<p> Given the need for higher levels of support and guidance for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) who are diagnosed with a mental illness, the purpose of this project was to identify a funding source and write a grant proposal to design and implement an Internet-based support program to supplement services currently provided to TAY diagnosed with a mental illness. There are many risks associated with TAY including homelessness, substance abuse disorders, and repeated interactions with the criminal justice system. The target area is Los Angeles County, more specifically, Long Beach, California. The potential funding source for this project is the California Wellness Foundation because the criteria of the grant guidelines were consistent with the description of this program and identified population. The actual submission and/or funding of this program was not required for successful completion of this project. </p>

<p> The purpose of this proposal was to address the mental health needs of the homeless population by securing funding for an expressive arts therapy program at the Project Achieve homeless shelter of Catholic Charities, San Pedro region located in Los Angeles County, California. To determine the suitability of an expressive arts therapy program at Project Achieve, a needs assessment for the target population and a review of literature were conducted. Needs assessment and literature review findings indicated that expressive arts therapy has a strong potential for benefitting Project Achieve residents. The results of Internet and grant database searches that were performed to locate potential funding sources identified the Weingart Foundation as the most appropriate fonder for this project. A grant was written outlining the process of establishing an expressive arts therapy program at the Project Achieve shelter.</p>

<p> This secondary analysis of qualitative data explored the development of resilience among 16 women. Their transcribed interviews were analyzed with a framework based on the processes and determinants clusters of resilience among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse identified in prior research. Processes were defined as the journey participants followed to the situation in their present life, determinants were defined as innate or learned characteristics and environmental factors. The determinants of interpersonal skills, high self-regard, spirituality, and helpful life circumstances (support &amp; services) were found to be present in less than half of the women. The processes of self-realization, self-determination, coping strategies (positive and negative), active healing were present for more than half but less than half have achieved closure regarding the maltreatment. The women reported self-sufficiency in terms of being able to live on their income and educational achievement. The findings have implications for social work practice and research. </p>

<p> Self-care is critical in minimizing the symptoms of burnout among human services professionals, but specific information on the role of self-care among social workers in healthcare settings is limited. This correlational study was designed provide a fuller understanding of this relationship. Orem's theory of self-care and the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior served as the theoretical foundations of this study. The sample included 185 members of the National Association of Social Workers, who volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed online versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Self-Care Assessment Work Sheet. Correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to test research hypotheses concerning associations between self-care and aspects of burnout among social workers in healthcare settings. The results showed that higher levels of self-care were significantly correlated with lower scores on measures of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and higher scores on measures of personal accomplishment. No significant differences were found by practice setting in mean ratings of specified self-care activities. More years of social work practice were associated with lower burnout. Implications for positive social change include highlighting the need for self-care to prevent burnout, promoting health and wellbeing among social workers, and saving organizations the costs associated with employee burnout. Future research on self-care and burnout will be beneficial to the profession to expand current literature and highlight trends between social work practice and client populations served.</p>

<p> This systematic review of the literature explored the relationship between family, social support and psychiatric re-hospitalizations for those with severe mental illness. Also discussed were specific types of family and social support shown to be beneficial to those with mental illness. The meta-analysis reviewed 33 studies written within the last 10 years and analyzed these studies for content. Results of the analysis indicated family and social support did help to reduce rates of psychiatric hospitalizations. Results of the analysis also indicated that family support consisting of high levels of expressed emotion resulted in negative outcomes for those with severe mental illness, including higher rates of relapse and psychiatric readmissions. Findings also found other themes in the literature correlating to psychiatric readmission rates. Implications for social work and cultural relevance in social work regarding practice, future research and social policy for individuals with severe mental illness experiencing multiple psychiatric hospitalizations were also discussed.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Jyväskylä--[Jyväskylä, Finland], 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-91).

<p> Stigma has profound consequences on individuals with mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. Individuals who suffer from internalized stigma further struggle with self-esteem, quality of life, and their recovery from mental illness. To avoid rejection and being the target of discrimination, these individuals often practice coping strategies such as secrecy and withdrawal. However, these coping strategies can eventually lead to poor self-image, restricted opportunities in life, and other negative outcomes. Cultural beliefs relating to the concept of <i>face</i> and Confucianism further exacerbate the effects of stigma among Chinese American individuals who suffer from mental illnesses. </p><p> This study examined the experiences of stigma and coping strategies used by Chinese Americans with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The associations between internalized stigma, experienced stigma, loss of face, and coping strategies were also analyzed. Unlike previous studies, this study found that internalized and experienced stigma were not associated with coping strategies used by the Chinese American participants; instead, the cultural construct of loss of face was associated with secrecy as a coping strategy. This study calls for further research on the effects of this cultural construct on one&rsquo;s recovery.</p><p>

<p> Although the Latino population is growing in high numbers in the United States, not enough effort is being made to accommodate the cultural needs of Latinos as it relates to mental health services. Latinos&rsquo; underutilization of mental health services is of concern, as not receiving the help they need results in Latinos not having the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. The purpose of this project was to write a grant and identify a funding source to implement a culturally sensitive mental health program to help Latinos suffering with depression, provide them with available resources, and increase their mental health literacy. Taking care of the mental health needs of Latinos can improve their quality of life and will benefit society as a whole. For this project, a prospective funder was identified, even though actual funding and submission of this grant proposal are not required for the completion of this project.</p><p>

<p> Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to service delivery based on the understanding of the prevalence of psychological trauma among service users, knowledge about the impact trauma has on engagement to services, and recognition that service settings can be re-traumatizing. For more than a decade, momentum has been building on this topic. Practitioners are pursuing the knowledge and skills needed to implement trauma-informed service delivery, while organizations are building infrastructure and processes aimed at supporting this approach. Disciplines across many human service sectors are eager to incorporate TIC into policy and practice. Despite this enthusiasm, implementation efforts are slow. Acquiring foundational knowledge about TIC has typically been recommended as a first step when implementing a trauma-informed approach. However, slow progress in implementation suggests knowledge may not be enough. This study investigated the individual characteristics that impact a commitment to TIC, with specific attention to the relationship between foundational knowledge about trauma-informed care and commitment to TIC. Other variables of interest included perceived principal support, TIC self-efficacy, beliefs about trauma and its impact, and organizational strain. Survey data were collected from 118 participants working in mental health, public health, and early childhood. Results from structural equation modeling suggest that foundational knowledge predicts affective commitment to TIC both directly and with the partially mediated paths through principal support, TIC self-efficacy, and beliefs about trauma. Organizational strain does not moderate these effects. However, group differences based on high and low levels of perceived organizational strain were observed and discussed. These findings add to the growing literature on TIC and should be considered as organizations strive to implement TIC. </p><p>

<p> Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are increasing and there is a gap in the This study examines the literature on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the effects on their mental health. The findings show that adults survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse when compared to non-abused adults. Gathering the most recent information, this study analyzes interventions that can improve the mental health of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Concurrently, this study discusses how cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most effective intervention when compared to group therapy. Results show that the trauma focused component of CBT as well as homework and exercises given show a decrease in maladaptive behavior after the intervention concludes. Findings have implications for future research, including combining both interventions to provide a holistic intervention.</p>