<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>

This study examined whether the concept of desired outcome in community programs serving adults with psychiatric disorders was a unitary or multifaceted concept and whether, if multifaceted, subject stakeholder group membership or variables of sex, education, age or attitudes were related to subject preferences for types of outcome. A literature review and focus groups were used to establish a broad range of potential outcomes and 47 subjects from six stakeholder groups (clients, family members, direct care staff, directors of programs serving clients with serious psychiatric disorders, DMH personnel who made service funding decisions, and taxpayers) sorted the 82 outcomes in order of their perceived importance. Subject responses were factor analyzed and a five factor solution was interpreted as indicating concerns for (1) increased client self determination, (2) risk reduction and stability, (3) provision for basic needs, (4) increasingly responsible and integrated community living, and (5) increased autonomy through skill development and symptom reduction. Stakeholder group membership was the only subject variable significantly correlated with subject differences in loading on the five identified factors. It was concluded that these differences had important implications for the ability of stakeholder groups to interact productively. That is, if individuals with differing views on the proper goals of the community mental health system fail to understand the nature of their differences conflict and distrust will continue and a coherent sense of mission for the community system will be impossible to attain. The author asserts that it is important for stakeholders to recognize the legitimacy of, and basis for, the views of others with whom they are attempting to work. Steps recommended to use these findings to improve the quality of practice in the field include: acknowledgment of conflicts inherent in differing points of view, clarifying the extent to which custodial care and social control of those with psychiatric disorders are primary functions of the community system, resolution of legal and ethical issues inherent in "ensuring" the care and safety (as defined by others) of those with psychiatric disorders, specification by funders of outcome priorities, and greater use of outcome measurement in program evaluation.

Yes / Despite increasing evidence of the impact of health inequalities on mental health (Pickett and Wilkinson, 2015) there is only limited recognition of the potential role for mental health social work in addressing ‘upstream’ as well as ‘downstream’ challenges of poverty, disadvantage and oppression affecting many people experiencing mental health difficulties. This paper presents some of the current evidence concerning mental health inequalities and the opportunities for mental health social workers to promote wellbeing. A theme throughout the paper is the need to avoid the many examples of dichotomous thinking that frequently characterise thinking about mental health and mental health practice. Additionally the limitations of an individualised recovery discourse are acknowledged. Drawing on Krieger’s (2011) ecosocial model, the social determinants of mental health are considered and the concept of embodiment is examined for its contribution to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between inequality and health. Finally, the paper offers a version of mental health social work that ‘faces both ways’, involving issues at both the individual and the wider societal level. This includes developing and extending partnerships with service users and carers and with other professional and agencies.

<p> This mixed method study investigated what providers who work with school-age children identify as the continued needs among children of Minnesota National Guard service members who are currently or have been deployed since 9/11. Key informants with National Guard (n=8) and educational affiliations (n=8) participated in semi-structured interviews that helped inform survey content for school social workers (n=105) that completed online surveys. Results from this study demonstrate that needs among children of deployed service members are being addressed on many fronts. Yet in light of the transitions the families of these youth experience, they remain vulnerable and in need of school based support that makes use of relationship support at school and promotes their resilience. Results from this study also reveal that developing further supports&mdash;particularly through clinical, tertiary-level interventions&mdash;within school settings is an ongoing challenge to which school social workers are encouraged to respond. Future research would benefit from a study of clinical school social work interventions for children of deployed service members that are age-appropriate, multi-theoretical in nature, and address mental health needs within school settings.</p>

<p> The needs of homeless students are significant and varied. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act helps ensure homeless students can access a quality education. One of the key provisions is the requirement that all LEAs identify a liaison to be in charge of meeting the needs of homeless students. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of district liaisons in regard to the needs of the homeless students they serve and the factors that facilitate and hinder their ability to meet these needs. The study was designed as a qualitative study relying primarily on interviews with 20 liaisons from a representative sample of districts in the state of Ohio. </p><p> The findings indicate that homeless students face a number of needs, including access to basic necessities like food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, and to social services including mental health services and drug treatment centers. Liaisons indicated that they played a less direct role in supporting students&rsquo; academic needs, instead relying on school-based staff members to support homeless students&rsquo; academic needs. </p><p> Liaisons identified a number of factors that facilitate and hinder their ability to meet the needs of their homeless students. The availability or lack of district resources like funding and personnel were especially important. In some districts, superintendents had prioritized hiring additional social or community workers. Liaisons indicated they relied a great deal on the support of these personnel. Further, the availability (or lack) of community-based service agencies greatly impacted liaisons&rsquo; work. </p><p> Finally, liaisons faced a number of competing demands that made their roles challenging. The vast majority of liaisons held another full-time role in the district, meaning they had limited time to devote to the role of liaison. Liaisons also indicated that navigating both community perceptions of homelessness (whether identified families were &ldquo;truly&rdquo; homeless or deserving of support) and the proper role of the school in the community were added challenges. </p><p> These findings suggest that additional personnel to help meet the needs of homeless students and greater coordination between schools and social service agencies would benefit both liaisons and the homeless students they serve. </p>

<p> Diagnosis of cancer found in a child impacts not only the child being diagnosed, but the siblings, parents, and family as a whole. The purpose of this thesis project was to write a grant in order to fund the development and implementation of a support group for parents who have children with cancer. In partnership with Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, the program would create a 6 week long support group that would provide parents with skills, resources, and interventions needed to parent a child diagnosed with cancer. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was selected as a funder because of the foundation's dedication to promote the health, happiness and well-being of children. This grant reviews the challenges parents have as well as the positive impact this program could have on the parents and their children. Submission and funding of this grant were not requirements of successful completion of this project. </p>

<p> This project served to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to secure funding for a program that provides mental health and psychological treatments, resources and information, and ultimately empowers Latina domestic workers who have survived trauma within and outside their scope of work. The program will be implemented by an MSW with Promotora community leadership. The program consists of a trauma focused intervention group with culturally sensitive and empirically supported curriculum as well as crisis mobilization services for female Latina domestic workers in the city of Los Angeles. If funded, this program will enable social workers and others to be able to advocate successfully and be informed about Latina domestic workers who face specific challenges in their work, including physical and mental health concerns, safety issues, a lack of labor protections, and overall health. Submitting this proposal for funding was not required to successfully complete this project.</p>