<p>The purpose of this project was to create a program, locate a potential funding source, and fill out a grant application to acquire funding for a physical activity program for clients at Mariposa Women and Family Center who are currently being treated for diagnoses of depression and anxiety. A literature review was conducted to increase the knowledge of the intersection between physical activity and mental well-being, as well as the specific types of physical interventions that are the most effective. During a comprehensive search on the Internet, the California Wellness Foundation was discovered to be the best funding source for the proposed program. A grant application was filled out in order to potentially gain funding to support a physical activity program at Mariposa Women and Family Center in Orange County, California. The actual submission and/or funding was not required for the successful completion of this project. </p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine various social and ecological factors that affect adolescents' nervousness and/or depression. Secondary data from the 2011- 2012 California Health Institute Survey were used to examine these factors. Chi-Square analyses were utilized to test if relationships existed between the variables in the data. This study examined race, poverty level, immigration status, physical well-being, safety of environment, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling as factors for influencing feelings of nervousness and/or depression among adolescents. Results indicated that adolescents feeling nervous were affected by race, poverty level, environmental safety, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling. Feeling nervous did not have a significant association with physical well-being in this study. Furthermore, adolescent depression was affected by race, poverty level, physical well-being, environmental safety, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling. Immigration status was not found to be associated with affecting adolescent nervousness or depression. Further research is suggested.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic differences in methamphetamine usage among youth and how methamphetamine users engaged in the use of other illegal drugs including, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and also engage in risk taking behaviors. The study utilized secondary data from the National Institute of Health, Youth Behavioral Risk Survey (YRBS) of20011. Sample size consisted of 294 both male and female youth who are methamphetamine users. The findings revealed that drug use amongst youth continues to be on the rise. Findings noted that male meth users had the highest rates of cocaine, ecstasy and heroin use compared to female meth users. The highest rate among female meth users was seen in cocaine use. Findings also revealed that cocaine use was the highest among Hispanic/Latino meth users and ecstasy use was the highest among Non-Hispanic/Latino meth users. In addition findings revealed that a significant association was found in youth's drug use and their involvement in risk taking behaviors. Prior research and findings from this study help society have a more proactive approach when helping youth who suffer from the disease of addiction.</p>

<p> The purpose of the current study was to address the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) status and psychological distress within the adolescent population. Data was acquired from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011-2012, a state-wide phone survey which addresses health issues among the resident population. The present study used data from 2,1 04 California adolescents, utilizing variables relating to demographics, general health condition, and mental health.</p><p> Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between BMI and psychological distress, with overweight adolescents experiencing more distress and depression than their underweight/healthy weight counterparts. Gender and perceived general health condition were both significantly related to distress, with females and those of poor perceived general health condition experiencing greater psychological distress, regardless of weight status. This study has implications for social work policy and practice, especially in work with youth and families.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to explore the association between adolescent characteristics, community factors and mental health. This was achieved by completing a quantitative study analyzing secondary data obtained from a mental health agency in Orange County, California, and an online database, City-Data.com. The results rendered a statistically significant relationship between age and those who had the presenting problem of depression, relational problems, and poor coping. A statistically significant relationship between females and poor coping was also revealed. The most interesting finding, however, was the statistically significant relationship between presenting problems in relation to their community factors. Both poverty levels and educational attainment less than high school among the residents in the communities where these adolescents live were associated with depression and relational problems. The findings of this study are beneficial in identifyirig the need for further research regarding the relationship between educational attainment and mental health.</p>

<p> This action research study examined the impact of participation in an appreciative inquiry (AI) intervention on social service workers' level of compassion fatigue. Five workers plus two of their managers took part in the study. A 6-hour AI intervention was held and participants completed pre- and post-tests of the Professional Quality of Life Scale to measure their compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. A focus group also was held to gather qualitative data about the impact of the intervention. Results indicated that the intervention was highly valuable for strengthening working relationships, underscoring the positives in otherwise emotionally difficult work, and learning how to avoid or reduce compassion fatigue. Based on these findings, periodic AI interventions are advised to reduce social service workers' compassion fatigue by sharing their experiences and focusing on the positive. Future research should eliminate the limitations of the present study by expanding the sample and gathering multiple forms of data.</p>

This study explores how cancer patients in remission derive meaning in their lives. A need for social work intervention was identified with cancer survivors, especially those patients who are in remission and who have to continue their lives, in spite of the incurable status of their cancer. In line with literature, the researcher, in her role as social worker at a radiation oncology clinic, observed that patients often report that they find benefit in the cancer experience. The framework for conducting this study is based on the existential theory and the ultimate concern of human existence, that life has meaning under all circumstances. Meaning and meaning-centeredness is described. The role of a meaning-centered approach to oncology social work was argued. The Meaning-Centered Counselling and Therapy (MCCT) model was described from a literature perspective, and proposed as an intervention model. MCCT offers a model that includes the existential domain in interventions. Within the context of this study, remission refers to the period that the cancer is under control. It may be that there is no indication of the cancer, but the cancer is expected to recur, or that some of the symptoms have disappeared, or that the progression of the cancer has slowed down. During remission, patients are under surveillance only, or on maintenance treatment. Thus, they do not have regular contact with the oncology team. Patients live with uncertainty and ambiguity, resuming activities, responsibilities, careers and relationships that were influenced by the cancer diagnosis and treatments. The demands of living in remission are described. This research study explores the quest for meaning in patients who are living with incurable, recurrent cancer. The goal of this research study was to explore meaning-centeredness in adult cancer patients who are in remission. This research study was guided by the following research question: “Does meaning-centeredness play a role in adult cancer patients’ coping with remission?” The research population included oncology patients who are in remission, and have experienced one or more recurrences, and where the cancer has metastasised. A qualitative approach was followed, using the collective case study design. The research was conducted at the Radiation Clinic, Sandton Oncology Centre in Morningside, Johannesburg. Data was collected using an interview schedule to guide 4 focus group interviews, totalling 21 participants, who were selected by means of purposive sampling. All participants gave voluntary and informed consent to take part, and the focus group interviews were voice-recorded, with their permission. The researcher transcribed these recordings. Creswell’s steps for qualitative data analysis were implemented. From the findings, the following themes and sub-themes were identified, demonstrating the search for meaning amongst these participants who are in remission and answering the research question: Theme 1: Meaning-construal associated with attribution with the sub-themes of hope, spirituality, and death awareness and a foreshortened future. Theme 2: Meaning-construal associated with appraisal, with the sub-themes of benefit finding, growth, relationships, and an increased appreciation of life, and prioritising. Theme 3: Meaning-construal associated with reappraisals, with sub-themes of sense of self, sense of coherence, assumptive world, adapting to new normal, and transcendence. The findings demonstrated that a perspective that provided the participants with the means to explore their unique meanings, purposes, and life tasks helped them to cope with remission and the fear or reality of recurrence or metastases. Participants were able to derive meaning in their lives despite living with incurable cancer. Participants, who had integrated the knowledge that their cancer is incurable and recurrent into their meaning-system, were able to adapt and adjust to living in remission. They had a sense of purpose and maintained realistic hope. Their hopes were proportional to the prognosis. They did not dwell on their own death, but focused on what life offers them each day. They developed a new normal that incorporates the knowledge of a foreshortened future, coping with side effects and late effects of treatment, and the uncertainty that the cancer is expected to recur or metastasise again. They were aware of their life tasks, and embraced life to the full. Intervention strategies, based on the existential oriented proposition that life has meaning under all circumstances, were recommended. This included the Meaning-Centered Counselling and Therapy (MCCT) model for integration in oncology social work. Recommendations in this study include enhancing the understanding of members of the transdisciplinary team regarding the needs and experiences of patients in remission. Furthermore, a better understanding of the role of meaning-centeredness intervention amongst oncology social workers can improve interventions, specifically for patients in remission. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Social Work and Criminology / MA / Unrestricted

Health-seeking behaviour encompasses the actions, thought processes and decision-making involved in establishing and maintaining a healthy physiological state. As such, various studies have investigated the factors that influence health-seeking behaviour. Such factors included demographic, socio-economic, political, religious and cultural factors. It was however, found that there was a lack of research regarding the specific factors of Charismatic Christians that affect health-seeking behaviour, thus guiding the research question. The aim of this study was to explore the spiritual factors influencing health-seeking behaviours of the Charismatic Christians in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Through a paradigm of interpretivism, research was conducted using a qualitative approach to explore and describe how the spiritual factors of Charismatic Christians influence health-seeking behaviour. An instrumental case study design was utilised in order to gain insight into the phenomenon of health-seeking behaviour, to create recommendations to facilitate practice and to refine theory to increase health-seeking behaviour among Charismatic Christians. This was done through the use of one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with participants, who were incorporated into the study through voluntary, purposive sampling. Previous studies found various factors affecting health-seeking behaviour, amongst these were religious factors. Furthermore, there were several studies that explored the health-seeking behaviours of Charismatic Christians, however, this was mainly focused on the mental health domain. To date, little research has been done into the general health-seeking behaviours of Charismatic Christians, which indicated the gap for the research study. The findings of the study both supported and contradicted the specific factors affecting health-seeking behaviour, found in the national and international studies in the literature review. However, the study agreed with the previous studies, that spiritual factors do affect the health-seeking behaviours of Charismatic Christians in Gauteng. It can be concluded that participants are not averse to seeking professional healthcare services that are easily accessible, however, unless the symptoms are severe, participants will engage in other methods of self-care prior to seeking healthcare services. Secondly, Charismatic Christianity was found to encourage health-seeking behaviour through teachings of self-control, self-respect, and healing through medicine. Thirdly, it was concluded that in some instances, Charismatic Christianity could deter individuals from health-seeking behaviour as they have a belief in divine healing from God, thus it is not necessary for them to seek formal healthcare services. Lastly, it was concluded that participants have had limited contact with social workers in the healthcare setting, thus limiting their knowledge regarding the role of social work, however, they are willing to engage with social workers in the healthcare settings, if services adhere to ethical standards. Based on the conclusions of the study, it was recommended that the healthcare team, including social workers, be knowledgeable about the spiritual factors influencing health-seeking behaviour, as well as remain non-judgemental and allow for autonomy of patients. It was further recommended that preventative healthcare be encouraged and promoted within healthcare settings. It was lastly recommended that patients have access to information regarding symptoms and severity, to encourage individuals to seek professional healthcare timeously. / Mini Dissertation (MSW (Healthcare))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

<p> The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to create a psycho-educational group for family members of adults with a mental health diagnosis. With this program, family members can receive guided and educated support. The additional support they receive will assist them in becoming more supportive to their loved ones who have mental illnesses. The group would take place at Alma Family Services in Long Beach, California. A search was conducted to locate an appropriate funder for this project. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation had specific criteria about what type of agencies they fund, which was met by the agency and the program. </p><p> Individuals who experience mental health challenges face many difficulties during their lives. The support of knowledgeable, understanding, and caring family members may reduce some of life's challenges for individuals who experience mental illness. If funded, the program would benefit families who need psycho-education about mental illness and assistance with mental health questions. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.</p>

This empirical study explores if, and how, religion and spirituality are relevant subjects for those experiencing mental distress in Northern Ireland (NI) and how, if at all, the subject is engaged with in mental health social work practice. Although there is some controversy in United Kingdom based research regarding the apparent benefit of religion and spirituality within mental health, service user research and literature suggests its importance within recovery. Literature on religion, spirituality and social work practice suggests the need to examine the social and political processes which persist around this subject in social work practice (Henery, 2003; Wong and Vinsky, 2009). This examination is appropriate given the role of religion within the political conflict in NI, the impact of the conflict upon social work practice (Campbell et al, 2013), the high incidence of mental ill health in NI and the apparent role of religion and spirituality within mental distress. This study considers how mental health social workers may engage with this subject within their practice not only as an aspect of service users’ identity but also within post conflict Northern Ireland. The study methodology and design drew upon narrative theory and grounded theory. I interviewed twelve mental health service users and twelve mental health social workers, and half of the participants from each group also took part in a follow-up telephone interview. All of the participants were invited to bring an object which expressed what religion and spirituality meant to them. Analysis explored the views and experiences of mental health service users and social workers about religion and spirituality, within specific aspects of the wider social field. Service user and social worker participants’ accounts suggested that whilst the role of religion and spirituality within mental distress was recognised, its inclusion in mental health social work practice was marked with questions of legitimacy. Some of these questions were explicitly framed within the conflict, whilst others were less so. The study found that although religion was associated with politics, sectarianism and violence, its role, and that of spirituality, as an aspect of identity and meaning-making, appeared to be underdeveloped. Two key findings are of particular note. 10 Firstly that service user participants had their own ‘hierarchy’ of religious and spiritual expression, which on occasion appeared to result in their being critical of other service users’ expressions. Secondly, some service users preferred to keep their spirituality to themselves as a strategy of empowerment. In addition the study also found that service users viewed the mental health professional relationship as focusing upon medical aspects of their care, for example physical health and medication management, with no scope to explore religion, spirituality and mental distress. Thus questions of legitimacy focused around the notion of privacy and whether talking about religion and spirituality within the mental health service user and social worker relationship was too sensitive, given its association with sectarianism. Furthermore, mental health service users were concerned about how a disclosure of religion and / or spirituality within mental distress would be viewed by the mental health professional: would it be viewed as indicative of deteriorating mental health? Overall the study identified a significant gap between how service users draw upon spirituality and / or religion within mental distress, and the space given to this within mental health social work practice. This gap is due to a myriad of factors ranging from the social worker’s biography, to wider issues around how religion and spirituality are conceptualised in contemporary society. This study also highlights the continuing impact of the Northern Ireland conflict on frontline social work provision. There is a need for policymaking to acknowledge the ambivalence that exists around spirituality and religion in mental health social work practice due to the conflict and other relevant factors. Finally, support is needed for practitioners and service users to acknowledge this aspect of mental well-being in a manner that gives service users choice about its inclusion in their mental health care.