Mercado

UNDERSTANDING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: IDENTIFYING MACRO AND MICRO-LEVEL MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS , Abbigail Pereyra

COVID-INDUCED STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS , Quenea Popoca and Christina Ngo

STUDENTS' EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR HYBRID MSW PROGRAM , Carolina Profeta

Preserving Placement for Children with Behavioral Issues: A Qualitative Study of Child Welfare Social Workers in the United States , Jessica Katelyn Quin and Tara Belle Beam

Does the use of Social Media Have an Impact on Young Adults Body Identification? , Glycell Robledo Felix and Ashley Olmedo

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND STRESS DURING COVID-19: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LATINO DREAMERS IN COLLEGE , Vanessa Robles and Janelly Molina

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT IN HOSPICE CARE TRANSITIONS FOR ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES , Natalie Rodas and Guillermina Morales

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DISPROPORTIONALITY AND DISPARITY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM , Nelyda Rodriguez

EXAMINING HOMELESSNESS AND ITS EFFECTS ON FUNCTIONING AMONG FOSTER CARE ALUMNI , Silvia Romero

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG ADULTS , MARIANA ROMO

Incarceration Effects on Children and Families , Sharon Rose

IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT HOW LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS STUDENTS ARE AT AN ACADEMIC DISADVANTAGE , Farbod Samari

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF THE PLACEMENT DISCONTINUITY IN FOSTER CARE , Michelle Sepulveda and Angela Williams

HOW LANGUAGE, HEALTHCARE INSURANCE STATUS, STIGMA, AGE, AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT INFLUENCED THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG THE LATINO MALE POPULATION , Esmeralda Solis and Annika Coe

THE BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS , Joseph Stewart

Social Justice Theatre and the Impact on Theatre Artists , Stevie Taken

School-based Suicide Prevention Program for LGBTQ Students , Ching Lok Tse

Exploring Permanency Rates Within the Southern California Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego , Karrene Turner

Placement instability and its effects on the mental health of foster youth , Tyra Turner and Shalynn Burton

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND GANG MEMBERSHIP , Johanna Ulloa

SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVE ON BARRIERS TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION , Laura Velasquez and Annamarie C. Merrill

FIRST-GENERATION SOCIAL WORK LATINAS BALANCING LIFE AND CAREER , Angelica Venegas

FORMER FOSTER YOUTH AND THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Jacqueline Viadas and Liliana Lua

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience in Social Work , Margeaux Wilkins and Jazmine Salazar

PARENT-CHILD ATTACHMENT WHEN PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY , Giulianna Zocchetti

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2022 2022

SOCIAL WORKER STUDENT’S ANXIETY, AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , David Adler

Measuring Competency in Social Work: LGBTQIA Populations , Desirae Nicole Aguirre and Samantha Raquel Stephens

PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE AMONG LATINX WOMEN WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS , Mayra Alvarado

A NEED FOR SUPPORT SERVICES AMONG HISPANIC FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS , Evelyn Arellano and Jessica Cazares Armenta

PARENTIFICATION: THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE PARENTIFIED ADULT , Andrea Monique Armas

UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND CULTURE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF MONOLINGUAL SPANISH SPEAKING PARENTS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Valeria Armentilla Cecena

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL WORK: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SCHOOLS IN LIBERAL STATES , Yenicka Avila and Stephanie Ibarra

The Effects of Burn Out in Public Child Welfare Workers , Leandra Barcenas

BARRIERS AMONG MEN SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES , Karen Barone

COLLEGE-AGED STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE , Emily Bautista and Marijane Garcia

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS COMPETENCY ADDRESSING SEXUAL HEALTH NEEDS OF CLIENTS , Laken Beltran

UNDERUTILIZAITON OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS , Jermaine Bennett and Anna Blum

UTILIZATION OF TELEMENTAL HEALTH BY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 , Zayne BoudreauxRamirez

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC , Margarita Bracamontes and Benjamin J. Johnson

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Rosanne Cabonce

BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES EXPERIENCED BY ONLINE GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Joseph B. Camacho

SELF CARE AND BURNOUT AMONG CHILD WELFARE WORKERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC , Stephanie Carranza and Claudia Castillo

CAN SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDE ACCESS TO HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH URBAN FARMING , Nayely Chairez

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND MATERIAL HARDSHIPS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES , Erika Chavez-Marroquin

THE UNDERDIAGNOSIS OF ADHD IN BLACK FEMALES , Kiana Clerkley

SOCIAL WORKERS’ COMPETENCY WHEN WORKING WITH LATINO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES , Suleima Corea and Cynthia Gutierrez

DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF IN QUEER COMPANIONSHIP AND CHOSEN FAMILY , Derek Lowell Corns

COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: UNDERSTANDING MILITARY IPV AND THE AVAILABLE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN IPV INTERVENTIONS , Taylor Coutts

Accessibility of Mental Health Resources in Schools , Zitlaly Lizeth Cruz-Roman and Vianney Consepcion Sandoval

THE EFFECT OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ON ASIAN AMERICANS , Angela Dao

HOW KNOWLEDGEABLE ARE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ON THE CONCEPT OF COMPASSION FATIGUE AND DO THEY ENGAGE IN MEASURES TO PREVENT IT? , Jessica Duran

AVERTING EDUCATIONAL DISRUPTIONS FOR MIGRANT CHILDREN , Natalie Elisarraraz

CAREGIVER AND SOCIAL WORKER PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD WELFARE VISITATION , Christopher Enhelder and Christina Ortiz

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND LIFE OUTCOMES AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS , Kazandra Dominique Farrell

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD PARENTIFICATION: AN EXAMINATION OF FAMILIAL CHARACTERISTICS , Tameka M. Ferguson

Career Outcomes for Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates , Roberta Fox and Jesse Rodriguez

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SOCIAL WORKERS’ ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES , Victoria Fuller

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS IN WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES , Elia Galicia and Rosa Espinoza

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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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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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Article Contents

Introduction, prior studies of dissertation research, purpose of the present study, acknowledgements.

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The Empirical Status of Social Work Dissertation Research: Characteristics, Trends and Implications for the Field

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Brandy R. Maynard, Michael G. Vaughn, Christine M. Sarteschi, The Empirical Status of Social Work Dissertation Research: Characteristics, Trends and Implications for the Field, The British Journal of Social Work , Volume 44, Issue 2, March 2014, Pages 267–289, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcs123

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The quality and composition of a profession's body of knowledge bear significantly on the status, credibility and praxis of a profession. To assess the social work profession's capacity to build and advance knowledge, the present study examined characteristics and trends of social work doctoral dissertation research. A random sample of 593 social work dissertation abstracts from dissertations published in ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts between 1998 and 2008 from US member schools of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) comprised the sample for this study. Data related to study design, methods, data sources, practice domains, participants, topics and international focus were extracted and analysed. The broad variety of research topics and participants chosen by doctoral candidates to study reflect traditional social work focal concerns. Observational research designs were used in the vast majority of dissertations, with only 7 per cent of doctoral candidates employing an experimental design. Quantitative analysis was utilised more than twice as frequently as qualitative methods. An upward trend in the use of secondary data was observed across the ten-year time frame. The findings of this study provide interesting and important insights into the characteristics and trends of doctoral education and research and have significant implications for doctoral training and social work research.

The way in which knowledge is built and used by social workers continues to be of significant concern and interest to the profession. Since Flexner's conclusions in 1915 that social work was not a profession because it had not established a unique body of knowledge ( Flexner, 2001 ) and, later, that social work research was at a point of crisis ( Task Force on Social Work Research, 1991 ), concerted efforts have been made to build knowledge and increase research capacity in social work ( Fraser and Taylor, 1991 ; Kirk and Reid, 2002 ; McRoy et al. , 2012 ). Some see building a discipline-specific body of knowledge as a legitimate and worthwhile goal. Others question our continued pursuits to identify and establish a discipline-specific body of knowledge, calling instead for the development of problem-specific knowledge built and used across disciplines ( Thyer, 2002 ). Regardless of whether one is more worthwhile than the other, it is important for social workers to generate knowledge to inform our understanding of and improve policies and practice with populations and problems with which social workers are concerned. To do this, we need to utilise methods that can help us answer important questions and focus on contemporary issues, problems and practices relevant to social work.

Advancing the knowledge of a profession is critical in all disciplines and social work is no exception. The quality and composition of the knowledge base and research capacity in social work is imperative to the sustainment and advancement of the social work profession, to build our credibility as a profession and to maintain the support of others outside social work ( Fanshel, 1980 ). The purpose of social work research, however, does not lie solely in the perpetuation of social work as a profession. Many would argue that the primary purpose of advancing a body of knowledge in social work is to directly inform social work practice and policy. Social work is a profession founded on and committed to praxis, with a stated mission to ‘enhance the well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people’ ( National Association of Social Workers, 1999 , p. 1). One could argue that the primary aim of social work research and knowledge, then, should be to benefit society and the thousands of people with whom social workers work ( McRoy et al. , 2012 ; Task Force on Social Work Research, 1991 ).

Although most agree that knowledge is important to advance the profession and to inform practice, the means by which knowledge is generated, transmitted and used has not enjoyed such consensus in social work ( Thyer and Myers, 2011 ). Like other professions, social work has witnessed paradigm shifts, debates about methodology, epistemology, the role and purpose of research, and the use of evidence in practice ( Fisher, 1981 ; Tyson, 1995 ; Gambrill, 1999 ; Maynard, 2007 ). Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been the most recent shift in paradigms, bringing renewed interest, critical evaluation and debate to the research enterprise in social work. The EBP paradigm emphasises the use of social work knowledge to inform practice and policy, and has reinvigorated the debates about what counts as knowledge and what may be the ‘best’ ways of generating that knowledge to answer certain questions. This renewed interest in using research to directly inform practice has created opportunities and reasons to reflect on and assess methods of knowledge generation and research capacity in social work.

Examining current methods used and knowledge generated by social workers to assess the contemporary state of social work research and knowledge can be challenging. Thyer (2002) describes numerous barriers to adequately assessing the body of knowledge to which social workers are uniquely contributing. Social workers co-author articles with authors from other professions and publish in journals outside social work. Non-social workers contribute to social work knowledge by conducting research that involves social workers and publishing in social work journals. Thus, attempting to examine the knowledge and methods used by social workers vis-à-vis assessing peer-reviewed articles can be problematic.

Another option to assess the current state of social work research and contributions to knowledge is to examine dissertation research conducted by doctoral candidates of social work programmes. Because doctoral dissertations are produced at the end of doctoral graduate studies in social work, dissertations are a culmination and reflection of students' personal and professional experiences, substantive and methodological training, and professional socialisation received in their doctoral programmes ( Anastas, 2012 ). Given that dissertations are conducted under the advisement of a dissertation committee, the dissertation can also be viewed as a reflection of the interests and expertise of social work faculty. In these respects, social work dissertations are uniquely positioned to provide a window into the methods, interests, expertise and preparation of the next generation of social work scholars and researchers ( Lekwa and Ysseldyke, 2010 ). By examining doctoral dissertation research, we can assess the extent to which newer social work scholars are developing expertise in research methodologies and content areas to prepare them to contribute knowledge and meet the needs and challenges of the field.

Prior surveys of social work dissertation research have been conducted for a number of different purposes. For example, Brun (1997) conducted a study examining the qualitative research process employed in a sample of fifty-seven social work dissertations completed between 1986 and 1993. Brun chose to examine doctoral dissertations for his study, not to examine dissertation research per se, but because dissertations ‘typically contain much detail about the research process’ ( Brun, 1997 , p. 96). Brun found that doctoral candidates justified their use of qualitative methods because it provided a method to better understand the lived experiences of the participants and to fill a gap in the current state of knowledge about the studied phenomenon. He also described complexities, issues and challenges doctoral student researchers encountered conducting qualitative research, which included achieving balance between participant's lived experiences and connecting those experiences to theory, and the role of the researcher and interactions with the participants. Adams and White (1994) conducted a comparative analysis assessing methods and quality of dissertation research across six disciplines, including social work. While their primary focus was on the field of public administration, they included 192 social work dissertations in their study. Adams and White found the proportion of dissertations utilising a survey research methodology was higher in social work dissertations than in the other disciplines. Experimental designs were employed in 8 per cent of the social work dissertations, ranking social work at fourth compared to the other disciplines. In the assessment of quality of dissertations, social work ranked last. More recently, Horton and Hawkins (2010) examined abstracts of social work dissertations published in 2006 to identify those that were focused on intervention (direct practice outcomes). Of the 252 doctoral dissertation abstracts reviewed, 13.49 per cent were focused on intervention. Horton and Hawkins argued that the lack of focus on intervention outcome research by social work doctoral candidates indicates a need to examine social work education and the research system to affect the production of intervention research and bridge the research–practice schism.

Four additional studies of dissertation research were conducted to examine the state of social work research within the context of specific countries outside the USA. Dellgran and Hojer (2001) examined characteristics, subject areas and research methods utilised in bachelor's and master's theses and doctoral dissertations produced in Swedish social work programmes between 1988 and 1998. They found that 50 per cent of Swedish dissertations in social work used qualitative methods, 14 per cent used quantitative methods and 35 per cent used mixed methods. Of those that used quantitative methods during the last three-year period they surveyed, none used an experimental design and the majority used primary material. Social problems and phenomena were studied the most frequently. Shek, Lee and Tam (2007) examined dissertations from departments of social work in Taiwan. They followed Dellgran and Hojer's research methods classification scheme to examine research methods used in Taiwanese dissertations. They also found a preponderance of dissertations utilising qualitative methods (67 per cent). The third examination of social work dissertations was conducted by Lyons (2002) in the context of a larger inquiry into social work doctoral education in the UK. Lyons examined titles of social work dissertations completed since 1967 and categorised them by content and focus of the dissertation. Lyons found that nearly half were related to a particular client group; about one-third address organisation or management; one-fifth related to methods, settings or aspects of knowledge, theories, skills or values; and the remainder focused on education, training and professional development of social workers. Most recently, Scourfield and Maxwell (2010) surveyed doctoral students in the UK and reviewed 382 doctoral theses to examine characteristics of doctoral students, their research and their experiences of doctoral study. The largest proportion of dissertations focused on children, young people and families (34 per cent) while research on organisation and management (9 per cent) and education, training and professional development (8 per cent) were the focus of investigation in relatively few dissertations. Qualitative methodologies were employed in 40 per cent of the dissertations, quantitative methods in 8 per cent, mixed methods in 18 per cent and the remainder (34 per cent) could not be categorised.

Prior studies of social work doctoral dissertation research have provided important insights into specific methods and issues being studied within specific contexts to inform social work research and doctoral education. Unfortunately, the aforementioned studies have been narrow in focus or conducted in countries in which social work education programmes and practice are, as some have described, in an earlier developmental stage than in the USA ( Dellgran and Hojer, 2001 ; Lyons, 2003 ). These factors limit their general usefulness in describing the current state of social work research in the USA.

Examination of doctoral dissertations can provide an indication of the research training and interests, expertise and experiences of the newest generation of researchers and scholars in the field ( Lekwa and Ysseldyke, 2010 ). A current and comprehensive examination of doctoral dissertations could also provide a renewed perspective and enhanced understanding of the evolving patterns of research training and capacity in the field of social work, as well as shed light on current trends and gaps.

Therefore, this study was designed to address the following questions regarding social work doctoral dissertation research: (i) How is dissertation research being conducted (research design, method and data sources used)? (ii) What social work practice areas are being addressed? (iii) Who is being studied? (iv) What is being studied? (v) What is the frequency of international focus? and (vi) What do overall trends in social work dissertation research suggest?

Selection of dissertations

Social work dissertations published in ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2008 from member schools of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) were eligible for this study. GADE is a non-profit voluntary professional organisation committed to the advancement of doctoral education in social work. GADE membership comprises schools of social work and social welfare located in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited schools. Since doctoral programmes are not formally accredited by CSWE, GADE membership serves as a proxy indicator of programme credibility and quality ( Horton and Hawkins, 2010 ).

The time frame, January 1998–December 2008, was chosen for several reasons. First, a ten-year period roughly coincides with the emergence of the evidence-based practice movement and an acceleration of research as a priority in schools of social work. Although not exhaustive, a ten-year period provides a reasonable sampling to gauge major features of social work dissertations. Also, this study was part of a larger study examining several research questions related to doctoral dissertation research; therefore, we selected the time frame based on the larger study. The outer limit of 2008 was chosen for the purposes of the second part of the study—examining the publication pattern of social work dissertations. Because papers written from dissertations can take up to three years to be published, we wanted to allow enough time for publication. The results of the second part of the study are reported in another paper ( Maynard et al. , 2012 ).

The search strategy was developed in consultation with a librarian to determine the most effective and efficient search process in the ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts database. The search fields in ProQuest were utilised to conduct a more targeted search for social work dissertations and reduce the number of false positives (i.e. sensitivity) and false negatives (i.e. specificity) retrieved. The term (social work) was entered in the Classification field and NOT (Psychology or Sociology) was entered in the Department field. In addition, the search was limited to doctoral dissertations and those written in the English language. Lastly, the name of each GADE member school was entered to limit the search to those schools.

The search yielded 3,088 dissertations. A random sample of 618 (20 per cent) dissertations was then selected to be included in the study. During the coding process, twenty-five dissertations were found to be ineligible due to being outside of the field of social work. The final sample of dissertations included in this study totalled 593.

Coding instrument

A coding instrument was developed by the authors to guide systematic examination of the dissertation abstracts. The coding instrument was designed to extract information related to study design and methodology, data source, primary practice domains addressed, study participants and whether the dissertation had an international focus. Descriptions of study designs and methods categories are provided in Table  1 . All categories, with the exception of research topics categories, were developed a priori and designed to be mutually exclusive.

Study design and method category descriptions

The coding processes suggested by Cooper (2010) were adapted for the needs of this study. The first and third authors, who have prior experience coding, tested the coding form with dissertation abstracts that were outside of the sampling frame for this study. The pilot testing allowed for further refinement and clarification of the coding form. The coders then selected ten abstracts from the sample to code independently. After each independently coded the same ten abstracts, the coders met to discuss each of the abstracts and codes that were assigned. This process was conducted twice to meet the 90 per cent interrater reliability expectation.

The remaining dissertation abstracts were then divided between the first and third authors. Each coder independently coded their assigned abstracts. The coders discussed coding difficulties or ambiguities throughout the coding process, which served against coding bias and improved accuracy of codes. After all abstracts were coded, 50 per cent of the abstracts were double coded by a second coder. Interrater reliability was obtained by dividing the number of agreements by the number of possible agreements for each abstract. There was 94 per cent agreement between coders.

Dissertations were categorised according to study design and methodology, data sources used, primary practice areas addressed, primary subject of the study and whether the dissertation was conducted internationally. Each dissertation was coded into only one category per factor. If the coders identified more than one category into which the dissertation could be placed, the coder re-read the abstract and coded the dissertation according to what was determined by the coder to be the primary category.

Dissertations were also coded for the research topic(s) of the dissertation. Because we anticipated the topics addressed by the dissertators would be broad and cover a diverse range of topics and issues, a priori categories of research topics were not defined. We utilised an inductive qualitative data analysis strategy from the titles and descriptions that were extracted during the initial data extraction and coding process. The first author read all of the titles and descriptions, and developed categories from the data. Then, the first author went back through all of the titles and descriptions, and coded the studies using the categories that were developed in the first step. As the author coded the dissertations, some categories were re-defined and some new categories were added. The first author then coded all of the dissertations a second time with the more refined categories and coding scheme. Following the second coding by the first author, the third author then coded 20 per cent of the dissertations using the coding scheme and definitions the first author developed. Agreement between the first and third author was 93 per cent. After running the initial descriptive analysis, we identified several categories in which there were fewer than five studies. After reviewing these categories and re-examining the dissertations that were coded into these categories, we made decisions to (i) keep the category with a small number of studies ( n = 1); (ii) combine the category with others ( n = 4); or (iii) eliminate the category ( n = 3). All of the studies that had been coded into a category that was eliminated had also been coded into at least one other category during the coding process, thus they remained in the analysis. A list and description of the research topic categories can be found in Table  2 .

Dissertation research topic categories

Study design, methodology and data sources

The predominant design employed by doctoral candidates in social work dissertations was observational, with 92 per cent of the dissertations classified into this category. Experimental designs were employed in 7 per cent of the dissertations, with the remaining designs categorised as undetermined due to lack of detail in the abstract. Examining the design subcategories provides more detailed information about the designs employed. Of the thirty-eight dissertations in which an experimental design was employed, ten were randomised experiments, one was an interrupted time series design, twelve were between group quasi-experimental designs, nine were single-group pre-post test designs, two were single subject designs and the remaining four were experimental designs, but the specific sub-type could not be determined with confidence. Of the observational studies, the majority (51 per cent) was classified as cross-sectional correlational designs, with descriptive/case studies being the second most frequent design. The remaining observational study design categories were employed at relatively low frequencies. Table  3 provides a summary of the number and proportion of studies within each design, method and data source category.

Design, method and data sources used in dissertations

The vast majority of doctoral candidates employed quantitative analyses in their dissertations. Of the 593 dissertations, quantitative methods were used in 57 per cent of the dissertations, qualitative methods in 22 per cent of the dissertations and mixed methods in 14 per cent of the dissertations. In more than half of the dissertations, primary data were utilised. Secondary data sources, including extant research and administrative data, were utilised in 24 per cent of the dissertations, and both primary and secondary data sources were utilised in 3 per cent of the dissertations.

In addition to examining the frequencies with which different designs, methodologies and data sources were utilised, we also examined whether there were any trends in the use of different designs and methodologies across the ten-year time span from which dissertations were drawn. Table  4 presents the zero order correlations between each research and design feature with year. No relationship was found between year and the use of experimental or observational designs or the use of qualitative or quantitative methods. A strong and statistically significant positive correlation was found between year and the frequency with which secondary data were used in dissertations ( r = 0.772, p < 0.05), indicating a trend of secondary data sources being utilised more frequently over time.

Annual percentage of dissertations by design, method and data source

* p < 0.05.

Social work practice domains

The number and percentage of dissertations addressing each practice domain are summarised in Table  5 . The micro-practice domain (individuals, families, small groups) was the primary domain addressed in the majority of the dissertations, with 66 per cent of the dissertations categorised in this domain. Macro practice, including organisations, communities, policies, events or social problems, was the primary focus of 18 per cent of the studies. Social work education, continuing education or the social work profession was the focus of 13 per cent of the studies. Social work doctoral candidates studied research methods in only five studies (less than 1 per cent). In the remaining studies, the focus was either not directly related to an area of social work or the focal area of the study was not able to be determined by the description provided in the abstract.

Social work practice domains addressed

Subjects of dissertation research

Doctoral candidates conducted research with a variety of subjects. The primary subjects with whom dissertation research was conducted are summarised in Table  6 . Although adults were the focus of the research in 40 per cent of the dissertations, research was also conducted with children and adolescents (15 per cent), social work practitioners and similar professionals (15 per cent), families (6 per cent), older adults (6 per cent) and social work students and educators (3 per cent). Other professionals, such as teachers and clergy, were the subjects in 2 per cent of the dissertations. While the majority of studies targeted specific groups of people, the primary subject of the research in 11 per cent of dissertations was an organisation, policy, community or social problem.

Research participants

Although many social work dissertations included people from a variety of backgrounds and racial and ethnic groups, some social work dissertators focused their research on specific ethnic and racial groups. Of the 593 dissertation abstracts reviewed, seventy-nine were identified as focusing on a specific racial group(s) in the USA. These ethnic and racial groups included African American/black ( n = 35), Asian ( n = 19), Hispanic/Latino ( n = 7) and a variety of others ( n = 18).

Issues and topics of dissertation research

Social workers who obtained doctoral degrees during the time period under investigation demonstrated interests in a broad range of topics and issues. The frequency of each topic being researched and the percentage of dissertations covering each topic are provided in Table  7 . Dissertations were coded into all categories as they applied. The majority of dissertations were categorised into one topic ( n = 297), many into two topic areas ( n = 235), some covered three topic areas ( n = 58) and a small number were categorised into four topic areas ( n = 4). The most frequently researched topics were those related to race, ethnicity and culture (17 per cent). Topics or issues related to mental health (15 per cent), clinical social work practice (10 per cent), aging (9 per cent) and at-risk youth (9 per cent) were also relatively frequently researched by doctoral candidates. Health/medical social work (8 per cent), substance use (8 per cent) and child welfare (7 per cent) were the next most frequently researched topics. The topics under investigation in the remaining dissertations were studied less frequently. Technology in social work education and practice, along with research, were the two least frequently researched topics in social work dissertations.

Research topics

Note: Categories are not mutually exclusive.

International social work

Of the 593 dissertations, twenty-seven (4.5 per cent) were conducted in or on a country outside of the USA. India and Korea were most frequently the focus or location, with three dissertations each, followed by Taiwan and Ghana, which were each the focus/location in two dissertations. The following locales were each the focus or site of one dissertation: Africa, Canada, Central Europe, developing countries, Europe, Germany and Hungary, Iceland, Kuwait, Mexico, Nepal, Palestine, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

The preparation of future researchers, scholars and stewards of the discipline is critical to the continuing health of a profession (Walker et al. , 2008). The preparation doctoral candidates receive, and the research and scholarship they produce during their years in a doctoral programme lay the foundation for their capacity to contribute to the body of social work knowledge throughout their careers. Doctoral dissertation research provides a unique vantage point from which to assess the research capacity of those who will be the future leaders and stewards of the discipline. The present study examined social work dissertation research across a ten-year time span to identify current trends in social work research and analyse the training, interests and expertise of the newest generation of social work scholars and researchers. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of social work dissertation research ever conducted. These findings provide interesting and important insights into the trends and characteristics of social work research and doctoral education.

The breadth and variety of research topics and participants under investigation in doctoral dissertation research reflect the breadth and diversity of the social work profession. Doctoral candidates addressed a number of problems and issues, as well as a variety of populations, in their dissertation research. The choice of topics and the frequency with which these topics were addressed in dissertations reflect the programme offerings and concentrations within master's-level social work programmes. According to the Annual Survey of Social Work Programs ( Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 2010 ), clinical practice, heath and mental health, children and youth and aging/gerontology were the most prevalent master's concentrations during the 2009–10 academic year, which is congruent with the frequency with which these topics are under investigation in dissertations. Issues related to cultural competence and race/ethnicity being the most frequent topic under investigation in social work dissertations reflects the mission and values of the social work profession.

Social work practice domains addressed in dissertation research emphasise direct practice. The majority of dissertations were categorised under the micro-practice area, with three times more dissertations focusing on micro practice than macro practice and very little emphasis on education, the social work profession or research. This is consistent with Lyons's (2002) finding that the predominant focus in dissertations in the UK was on client groups, suggesting a strong emphasis on topics related to professional practice. The emphasis on common practice topics is consistent with master's programmes, as well as the field of social work. In the USA, direct practice/clinical, advanced generalist and generalist practice accounted for 75 per cent of the student enrolment in MSW programmes, with the remainder of students enrolling in community planning/organisation, management or administration, social policy, programme evaluation or a combination of these (CSWE, 2010). Positions in which new graduates of social work programmes are employed are predominantly located within the micro context of practice. Since the majority of doctoral students hold a master's degree in social work (CSWE, 2010), it is likely that their practice experience is reflected in their choice to conduct dissertation work within the micro-practice context.

Although it seems reasonable that dissertation research reflects the practice field and doctoral candidates' experiences, the sparse research conducted on social work education is concerning. Doctoral education in social work is meant ‘to prepare social work scholars and researchers of the highest quality so that they may make significant contributions to social work education as well as to the scientific and professional literature in social work and social welfare’ ( GADE, 2003 , p. 1). With only 3 per cent of dissertations addressing social work education, one may conclude that little to no emphasis is being placed on scholarship and research on social work education in doctoral programmes in the field. Given that a little over 40 per cent of doctoral graduates are employed in tenure or non-tenure faculty positions (CSWE, 2010), training doctoral students to conduct research on teaching and learning in order to inform social work education and curriculum seems warranted. Using evidence to inform social work practice has been emphasised in the extant literature, but we have apparently not yet embraced the need to produce and use evidence to inform teaching in schools of social work. As such, faculty in schools of social work rely on ‘teaching wisdom’ to inform their pedagogical practice in much the same way as practitioners rely on practice wisdom.

Our findings suggest that social work doctoral candidates as a group have, to some extent, embraced methodological pluralism. Although dissertators utilised quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, the predominance of quantitative methods being used in doctoral dissertation research across the ten-year time span found by this present study is in contrast to the findings of Dellgran and Hojer (2001) and Shek et al. (2007) , both of whom found qualitative methods to be more prevalent in dissertations from schools of social work in Sweden and Taiwan, respectively. Although we anticipated the use of mixed-methods studies to be on the rise, we found no evidence of an upward trend in the use of mixed methods over the ten-year time span.

The research designs utilised by doctoral candidates to conduct their dissertation research were predominantly observational designs, with 51 per cent being cross-sectional correlational designs and 26 per cent being descriptive. Given the increased emphasis on evidence-based practice since the 1990s and the necessity for increased intervention and outcomes-based research, it was somewhat surprising to find so few doctoral candidates (only 7 per cent) utilised an experimental design. Combining the number of experimental designs with that of programme evaluation and systematic reviews/meta-analyses found in the present study, only 12 per cent of the dissertations were focused on intervention outcome research. This is consistent with Horton and Hawkins's (2010) findings with 13.49 per cent of dissertations in their study focused on intervention. Although intervention research has been emphasised vis-à-vis the evidence-based practice movement in social work, intervention research has not found its way into social work doctoral programmes, at least not as indicated by doctoral dissertation research. Furthermore, the trend, though not statistically significant, indicated less, not more, intervention research.

The extent to which dissertations focus on examining relationships between variables or describing phenomena, as opposed to examining outcomes of interventions, suggests a number of possible contributing factors. One possible explanation is that doctoral programmes are emphasising research designs and statistical techniques appropriate for correlational and descriptive research instead of emphasising or training doctoral students to conduct experimental research and analysis. This emphasis could reflect the close connection to and import of traditional social science approaches on social work. That is, social scientists (e.g. economists, sociologists and political scientists) in general do not conduct intervention research. Another possible explanation is that experimental research can be more challenging to conduct. It requires collaborations with other entities to find participants and settings in which to conduct the study, possibly precluding doctoral students from attempting an experimental study for their dissertation. Yet another possibility is social work faculty are not comfortable with, experienced or interested in conducting experimental research and so are, in turn, not training or encouraging their doctoral students to do so. Whatever the explanation, the lack of intervention research being conducted by doctoral candidates is a concern because there is a demand, both within and outside the field, for rigorous outcome and evaluation research.

Another interesting finding is the observed trend in the use of secondary, or extant, data sources in doctoral dissertation research. Extant data sources, particularly large, national data-sets, can be very appealing for use in a doctoral dissertation. First, national data-sets can provide a large sample size and great number of measured variables, which would be extremely expensive and time-consuming for a doctoral candidate to obtain independently. A large sample size and more variables allow for a larger variety of techniques and analysis, as well as greater power. In addition, conducting analysis with extant data sources can be done more quickly than collecting data directly from participants, thus potentially allowing doctoral students to complete their dissertations more expeditiously.

Limitations

There are several limitations to this study that are important to note and consider when interpreting the results. First, the dissertations were drawn from a single source, the ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts database. Although our search strategy was designed to retrieve the population of social work dissertations published in the selected years and filter out non-social work dissertations, we may have either missed some social work dissertations or included some non-social work dissertations. Also, not all dissertations conducted by doctoral students in schools of social work are published in ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts. It is possible that doctoral graduates who chose not to publish their dissertations with ProQuest could have conducted studies that are significantly different from those that are published in ProQuest.

Second, the studies were coded according to the information provided in the abstract rather than in the full dissertation. Because no structured format for dissertation abstracts is required by ProQuest or by schools of social work, the quality and detail of information in the abstracts were highly variable. It is possible that the information provided by the author was insufficient, inaccurate or did not provide enough detail, thus affecting the way in which the abstract was coded.

The coding scheme used to capture data from dissertation abstracts was developed by the authors. Although the authors who coded the abstracts had good agreement in the coding between them, another person using the same coding form without the shared definitions or understanding of the categories could possibly code the abstracts differently and thus obtain different results.

Finally, this study is limited to the time frame of 1998–2008 and so does not capture dissertations from the most recent three-year period. Although unlikely, it is possible that the last three years of dissertations may be significantly different from the prior ten years and, if that were the case, including dissertations from 2009–11 may have resulted in different findings and led to different conclusions.

Implications

The findings of this study provide some insights into doctoral education and training as well as indicators of research capacity being developed among those who will be the new stewards of the discipline. The numerous efforts to build research capacity may fail to make lasting impacts if we do not train the next generation of social work researchers to conduct rigorous, relevant research that can substantively add to the knowledge base of social work and be utilised to inform practice and policy. Although the ‘many ways of knowing’ seem to have been embraced within social work, it is clear that some ways of knowing are more frequently employed than others. The questions then become: Are doctoral students learning and utilising designs and focusing on topics and populations that are most relevant to advance knowledge in the field? Is it acceptable that only 7 per cent of dissertations are utilising experimental designs? Is the increase in the use of extant data sources reflective of the need to answer relevant and necessary questions with that data? Or is it reflective of the desire for students to complete their dissertations more quickly and/or become skilled in a methodology that will allow them to produce and publish with greater frequency to meet the demands and pressure for tenure? Given the increased pressure on doctoral students and junior faculty to publish, some concern exists that the pressure to complete dissertations quickly and publish prolifically are driving choices of research design and topics rather than the needs of the field and profession or the learning skills doctoral candidates will need to answer relevant questions. Furthermore, funding may also be a factor that influences the choices doctoral students make about their dissertation research. It is unknown to what extent social work dissertations are influenced by real and perceived funding; however, it seems likely that the choice of methods and topic may be conditioned to some degree by external economic influences such as funding or even the need to acquire a tenure-earning position as expeditiously as possible.

Although we do not advocate preferential treatment for one research design or methodology, the increased emphasis on evidence-based practice and demand for rigorously designed intervention research suggests a need for doctoral students to be trained in and encouraged to conduct rigorous outcome research on interventions. In addition, there is also a need for researchers who are trained in systematic reviews and meta-analysis to retrieve, examine, evaluate and synthesise existing research in a systematic way to help inform practice and policy decisions ( Littell et al. , 2008 ). Given the small percentage of studies employing experimental designs or conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, it appears that we are not responding to the current need for this type of research.

The lack of applied research by doctoral candidates may reflect a deficit in research capacity within schools of social work. To engage in relevant and applied research, faculty members need to be skilled in advanced research methodologies themselves, which may require additional training in methodologies they may not have received in their own doctoral programmes. Additionally, faculty and schools need to be committed to conduct applied research, build community–university partnerships and secure external funding to more readily provide opportunities for doctoral students to engage in applied research. McRoy et al. (2012) give recommendations for building a research culture and infrastructure within schools of social work. Several of these recommendations, if adopted, could facilitate the training and professionalisation of doctoral candidates to engage in practice-relevant research, to build upon the knowledge base and advance the profession's efforts to build research capacity after they graduate.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study sought to assess the major features and trends in social work dissertation research over a ten-year time period roughly paralleling the rise of the evidence-based practice paradigm. A broad spectrum of research topics has been carried out in these dissertations, most of which reflect traditional social work practice topics. However, the overwhelming use of observational designs, typically utilising correlational analyses, accompanied by the limited number of dissertations using experimental designs, rigorous outcome studies or even research syntheses of outcome research that can directly inform practice and policy suggests that social work needs to take stock of, critically evaluate and perhaps reconsider the goals of dissertation research and the research training of doctoral students.

The authors are grateful for support from the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk and the Institute of Education Sciences (grant # R324B080008). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Meadows Center or the Institute of Education Sciences.

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Social Work » Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research

Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research

Mark Jun 20, 2020 Jun 18, 2020 Social Work No Comments

If you are planning to make a career in the field of social work, you need to take a cognitive approach to improve the lives of many people. Your social work dissertation would be an important part of your degree program. You need to choose the right social work dissertation topics considering your area of […]

If you are planning to make a career in the field of social work, you need to take a cognitive approach to improve the lives of many people. Your social work dissertation would be an important part of your degree program. You need to choose the right social work dissertation topics considering your area of interest.

We offer a list of social work dissertation topics providing suggestions on research topics on social work and project topic on social work. So, if you are stuck in choosing social work dissertation topics and project topics on social work, you can take our help. We not only help in topic selection but also offer writing services.

List of Social work dissertation topics

The role of social workers in the evolution of children raised in violent families.

Studying the impact of social work on the mental health of visually impaired people.

The importance of social work for domestic violence in slum areas.

The role of social workers in rescuing procedures of earthquake victims.

The risks involved in the areas of an epidemic for social work professionals.

Evaluating the legal rights of families of social workers working in susceptible areas – case of the UK.

Investigating the role of social work in the mainstream development of low-income groups.

The significant problems associated with dealing with children related to the victims of kidnapping.

How social workers can help in bringing positive changes and developments in society?

How social workers highlight the problems of society and contribute to developing solutions to reduce problems?

Impact of technology on mass communication and how it reaches the public.

What are the main reasons behind homelessness in the UK?

Are there any connections between race and the occurrence of child abuse in families?

Exploring the relationship between social work and social problems studying systems theory and constructionism.

The relationship between sociology, social work, and social problems.

Analysing the knowledge of social conditions and social problems.

How social work is contributing to solving social problems in underdeveloped countries?

The strategies that can be used by social workers to volunteer for helping elderly people?

Helping stray animals can help in creating a better place to live in – A qualitative analysis.

A literature review on how social work has a positive impact on society and communities.

Can social workers convince people to act responsibly and ethically?

Exploring the future of the newspaper based on qualitative analysis.

Values, dilemmas and political controversies faced by the professional social workers.

Analysing the societal challenges that affect the role of social workers.

Critique the social work profession’s response to social problems.

Discussing the cases of how the donations are used unethically and inappropriately.

Importance of a journalist’s integrity while reporting.

The importance of transparency and accountability in the field of social work.

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185 Social Work Dissertation Topics: Creative List

If you are a student of social work, then there are so many subjects that you can write about in your dissertation topic. Social work, in simple terms, is a set of functions that allow you to improve the lives of others. Social workers help adults and children cope with everyday issues, relationship troubles, personal issues and family issues. Given the scope of work of a social worker, finding the right social work dissertation topics can be challenging as there are so many pressing issues to cover.

In order to write a good paper and choose a topic that interests you, here are a few things that you should consider:

Choose a topic that is close to your heart : If you have chosen social work as your field of study, then there must be some area of work that intrigues you. This could be related to child care, women’s rights or health. To write a good paper, choose a subject that is of interest to you and will help you in your line of work going forward. Make sure your topic is supported by data : Choose topics that have enough data to present strong arguments and discussions. The paper should be thought provoking : Once you have got an approval on your proposed social work dissertation topics, use as much information that is relatable. The readers should take back some ideas from your paper and also have questions about how the system can be improved to fulfill the purpose of social work. This means that you need to find loopholes in the system and address them in your paper effectively.

Now that you know what a good social work dissertation paper entails, here is a list of topics to help you start your journey. However if you have more interesting things to do, remember you have an opportunity to buy dissertation and get the best result.

Social Work Dissertation Ideas

These are good dissertation topics for social work students at all academic levels:

• Write an in-depth paper on the perception and attitude of oppression between the community and healthcare professionals.
• Write about the inherent perceptions related to social work among different cultures.
• A comprehensive review of different approaches to strengthen users of social services.
• The role of social workers in end-of-life decisions.
• Is evidence based learning an excellent way of learning for social workers?
• What are your views on the law of reflection and its role in social work?
• What are the challenges faced by social workers with respect to inter-professional practices?
• Is tutoring an integral part of social work training? Write your views.
• Social work and government policies: Write a detailed review.
• How social work interventions can protect vulnerable adults.
• The common security issues faced by personal social workers.
• Transitioning from employment to social work: Challenges and advantages.
• Substance abuse among young adults. The role of social workers in prevention and management.
• A review on why women choose to remain in abusive relationships.
• The contribution of social services in helping families cope with a member with dementia.
• The relationship between social work and communities of faith.
• The role of social workers in promoting ethnic minorities.
• The best ways in which social workers can improve the life of the elderly.
• Does social work impact the quality of life of senior citizens?
• Disparities in the society that can be resolved to improve the lives of ethnic minorities.
• The importance of being gender sensitive in addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQ community.
• Is rehabilitation of young offenders the new way of ensuring restorative justice?
• Laws that allow the representation of marginalized societies in the government.
• Can prohibition of alcohol preserve law and order in a community?
• The role of drug addiction in increasing relationship problems within families.
• The primary factors contributing to juvenile delinquency.
• Does imposing a curfew on minors lead to increased chances of premarital sex?
• The role of the media in determining the electoral process of any country.
• Provide great examples of good governance with respect to the recovery of a city or locality after being affected by a natural calamity.
• Provide a social work perspective on the growing popularity of political figures and icons.
• How does education contribute to the ability of leaders to shape the social and political structure of a country?
• Can reactivating the death penalty change the rate of crime in our society?
• Do individuals who are in illicit relationships perceive the norms of a marriage differently?
• Experiences with healthcare of people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• Culture-based activism and its impact on the lives of Native Americans.

Easy Social Work Research Topics

These social work research topics cover a range of relatable and controversial subjects for you to write about.

• How can survivors of domestic violence get better employment opportunities?
• A study of women with sexual addiction.
• Reintegration of individuals who have survived abuse into the society.
• The primary causes and the best ways to prevent juveni;e recidivism.
• Examples of great women leaders in our community.
• Should immigrants be given health services?
• What are the best housing options to support young people?
• Medical care for the elderly: The challenges.
• A detailed study of the relationships of HIV positive individuals.
• Is customer satisfaction the most important goal for a business?
• The barriers in social work with respect to climate change.
• The experience of a home care worker in a caring relationship.
• Are voluntary tourism communities in Chile an example of social development?
• Why do we still hesitate to talk about sex?
• How does organizational culture contribute to marginalism?
• The role of leadership practices in eliminating new forms of marginalism.
• Graduate students and the attitude towards couples therapy.
• Review the employment services for domestic violence survivors in your region/ country.
• Evaluate eviction risks based on social and cultural perceptions.
• Write about the experiences of women who are in a relationship with an individual who is sexually addicted.
• Provide a qualitative study of resilience and risk associated with young people.
• How does health affect the employment of refugee and immigrant women?
• Does encouraging traveling among women promote community leadership?
• Humanities and the relationship with citizenship.
• The perspectives of youth and service providers on the impact of housing options for young adults.
• The role of arts in boosting healing processes.
• How has dance impacted society?
• How to improve medical facilities in rural areas?
• The experiences of rural individuals with social workers.
• How do the concepts of our society affect the lives of individuals with HIV and AIDs?
• Improving care for individuals with HIV and AIDS.
• Explore the nature of collaboration between individuals who suffer from poverty and various organizations in regions that are at a high economic and social risk.
• The importance of sexual health education for immigrant women.
• The social risks of gender identity.
• How can the theory of dynamic systems be applied to countries that are in a war situation?

Child Protection Dissertation Ideas

Here are some good dissertation topics for social work students who are interested in childcare services:

• The impact of agencies in protecting children: Provide a review of literature based on real practices.
• Will children who experience or witness abuse and violence within the family perpetuate the same type of behavior?
• Impact of family support and protection in child protection intervention by social workers.
• The health problems of adults who have survived child sexual abuse.
• The contribution of social workers in carrying out effective interventions for survivors of child sexual abuse.
• Factors that contribute to adopted children seeking out their biological parents.
• The impact of domestic violence on children and the resulting consequences for a social worker.
• Review the educational achievements with respect to childcare in your region.
• Review of literature of education and childcare in California and what the world can learn from it.
• The effect of gambling on the lives of children.
• The common factors that affect the socio-economic requirements of children.
• How can social workers aid the emotional growth of children?
• The impact of pornography in increasing the rate of crime and violence against chidlren.
• The views of sexual abuse victims on pedophilia.
• How do the physical changes during puberty affect the psyche of a child?
• The risks associated with child welfare decisions.
• How can education prevent violence against children?
• An analysis of the maternal experiences of victims of child sexual abuse.
• The experience of new social workers in child welfare.
• Secondary traumatic stress between young counselors and children.
• The best ways to protect a child in custody.
• Support strategies to prevent child poverty in your country.
• A study of resilience in individuals when building a strong future after emerging from a difficult childhood. Provide examples.
• Immigrant families and adolescent development.
• Is gender neutral upbringing overrated or is it the need of the hour?
• How does the environment in the school impact the self esteem of children?
• A case study to review the challenges of children with learning disabilities.
• The benefits of studying child development in improving the contributions of social services.
• The reason for the ignorance of child development for several years in history.
• Write a detailed paper on the formation of ego with respect to different stages of development.
• The effect of an absent parent on the developing years of a child.
• How does domestic violence affect the concept of self in a child?
• Child education and the impact of single parenting.
• Factors that contribute to the retention of employees in childcare.
• The causes and best strategies for the protection of runaway children.
• The role of gender differences in shaping the outlook of children.
• Why is play an important educational tool?
• The best policies to promote the rights of children.
• Factors that influence the quality of food in child care centers.
• The risk factors and effects of bullying.
• The best ways to reduce behavioral issues in children in foster care.
• The relationship between disability and the chances of a child ending up in foster care.
• The lack of child support and the effects on child care.
• How does group therapy help children in foster care?
• The impact of constant changes of family in orphaned toddlers.
• How does homelessness impact the psyche of a child?
• Recurring displacement and the effects on homeless children.
• Factors that contribute to an antisocial lifestyle in children in foster care.
• The effects of substance abuse on the lives of children.
• The trauma of child-parent separation on the lifestyle and health of children.

Social Work Dissertation Topics Mental Health

Mental health contributes to some of the most important dissertation topics for social work students.

• Why do individuals with obsessive compulsive disorders struggle to cope with society?
• The effects of living with bipolar parents on the health and lifestyle of a child.
• Why should we socially interrogate the stigma associated with mental health?
• The role of social workers in improving support for individuals with mental health issues.
• The occurrence of suicidal tendencies in military units and the best ways to address them.
• The impact of death on the collective well-being of any family unit.
• The positive impact of sponsors on the lives of recovering addicts.
• Provide a clinical study on the current anti-depressants and their effectiveness.
• How to stop social elimination of children suffering from Down Syndrome.
• The role of a family in exacerbating depression.
• The impact of alcoholism on personal lifestyle, family and society.
• Provide a detailed analysis of the similarities and differences between ADHD and Dyslexia.
• The best ways to improve awareness on degenerative mental health issues like Dementia.
• The need for more awareness among educators about learning disabilities.
• The most effective learning tools for children who suffer from ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disorders.
• A detailed evaluation of socio-sexual education programs for individuals with developmental disorders.
• Evaluation on the impact of developmental disabilities in the life events of an individual.
• Life with a spouse who has memory loss.
• Provide an exploratory study of different aids available to the primary caregivers of children with autism.
• The meaning of well-being based on the cultural and ethic backgrounds of individuals.
• Building resilience towards traumatic incidents using the mind-body connection of yoga.
• Is the stigma against mental health disorders greater for women? Conduct a comparative study.
• The perspectives of a woman living with mental illness and receiving assistance from community services.
• Investigate how smoking gives individuals with depression a sense of belonging or acceptance.
• Are mental health services equally accessible to minorities and other oppressed groups?
• Do mental health service providers avoid detention of young males in their psychiatric units?
• The relationship between government policies and effective mental health assistance.
• Common behavioral issues of children in dysfunctional families.
• The impact of foster care on the mental health of teenagers.
• The effect of poverty and scarcity on the psyche of young children.

Social Work Masters Dissertation Topics

If you are writing a dissertation paper for your master’s degree, here are some interesting topics for you to choose from:

• How is the lifestyle of a metropolitan city failed by the criminal justice system?
• What are some sure shot signs of trauma in the workplace?
• The effects of racial disparity on our society.
• The best ways to control substance abuse and addiction.
• How can the facilities at nursing homes for the elderly be improved?
• The negative impact of food banks.
• Government policies that have improved welfare conditions.
• The impact of homophobia on our community.
• Primary factors contributing to violence in a family.
• The effects of unemployment on society.
• Stigma and social issues faced by welfare mothers.
• Experiences of women who live in shelter homes.
• The inherent challenges of transracial adoption.
• How to make wellness therapy more sustainable?
• The impact of first-time menstrual experience on teenage girls living in foster homes.

Common Dissertation Topics For Social Work Students

If you wish to get top grades, here are some topics that give you a lot of literature and data to review.

• Birth control laws and their negative impact.
• The challenges of increasing housing costs on the youth.
• Workplace abuse and the relationship with paid labor.
• The impact of cultural belief on relationships.
• The negative impact of teenage pregnancy.
• Low income neighborhoods and the increasing cases of substance abuse.
• The hazards of confinement and why they need our attention.
• The need for therapy of poorly represented groups.
• Misdiagnosis of mental health issues and its impact.
• How can empathy improve social services?
• The need for qualitative examination of foster homes.
• The contributing factors for violence in correctional systems.
• Do therapists need therapy?
• How trafficking impacts societal well-being.
• The reasons for unreported abuse cases.
• The hidden trauma of survivors of natural calamities.
• Traumatic experiences of children in foster homes. A clinical study with measures to prevent them.
• Growing in a war zone and the psychological impact.
• Common myths about child services and foster care.
• Is there a disability disparity among social workers?

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Theses and Dissertations (Social Work)

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• Perceptions of the significant others living with an adult family member experiencing reoccurring relapse from substance use : a social work perspective  Moloto, Mercy Tlou ( 2023-05-24 ) The use of substances is a big challenge globally. Despite prevention, treatment, and aftercare programmes to eradicate this phenomenon, individuals often relapse within months after completing their treatment. The recurring ...
• The foster care awareness programme as an intervention strategy for grandmother-headed families: a case study Diepsloot  Musetsho, Mulalo Abigail ( 2023-06 ) The foster care awareness programme (FCAP) plays a critical role in strengthening the foster caregivers’ understanding of how to support vulnerable children. The activities of the programme support grandparents to be ...
• The social functioning of young adults after termination of their foster care placements and foster child grants  Ngoveni, Nyiko Given ( 2018-09 ) The absence of clear policy and practice guidelines aimed at supporting young adults after termination of foster care placements and foster child grants has implications to their psychosocial wellbeing and adjustment to ...
• The experiences, challenges and coping strategies of foster parents raising teenage foster children  Mphephu, Azwidohwi Jacqueline ( 2023-09 ) Globally, there is an estimated high population of teenage children who grow up in foster care. In South Africa, these children are legally placed in foster care by the commissioner of the children`s court inquiry in ...
• The challenges faced by statutory social workers in rendering foster care services to undocumented children  Mapheto, Mabolotse Thabang ( 2023-09 ) Africa, there are several undocumented children who are found to in need of care and protection. Therefore, South Africa designed the Children’s Act no 38 of 2005 which seeks to ensure that the basic and the financial ...
• Parents' experiences of reunification service during placement of their children in child and youth care centres: practice guidelines for social workers  Sethole, Lorraine Mmapelo ( 2023-01 ) Due to the increasing number of children in need of care and protection in South Africa, the majority of these children are removed from the care of their parents and placed at child and youth care centres (CYCCs) for ...
• The experiences, challenges and coping strategies of women living in community residential units : Glebelands CRU case study  Mthembu, Khanyisile Busisiwe ( 2023-01-20 ) Background: Community residential units (CRUs) were introduced in 2006 in South Africa to increase women’s access to adequate low-cost housing rentals. The aim of this investigation was to explore the experiences, challenges ...
• The experiences of and responses to compassion fatigue amongst social workers employed in government hospitals  Motshana, Sebedi Clement ( 2023-01-27 ) Social workers working in government hospitals are tasked to render social work support services to patients and their families within a multidisciplinary team approach, however, there is a lack of research evidence ...
• The reflections of young people who are raised within ‘gonyalelwa lapa’ cultural practice among Bapedi in Limpopo Province : guidelines for social work intervention  Kabekwa, Mmoledi ( 2022-12-01 ) ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’ cultural practice is one of the various forms of marital associations and expressions in the day-to-day cultural practices, rituals and traditions of African Black people. This cultural practice occurs ...
• Men’s perceptions on factors contributing to the emergence of intimate partner femicide (IPF) in Limpopo Province, South Africa  Selepe, Tsheletsi Phineas Lawrence ( 2022-12-12 ) Generally, men are associated with characteristics of masculinity such as showing leadership, being tough, hiding emotions, being virile, and likely being perpetrator of violence. In contrast, women are associated with ...
• Experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of Zimbabwean mothers caring for their minor children without family support whilst residing in South Africa  Kekana, Jela Prudans ( 2022-02-28 ) Background to the study: Family support and Zimbabwean migration is commonly alluded to by various researchers globally and in South Africa. The reason for migration is mainly financial opportunities. One of the common ...
• A social work study on factors contributing to a high rate of depression amongst university students from the age of 19 - 23 years  Matthew, S. A. ( 2022-12 ) Over the past few decades, the increase in depression amongst university students has become a global concern. In attempting to understand the increase in the prevalence of depression amongst university students, it is ...
• Strategies to prevent HIV infections among women in the Ditsobotla Municipality of the North West Province, South Africa  Phakedi, Lebotse Stephen ( 2023-03-31 ) The status of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among women in South Africa is worrisome. Imbalances in power relations between men and women subject women to perpetual vulnerability to HIV infection whilst effective ...
• The experiences of social workers working in multi-disciplinary teams in state hospitals in the Waterberg District, Limpopo Province  Legodi, Tsemeng Jack ( 2022-11 ) Following South Africa’s independence in 1994, the number of hospital social work posts in state hospitals were substantially increased. Subsequently, unprecedented contextual changes have affected hospital services, ...
• The influence of South African Police Service (SAPS) employees’ primary relationship experiences on their productivity in the workplace: informing employee assistance programme  Setabola, Kgaugelo Caroline ( 2022-10 ) The study provides an analysis of studies conducted by different researchers with regard to the relationship between the influence of a primary relationship and work productivity. It has been discovered that intimate ...
• Resiliency amongst rural social workers in managing their experiences of work-related challenges  Botha, Lindiwe Portia ( 2022-11-15 ) Background of the study - The notion of resilience was first recognised in the field of psychopathology in the 1970s. The concept can be used to explain the individual responses to challenges and traumatic events which led ...
• The experiences and challenges faced by youth leaving care during the COVID-19 pandemic  Zingwe, Fadzaishe Bridget ( 2022-11-15 ) Placement of children and youth at care centres has been a practice spanning over the years worldwide, to provide safe places resembling a home environment to the children and youth. This research study investigated the ...
• Supportive supervision: a model for social work supervisors  Bhuda, Gladys Bathabile ( 2019-03 ) Social work practice is extremely demanding on the practitioner. Social workers, especially in the public domain, handle high caseloads whilst simultaneously conducting group and community work amidst the demands ...
• School social workers' and educators' experiences on school-based violence: suggestions for stakeholder support  Maota, Y. M. ( 2022-05 ) School-based violence (SBV) is a phenomenon that burdens many countries globally. A substantial proportion of schools and governments are still struggling to find a solution to it. There are a limited number of reports on ...
• The challenges experienced by youths leaving kinship foster care in South Africa  Zimudzi, Catherine ( 2022-05 ) Young people who leave foster care in South Africa typically encounter greater difficulties transitioning into young adulthood when compared to their peers who grow up with their biological parents. The aim of the study ...

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Social Work » 80 Social Work Research Topics

80 Social Work Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInAre you a student searching for captivating research topics in the field of social work? Look no further. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, finding the right research topic is essential for a successful dissertation. Social work is a multidisciplinary field that addresses societal issues and promotes social change, making it an […]

Are you a student searching for captivating research topics in the field of social work? Look no further. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, finding the right research topic is essential for a successful dissertation.

Social work is a multidisciplinary field that addresses societal issues and promotes social change, making it an excellent area to explore for your research. Our comprehensive list of social work research topics covers a wide range of areas, including mental health, child welfare, community development, social justice, and more.

By selecting a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals, you can contribute to the advancement of the field and make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Utilize available resources, such as research articles, case studies, and ethical guidelines, to support your study. With dedication and a passion for social work, your research can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Social Work:

• What are the long-term effects of social isolation and loneliness on the well-being of older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents in foster care: Strategies for social work practice.
• How has the shift to remote and virtual service delivery impacted the effectiveness of social work interventions?
• Assessing the impact of social work interventions on improving outcomes for children in care in the UK.
• The role of social work in promoting and supporting mental health among diverse communities in the UK.
• The impact of social work research and evidence-based practice on improving service quality and outcomes in the UK.
• Exploring the role of social work in promoting inclusive education and supporting students with special educational needs in the UK.
• Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in supporting individuals with disabilities to live independently in the UK.
• The impact of school-based social work programs on student academic success and well-being.
• How has the pandemic affected the provision of social services to homeless populations, and what strategies can social workers employ to address homelessness?
• How has the pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities and inequities, and what role can social work play in addressing these issues?
• Exploring the effectiveness of early intervention programs in reducing child poverty and improving child well-being in the UK.
• Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in addressing domestic violence and abuse in the UK.
• Exploring the role of social workers in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Examining the impact of social work interventions on improving outcomes for children in foster care.
• How has the pandemic affected the prevalence and dynamics of domestic violence and child abuse, and how can social workers respond effectively?
• The impact of digital technology on social work practice and service delivery in the UK.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring programs for at-risk youth in promoting positive outcomes.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders.
• The effectiveness of trauma-informed care in supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term well-being: A social work perspective.
• The impact of social work interventions on mental health outcomes in low-income communities.
• Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in the UK.
• Exploring the role of social workers in supporting individuals with substance use disorders in recovery.
• Evaluating the impact of school social work programs on student attendance and engagement.
• The role of social workers in supporting older adults in aging-in-place and long-term care decision-making.
• The role of social work in addressing poverty and income inequality in the UK.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based bullying prevention programs in promoting safe learning environments.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of family preservation programs in preventing child removals.
• Addressing racial disparities in the child welfare system: Strategies for social work practice.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers in rural and underserved areas: Challenges and opportunities.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers in crisis and disaster response.
• Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing child abuse and neglect.
• The role of social workers in supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers working in rural communities in the UK and the unique challenges they face.
• The impact of social work interventions on reducing substance abuse among adolescents.
• Exploring the role of social workers in supporting individuals with disabilities in transition to adulthood.
• Exploring the role of social workers in promoting social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.
• What are the impacts of the pandemic on community organizing efforts and collective action for social change?
• Examining the experiences of social workers in child protection services: Ethical dilemmas and decision-making.
• Exploring the intersection of social work and technology: Opportunities and challenges.
• Exploring the experiences of immigrant and refugee populations in accessing social services.
• Assessing the effectiveness of restorative justice approaches in the criminal justice system in the UK and the role of social work in facilitating the process.
• Evaluating the impact of community organizing efforts on social change and empowerment.
• Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing school dropout rates.
• What are the impacts of school closures and remote learning on the well-being and educational outcomes of children and adolescents, and how can social workers support them?
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health outcomes and access to mental health services among vulnerable populations?
• Addressing the mental health needs of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A social work perspective.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers working in child protection and safeguarding in the UK.
• Examining the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system and strategies for improving support.
• The experiences and challenges faced by social workers in addressing the needs of older adults in the UK.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The impact of Brexit on the rights and well-being of migrant populations in the UK and the role of social work in advocating for their rights.
• How has the pandemic affected access to healthcare services for marginalized populations, and how can social workers promote equitable healthcare access?
• Addressing the mental health needs of veterans: Insights from social work practice.
• The impact of austerity measures on social work practice and service delivery in the UK.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of community-based mental health services in reducing hospitalization rates.
• The effectiveness of group therapy interventions in promoting mental health and well-being.
• How has the pandemic affected access to food security and nutrition, and how can social workers address food insecurity in their communities?
• How has the pandemic influenced the provision of services for individuals with disabilities, and what strategies can social workers employ to promote inclusivity?
• What are the emerging challenges and opportunities for social work practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• How has the pandemic affected social work practice with immigrant and refugee populations, and how can social workers address their unique needs?
• Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing recidivism rates among adult offenders.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing elder abuse.
• What are the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for social work practice and preparedness in future crises?
• The role of social workers in supporting individuals with disabilities in accessing employment and inclusive workplaces.
• Addressing mental health stigma in culturally diverse communities: Strategies for social work practice.
• The role of social work in addressing substance abuse and addiction issues in the UK.
• Evaluating the impact of community-based interventions on reducing substance abuse and addiction.
• What are the best practices for social workers in addressing the mental health needs of healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What are the emerging ethical considerations for social workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• How has the pandemic affected the prevalence and management of substance abuse and addiction, and what interventions are effective in supporting recovery?
• Exploring the role of social workers in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery.
• What are the unique challenges faced by social workers in providing telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Addressing the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers: Challenges and best practices.
• Exploring the experiences of social workers in engaging with and supporting diverse religious and ethnic communities in the UK.
• What are the impacts of the pandemic on child welfare services and foster care systems, and how can social workers ensure the safety and well-being of children?
• What are the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of frontline workers, such as social workers and healthcare professionals?
• Exploring the experiences of social workers working with LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in the UK.
• The role of social work in addressing homelessness and supporting individuals and families in accessing suitable housing in the UK.

In conclusion, we have presented a diverse range of social work research topics tailored for students at various degree levels who are searching for captivating ideas for their dissertation research. Social work plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges, promoting well-being, and advocating for social justice. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, our comprehensive list of topics offers a wide array of research opportunities to explore current issues, examine interventions, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

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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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• Social Services Abstracts This link opens in a new window Social Services Abstracts provides bibliographic coverage of current research focused on social work, human services, and related areas, including social welfare, social policy, and community development. The database includes abstracts of journal articles and dissertations as well as citations to book reviews. more... less... This database provides bibliographic coverage of current research focused on social work, human services, and related areas, including social welfare, social policy, and community development. Coverage is from 1979 to date.
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• Childhood Studies - Oxford Bibliographies This link opens in a new window Part of Oxford University bibliographies series, this resource provides access to the latest research in the field of Childhood Studies. It is international and cross-cultural in scope, transcending narrow geographical confines and analyzing modern and historical childhoods both locally and globally. more... less... "Childhood Studies is international and cross-cultural in scope, transcending narrow geographical confines and analyzing modern and historical childhoods both locally and globally. A great deal of this work has moved online with the most recent scholarship, research, and statistics appearing in online databases. With advances in online searching and database technologies, researchers and practitioners can easily access library catalogs, bibliographic indexes, and other lists that show thousands of resources that might also be useful to them."
• PAIS Index This link opens in a new window The PAIS Index covers issues in the public debate through selective coverage of a wide variety of international sources including journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference papers, web content, and more. more... less... This resource covers issues in the public debate through selective coverage of a wide variety of international sources including journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference papers, web content, and more. PAIS International is the current file covering 1972 to present, and PAIS Archive includes the content from printed volumes published 1915-1976.
• Web of Science This link opens in a new window Web of Science indexes articles from thousands of journals and also indexes the citations used in those articles, thus allowing the user to see which papers have cited a core paper, and how many times a paper was cited in a given time period. Covers published content is almost every discipline. more... less... Web of Science provides access to: the Science Citation Index Expanded 1900-present; the Social Sciences Citation Index 1956-present; and the Arts & Humanities Citation Index 1975-present. Web of Science indexes articles from thousands of journals and also indexes the citations used in those articles, thus allowing the user to see which papers have cited a core paper, and how many times a paper was cited in a given time period. Covers published content is almost every discipline.
• JSTOR This link opens in a new window JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization that provides a trusted archive of important scholarly journals and a selection of scholarly books. Content in JSTOR spans many disciplines, primarily in the humanities and social sciences, including a collection of social work titles. more... less... JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization that provides a trusted archive of important scholarly journals and a selection of scholarly books. Content in JSTOR spans many disciplines, primarily in the humanities and social sciences. While indexing for JSTOR articles is covered in LionSearch, the full text of the articles is not searched in LionSearch. Search JSTOR itself to ensure detailed coverage of full texts.
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