This work explored the ways in which the theoretical constructs of gay identity development, relational satisfaction, and outness interact in gay-male emerging adults. Informed by the literature on these constructs, the researcher developed a structural model to evaluate the interactive and mediating roles within the model. Three instruments were selected to assist in measuring these theoretical constructs. The Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS) measured gay identity development, the Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS) measured relational satisfaction, and the Nebraska Outness Scale (NOS) measured outness. A sample of 206 cisgender gay men in Emerging Adulthood (ages 19-29) were recruited from LGBTQ+ Community Centers, Post-secondary Pride Centers, and electronically through the MTurk crowd sourcing platform. Data gathered from these participants was evaluated via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between the variables and understand how outness (NOS) and relationship satisfaction (GLRSS) mediate gay identity development (LGBIS). Results of confirmatory factor analysis of all three measures show considerable concerns. This study was unable to confirm author supplied factor structures for any of the instruments used in this work. Results of this study should be considered with extreme caution as the instrumentation used may be flawed and may not have actually measured the intended theoretical constructs. Discussion, consideration of findings, limitations, and areas for future research are given with caution.

No description available.

Impacting millions of youth in the United States and across the globe, early parental death can be a very stressful and traumatic event and is an important topic to investigate. Utilizing an Eriksonian developmental perspective, this study (N = 256) examined a group of young adults who experienced a parental death during adolescence and a group of young adults who had not experienced an early parental death. The researcher examined the developmental impact of early parental death, and developed a predictive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) for young adults who have experienced early parental death. When compared to non-bereaved peers, young adults who experienced a parental death during adolescence had lower psychosocial developmental strength; this impact did not vary due to demographic variables (e.g., gender, SES, ethnicity, age), type of parental death, gender of the deceased parent, age when death occurred, or the closeness of the relationship with the deceased parent. This study also affirmed the relationships between psychosocial development, social support, religiosity/spirituality, and PTG, emphasizing social support, spirituality, and psychosocial development as statistically significant predictors of PTG in young adults who experienced an early parental death. The strong statistical relationship between psychosocial development and PTG also affirmed the literature that has theorized this relationship. Investigating two different developmental periods contributed to the limited research on the long-term trajectory of PTG in individuals who experienced early parental death, and provided insight into sustaining PTG throughout the lifespan as well. Limitations and suggestions for future research are presented, along with implications for the profession of counseling.

This research study explored how undocumented immigrants define and experience mental health. A review of literature about undocumented Latinx immigrants emphasized that even in high distress, this population underutilizes mental health services. Data were analyzed through the lens of Latinx Critical Race Theory in an effort to conceptualize the role of multiple marginalization on the mental health state of undocumented Latinx immigrants. Eight undocumented Mexican immigrants in one city in a southern state were interviewed using semi-structured, open-ended questions. A transcendental phenomenology method was used to explore how this population experiences mental health. Data analysis revealed five themes that suggest that this population has a negative experience with mental health. The negative experience with mental health was influenced by family, community, and political climate. Additional findings are also discussed, along with implications for counselor education and clinical practice, limitations, and areas for further research.

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.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

This research investigated the experiences and practices of mental health registered nurses working within an acute mental health facility. The research explored the workplace environment and sought to gain a greater understanding of the elements that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace setting.The research methodology utilised a critical feminist framework. Thirteen women participants were involved in the research project including myself as a research participant. All participants were employed in an acute mental health facility in New South Wales. Four research methods were incorporated into the study these were focus groups, individual interviews, reflective journaling and creative expression and journaling. The study revealed a diverse range of opinion on nursing culture and profession, linking individual experience with group connectiveness, value and belonging.The findings of this research demonstrated that the women’s experience and practices as registered nurses working in mental health care were influenced directly by the management of the health service organisation and the operational leadership within the mental health facility. The data revealed five themes, these were: stress and mental health nursing practice, coping with violence, professional development, the spirit of nursing and the therapeutic relationship.Overall there were numerous links between the women’s experiences as nurses and their relationships with their colleagues, patients and the community. The results exposed professional pressures and inherent tensions within mental health nursing and highlighted an urgency to review a current health care structureThe study identified environmental factors that impacted upon the workplace and revealed a dichotomy between the nurses’ perception of care and their ability to provide it. The research raised disquiet regarding violence and aggression, inadequate career structure, recruitment, retention and education. Jutxaposed to this, the research identified collegial friendship, spirituality and stress management as contributing factors to a safe and healthy workplace. Finally, the notions of teamwork, diversity and creativity were found to be intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and client outcome.

This research investigated the experiences and practices of mental health registered nurses working within an acute mental health facility. The research explored the workplace environment and sought to gain a greater understanding of the elements that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace setting.The research methodology utilised a critical feminist framework. Thirteen women participants were involved in the research project including myself as a research participant. All participants were employed in an acute mental health facility in New South Wales. Four research methods were incorporated into the study these were focus groups, individual interviews, reflective journaling and creative expression and journaling. The study revealed a diverse range of opinion on nursing culture and profession, linking individual experience with group connectiveness, value and belonging.The findings of this research demonstrated that the women’s experience and practices as registered nurses working in mental health care were influenced directly by the management of the health service organisation and the operational leadership within the mental health facility. The data revealed five themes, these were: stress and mental health nursing practice, coping with violence, professional development, the spirit of nursing and the therapeutic relationship.Overall there were numerous links between the women’s experiences as nurses and their relationships with their colleagues, patients and the community. The results exposed professional pressures and inherent tensions within mental health nursing and highlighted an urgency to review a current health care structureThe study identified environmental factors that impacted upon the workplace and revealed a dichotomy between the nurses’ perception of care and their ability to provide it. The research raised disquiet regarding violence and aggression, inadequate career structure, recruitment, retention and education. Jutxaposed to this, the research identified collegial friendship, spirituality and stress management as contributing factors to a safe and healthy workplace. Finally, the notions of teamwork, diversity and creativity were found to be intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and client outcome.