Psychology Assignment week two

SOCW 8112/SOCW 8112W: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Abstracts

Abstract 1 Title Bachelor of Social Work Students’ Experience of Moral Reasoning at an Evangelical Christian University

Author King, D. (2020). Bachelor of social work students’ experience of moral reasoning at an Evangelical Christian University. (Publication No. 27963495) [Abstract, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract Scholars have documented a lack of effective education and training for integrating faith and social work practice. Also, researchers have identified challenges regarding conflicting philosophical paradigms in social work and cultural changes among emerging adults affecting evangelical Christian universities teaching faith integration. However, little information is available regarding the experiences of students and conflicts between social work values and their religious beliefs. This study was an investigation of the experiences of social work students when considering value conflicts between their religious beliefs and social work practice. The research questions examined the moral reasoning of students at an evangelical university considering self-identified value conflicts. An exploratory generic qualitative research methodology was employed, with a convenience sample of 6 senior-level Bachelor of Social Work students aged 18 to 25 years. Individual semi-structured interviews queried 2 main topic areas, including identifying areas of value conflict, and underlying ethical motivations and thoughts. Data were analyzed using descriptive and conceptual coding in the context of moral foundations theory and validated through member checking, peer debriefing, and the use of intentional protocols. Emergent themes included student uncertainty in defining and implementing key social work values and moral reasoning dominated by intuitions of care, concern, and client autonomy and choice. Findings from this research can positively contribute to the field of social work and social change by affecting the education and practice competencies of future social workers and their ability to work ethically and manage value conflicts in individual, organizational, and community settings.

Abstract 2 Title Gay-affirmative Social Work Practice with Homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth

Author Deloatch-Williams, A. (2020). Gay-affirmative social work practice with homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. (Publication No. 27829725) [Abstract, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are overrepresented in the homeless population and experience higher rates of discrimination and unfair treatment when accessing services and shelter. Research indicates that homeless LGBT youth remain homeless for longer periods of time than their heterosexual peers because of bias and stigmas associated with their gender identity and sexual orientation. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if social workers in the city of New Haven, Connecticut, used an affirmative model of intervention when working with homeless LGBT youth. Maslow’s self-affirmation theory served as the conceptual framework for this study. The interview questions for this study examined how social workers affirmed homeless LGBT youth in their practices. Data was collected through individual face-to- face semi-structured interviews, telephone interviews and e-mail responses with 7 social workers and agency staff in the city of New Haven, Connecticut, who were recruited through purposeful sampling. Emergent themes in this study indicated that the participants did not make assumptions about sexual identity. The participants also reinforced same gender relationships as being normal, addressed homophobia, and supported their clients. However, the participants lacked education and training about the stages of coming out and how to provide support to LGBT youth who may be experiencing stressors related to discovering or disclosing their sexual identity. The findings of this study may be used by social workers to improve practice to be more affirming and supportive of people who identify as LGBT. Abstract 3 Title Role of Social Workers in Psychiatric Patient-Centered Care with U.S. Veterans

Author Noce-Owen, A. M. (2020). Role of social workers in psychiatric patient-centered care with U.S. veterans. (Publication No. 27738570) [Abstract, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract

Social workers play an important role in the implementation of patient-centered care (PCC) within an interdisciplinary treatment team in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The PCC approach can become overwhelming and stressful for interdisciplinary team members because the definition of PCC varies across disciplines. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore social workers’ perceptions of their role within an interdisciplinary team, including barriers to social work inclusion and PCC. Ecological systems theory provided the framework for the study. Interview data were collected from 2 focus groups containing a total of 10 purposively selected social workers. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data. Findings indicated the need for better communication among and education for interdisciplinary psychiatric team members regarding the scope of social work practice. Participants reported being devalued as members of the interdisciplinary team and confirmed that the definition of PCC varies across disciplines, which creates barriers for social work facilitation of PCC within the interdisciplinary team. Findings may be used to mitigate gaps that inhibit interdisciplinary team practice of PCC, which may improve social work practice with veterans. Abstract 4 Title Military Sexual Trauma Survivors' Experiences and Perceptions of Cognitive Processing Therapy

Author Mead, S. A. (2019). Military sexual trauma survivors' experiences and perceptions of cognitive processing therapy. (Publication No. 13897443) [Abstract, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract Military sexual trauma (MST) has been associated with poor emotional and psychological well-being, less overall life satisfaction, and poorer health in general as well as higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Department of Veterans Affairs provides treatment for veterans who experienced MST and recommends cognitive processing therapy (CPT) as a preferred treatment modality. Quantitative studies have shown that CPT can decrease symptoms of PTSD; however, a neglected area of study concerns the experiences of veterans who receive CPT for MST-related PTSD. In this generic qualitative study, the perceptions and experiences of female veterans who were survivors of MST and received CPT from a VA provider through a feminist lens were explored. Twenty-one female veterans who were survivors of MST and who sought treatment at the VA and received CPT were asked to complete a written questionnaire. The research questions explored the participants’ experiences with CPT, changes in their symptoms, social lives and relationships, and general functioning and well-being after receiving CPT. Thematic analysis was used to identify 3 themes. Findings revealed that although participants described their experience of deciding whether to participate in CPT and receiving CPT as difficult, they reported increased quality of life and improved well-being after CPT. The results from this study

will increase understanding of the experiences of veterans with CPT. Finally, scholar practitioners may be able to use findings from this study to enhance awareness of perceptions of clients, improve practice, and better serve clients who have experienced MST.