Social Work Undergraduate Research Theses and Honors Research Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

Undergraduate Research Theses and Honors Research Theses from the College of Social Work. More about the College of Social Work Honors Program is available at: https://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate/curriculum/honors-program/

Instructions for students

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 89
  • Item
    The Parent Trap: The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Child Rule Violating Behavior
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Sito, Sophie; Helm, Linda
    Parents choose to parent their child in their own way which leads to how the child will behave with the parent and others. Parenting styles continue to adapt and change with the times, as certain child rearing concepts are either accepted or not accepted by society. There are four primarily identified parenting styles known as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved, however these parenting styles do not fit all families (Brody, 2021). Looking into a more expansive list of parenting styles can help to better determine what aspects of parenting affect a child’s behavior. New parenting styles have been developed by a television series known as “The Parent Test.” The show identifies twelve parenting styles (Poonia, 2023). These twelve parenting styles help to better explain the modern styles of parenting. These twelve parenting styles are known as: disciplined, traditional, intensive, natural, child-led, new age, routine, high achievement, helicopter, free range, strict, and negotiation. This study examines the relationship between parenting styles and child rule violating behavior.
  • Item
    The Effectiveness of Short-Term Counseling and Referral Services at The Ohio State University
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Dunn, Eric; Gregoire, Tom
    Four in ten college students experience some form of mental health problem, and diagnoses continue to rise across the nation. However, research suggests that many college counseling centers struggle to keep up with the demand for services, leading to shorter session times, longer waitlists, and increased referrals to off-campus providers that students may be challenged to reach. The purpose of this study was to understand students’ experiences with the short-term counseling and referral services on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University (OSU) through a mixed-methods online survey. Specifically, this study sought to determine i) if students at OSU feel that their mental health needs are being met by the short-term counseling services, ii) if the referral process is helpful in connecting students to community mental health agencies, and iii) what advantages and barriers affect how students access community mental health agencies. Participants were recruited through flyers that were posted across OSU’s Columbus campus and sent out through email to individual OSU colleges. A total of 56 participants completed the survey. Their responses showed that participants reported a lower amount of distress after some amount of counseling sessions with the CCS, but participants overall cited a need for longer-form counseling and reported barriers with accessing off-campus resources. These results suggest that participants could benefit from additional counseling sessions to further lower distress levels and point to the need for more research into how students might benefit from longer-form counseling.
  • Item
    Interpersonal Relationships within Muslim Communities in Franklin County
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Khan, Uroosa; Dellor, Elinam
    This study was created to understand intimate partner violence (IPV) among Muslim individuals living in the Franklin County, Ohio. The study focused on three objectives, knowledge of IPV, prevalence of IPV, and knowledge of IPV resources. Eligibility requirements for the study were that participants had to be 18 or older, self-identify as Muslim, and reside in the Franklin County. Participants were recruited primarily via flyers and through social media and Muslim community listservs. A total of 40 participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics. Overall, average knowledge of IPV was low with participants scoring 13 on average out of a total of 25. Prevalence IPV perpetration ranged from 2% to 5%, and prevalence of IPV victimization ranged from 2% to 5%. When it comes to utilization of local resources, more participants indicated they would utilize or suggest Health Care/ Mental Health/Counseling, and Imam services (35%) followed by Emergency Medical, Police, Crisis hotline/advocate/support services (32.5%) then Shelter services (25%), and lastly by pursuing restraining orders (22.5%) . For perceived access to these services, more participants indicted that they would find an Imam (35%) in their neighborhood, followed by Police (27.5%), followed by Restraining order (22.5%), Emergency Medical Services (22.5%), Mental Health Counselor/Therapist (22.5%), followed by Health Care Provider (17.5%) or Crisis Hotline/Advocate/Support, and Shelter Services (10%). The majority of participants also indicated islamophobia and lack of knowledge about local resources create barriers to accessing IPV related resources. This study provides early evidence for the need for interventions in which the community can have further conversations on the topic of IPV, increase knowledge of IPV, and create a more supportive community when IPV experiences occur.
  • Item
    Moving Away Shutdown K(qu)arantine (MASK) Study: Examining the Lived Exerperiences of Out-of-State College Students
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Biagiotti, Katherine; Bates, Samantha
    The goal of this research study was to understand the experiences of out-of-state students living on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic at The Ohio State University (OSU). The out- of-state student population at OSU makes up roughly a quarter of the entire undergraduate student population and they bring diversity, unique perspectives, and different traditions to campus life (OSU Enrollment, 2023). Alternatively, out-of-state students move away from home to further their educational outcomes. As a result, out-of-state students may enter higher education with less of a support system nearby or fewer family and other social ties, which can be a significant lifestyle adjustment. To date, no studies, to my knowledge, examined the experiences of out-of-state students during the COVID-19 pandemic; illuminating a prominent gap in the literature. This qualitative study sought to explore how out-of-state college students coped with changes and challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, eight undergraduate students from states other than Ohio participated in one-hour interviews. Using thematic coding procedures, findings indicated this population experienced notable challenges during the pandemic such as difficulty learning in online environments, challenges building relationships, and mental health challenges. Many coped by procrastinating or turning to negative outlets like alcohol, whereas other students exercised, journaled, or forged new friendships to cope with stress during this time. Findings have the potential to elevate the experiences of out-of-state college students regarding their overall health, mental health, coping abilities, and outlook on learning to inform future prevention, intervention, and crisis response efforts in the future.
  • Item
    An Exploratory Study into the Needs of Kinship Caregivers in Ohio
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Beers, Roxanna; Mendoza, Nancy
    Compared to foster care, kinship care, where a child is being raised by a relative or family friend, has more positive child well-being outcomes. Despite this, there is a lack of evidence-based support interventions for kinship caregivers. This exploratory study used a combination of demographic questions, established scales, and qualitative questions to better understand the experiences of kinship caregivers in Ohio. The primary aims of this study were to (1) learn about what supports kinship caregivers are receiving and how adequate they are, and (2) explore what supports would help make the caregiving process more manageable for kinship caregivers. A total of 65 kinship caregivers, recruited from kinship-serving agencies completed the online survey. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to explore associations between three categories of race, four categories of marital status, and the individual items and sum of items on the FRS and FSS scales. Nvivo was used to look at the three open-ended questions. Findings included the identification of common challenges such as children’s behavioral issues and supports that are helpful such as financial assistance, counseling, and childcare. Based on the findings, a comprehensive intervention for kinship caregivers should be created and include financial assistance, respite care, education, health services, and family activities in one location to ease the burden on kinship caregivers and improve the well-being of kinship families. Social work implications and areas for future research are discussed.
  • Item
    Exploring the Impact of Classroom Seating on the Educational Wellbeing for Students with Diverse Bodies
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Collins, Brina; Kagotho, Njeri
    Public seating is designed with the “average” body frame in mind, leaving out people with diverse body types and those with accessibility challenges (Holcomb, 2022; Urdapilleta et al., 2019). This is especially true for people who are pregnant, have larger body sizes, struggle with chronic pain, are tall, and those who have physical disabilities. This problem extends to higher education where “tablet style” desks, stools with small surfaces, and chairs with fixed arms are the norm (Holcomb, 2022). There is a gap in research examining how inaccessible seating impacts academic performance, though we know that the learning environment influences student behavior which in turn impacts academic achievement and satisfaction (Gould, 2022; Holcomb, 2022; Muhammad et al., 2014; Stewart et al., 2023; Wurster et al., 2021). This study addresses the gap by examining the impact of seating options offered at The Ohio State University on feelings of belonging, emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and academic wellbeing. Study participants were students enrolled in in-person classes across five Ohio State University campuses. Online data was collected between November 2023 and March 2024 through a Qualtrics survey with 29 close-ended questions and three long-answer questions. Results included representation from five of the campuses associated with The Ohio State University (n=123). The most cited physical attributes impacting classroom experiences included height, larger body sizes, and chronic pain. Results show impacts on all four of the variables listed above, with some differences between campuses. Suggestions from participants to make seating more accessible include moving away from the seats with attached desks, spacing seating out for more walkways and legroom, and designing classroom spaces in a way that allows for a variety of seating options.
  • Item
    Exploring and Understanding Food Insecurity in Social Work Students
    (The Ohio State University, 2024-05) Gephardt, Sophie; Kaiser, Michelle
    Food insecurity is a growing problem for college students in the U.S. Having access to food does not necessarily mean that food is nutritious. Expenses like housing, food, transportation, and tuition contribute to college students experiencing food insecurity at a high rate. Recent studies have shown that social work students, in particular, are at risk for food insecurity and may negatively impact academic performance, financial instability, mental health, and relationships. The overall objective of this research was to examine the levels of food insecurity among social work students at Ohio State University (OSU) and determine how sociodemographic disparities affect food access and food security for students. We explored experiences of food insecurity for social work students at each program level (BSSW, MSW, Combined MSW-PhD, PhD), across all campuses (Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark), and for different classifications of race/ethnicity. A cross-sectional survey was distributed online and included descriptive closed-ended questions about sociodemographic characteristics, food security status, food access, utilization of food assistance programs, and negative life impacts. Open-ended questions provided opportunities to share day-to-day experiences with food insecurity, barriers to eating what they wanted, barriers to utilizing food assistance programs, experiences of shame and embarrassment, and ideas they had to address food insecurity. We had 251 participants and found 42% of them were food insecure. There were statistically significant disparities by race and varying experiences by campus and program. The students shared in-depth experiences of food insecurity negatively impacting physical health, mental health, school and work performance, and social life. Major themes included constant stress, addressing the financial burden of unpaid practicum experiences, shame, guilt, embarrassment, and impact of diet quality.
  • Item
    The Accessibility of Mental Health Resources for Foster Care Youth
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Little, Grace; Dellor, Elinam
    Children in the foster care system are far more susceptible to developing mental disorders over the course of their lives than those who do not spend time in foster care. This is due to the amount of complex trauma that the majority of children that are currently in or were previously in the foster care system have endured Furthermore, if a child is not being treated for their mental health disorder, they will be more prone to self-medicate with either drug use, violence or other harmful outlets. This could lead to ongoing problems when youth age out of the system. A young adult that is dealing with an undiagnosed mental health disorder will have an especially difficult time learning to live on their own. Despite this, research has shown that children and youth with a history of foster care involvement are not receiving mental health treatment services. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression and anxiety, and barriers to accessing mental health services among individuals with a history (current or previous) of foster care involvement. The was a cross sectional study using an online survey. Eligible individuals had to be over the age of 18 years old and with a history of foster care involvement (current or previous). All of the participants were from Ohio. Participants were asked to report on their own history within the foster care system. The participants also self-reported diagnoses for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If the participant indicated a diagnosis, they were then asked to describe their experiences with accessing mental health services while in foster care, and if they were currently receiving treatment. A total of 15 participants completed the survey and their responses were analyzed. Findings indicate that while participants reported diagnoses for the three disorders (PTSD, anxiety, depression) the majority did not receive treatment. Furthermore, the participants were reported not being connected with quality health care and with no ongoing treatment following the initial diagnosis. Overall, individuals with a history of foster care are at a greater risk for developing mental health disorders but are not being connected with effective and sustainable resources while they are in the foster care system. These findings point to the need for establishing a system for foster care youth to be connected to resources for mental health when they are aging out of foster care.
  • Item
    Factors Influencing Hospice Workers Use of Religion and Spirituality in Patient Care
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Lawson, Clara Eileen; Balaswamy, Shantha
    Research demonstrates the importance of a meaningful link between religion/spirituality (R/S) and the well-being of older adults (Whitehead and Bergeman., 2020; Malone and Dadswell, 2018). There are numerous additional studies that emphasize the benefit of R/S in end-of-life care (Abbas, et al., 2011; Cipriano-Steffens et al., 2021; Richardson, 2014). Selman, et al., (2014) conducted an online international study that surveyed 971 participants from 87 different countries and examined from the practitioner's perspective what is needed in the field of palliative care and found that research on the integration of R/S was needed. Yet, according to a study by Oxhandler, et al., (2015) only 13% of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) had taken a course in R/S. There is a gap in our knowledge relative to factors that influence the use of R/S within the helping professions (Oxhandler and Giardina, 2017). Therefore, the purpose of this research is to try to identify the extent to which Hospice workers integrate R/S in patient care and what factors influence the use of R/S in patient care. An online survey was used to collect the data (Monkey Survey software). Univariate and bivariate analysis was conducted to analyze the findings. The findings of this study show a majority of respondents are white, female, Christians with a college degree, professional licensure, and are predominately nurses. Even though a majority of the respondents are nurses and nurses tend to follow more of a medical model rather than a social work model which is client self-determination, interestingly, nearly 70% of respondents gather religious and spiritual history from their patients. However, less than 50% of the respondents indicated they were adequately trained to integrate religion/spirituality into patient care. Most of the respondents were religious and their religious attendance was low. Most of the other independent variables were not significantly related to the dependent variables. The only correlations that were significant were the following: use of training was positively correlated with referring patients to other R/S resources were years of experience in hospice care (r = .33, p > .05); frequency of attendance in R/S services is negatively correlated with having confidence in integrating R/S in their work (r = -.34, p > .05); years of experience in hospice care had a moderate correlation with the use of training in practice. The higher number of years of experience in hospice care leads one to be more likely to use their training in R/S when providing care to patients (r = .34, p > .05).
  • Item
    An Analysis of the Behavioral Health Response Training Provided to EMS Personnel
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Gardner, Anna; Dellor, Elinam; Freisthler, Bridget
    Among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, calls related to behavioral health crises have increased at an exponential rate. This rise in call volume is accompanied by the increase in the expectations of pre-hospital personnel such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics related to the provision of pre-hospital psychosocial care. However, this increase in expectation has not correlated with an increase in the training of EMS personnel to respond to behavioral health calls. The purpose of this study is to examine the level and type of behavioral health training among EMTs and paramedics, and the extent to which they contribute to perceived preparedness when responding to behavioral health calls in the central Ohio area. Eligible participants were Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel [Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics] over the age of 18 who currently are employed in central Ohio (Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties). Study participants completed an online survey indicating the level of type of training they received and rated their perceived comfort and preparedness for different facets of response during behavioral health calls. Participants also offered their opinions on behavioral healthcare response systems and trainings in other parts of the United States, including the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets (CAHOOTS) program in Eugene, Oregon, and the Shaker Heights Crisis Response Team in Ohio. 12 EMS personnel completed an online survey. Independent group t-tests were conducted from survey data to detect mean differences in level of preparedness by type and level of training. The study found that EMS personnel receive much of their training related to behavioral health patient care while responding to calls in the field. Therefore, personnel do not feel their training increased confidence related to different facets of patient care. Lastly, if further training programs related to behavioral health were to be provided in central Ohio, EMS personnel would be eager to participate. Findings from this study can be used to inform the creation of better mental health emergency response programs in central Ohio. This would benefit not only those in behavioral health crisis, but also EMS personnel’s safety and their maximization of time and resources.
  • Item
    Diabetic Management at Food Pantries: An Undergraduate Research Thesis
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Mirabile, Rylee; Kaiser, Michelle
    Food insecurity is defined as having "limited access to or availability of food or a limited or uncertain ability to acquire food in socially acceptable ways" (Holben & Pheley, 2006, p.1). In Franklin County, Ohio, over 12.8% of households are food insecure (Feeding America, 2021). Individuals who experience food insecurity are at a higher risk for chronic illnesses, like Type II Diabetes. Food pantries offer emergency and short-term solutions to bridge the nutritional gap for food insecure individuals and households. This community-based research study explores the effects of psychoeducational interventions in the food pantry setting on self-reports of diabetic management. Resources provided to food pantry clients relate to diet, exercise, community resource use, and mental well-being. The study takes place at NNEMAP Food Pantry in Columbus, Ohio with 17 food pantry clients who have Type II Diabetes. This study is utilizing multi-method data collection over a 6-week period. Study participants responded to open and close-ended survey questions about their predicted and actual use of provided resources. The intention was to have participants complete a post-test survey, but due to attrition, this part of the study was not completed. This study found that individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes struggle the more with diet-related management versus medication adherence or exercise changes. This study highlighted the differences in food security at the food pantry level, shedding light on how public benefit cuts may increase food pantry participation. Results also show that food pantries need to adapt how often clients can use their services, so that individuals will not need to travel so far to meet their nutritional needs.
  • Item
    Nature Relatedness and Well-being in Older Adults in Northwestern Ohio
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Robertson, Samantha; Kagotho, Njeri
    Background: Research indicates that interaction with the natural environment facilitates positive wellbeing. Studies from a wide range of disciplines confirm that contact with the natural environment has the potential to affect mental and physical health including, lower rates of anxiety and depression, improved immune system functioning and blood glucose levels, and overall positive functional health status. While research on the role of nature relatedness on the overall well-being of urban-dwelling older adults does exist, there remains a clear gap on research with older adults living in rural areas. Informed by Bronfenbrenner's Theory of Human Ecology, this study examines the effects of spending time in nature on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults in two rural Ohio counties. Methods: Using convenience sampling methods, this study enrolled non-institutionalized older adults (50 years and over) residing in Northwest, Ohio. The data was collected through an online survey hosted on OSU Qualtrics in November-December 2022. Open and closed-ended questions were used and asked about participants' characteristics, interaction with nature, and physical and mental health. Results: A total of 73 responses were received but 6 responses were omitted from analysis due to being outside the study age-range (N=67). The average respondent was 63.84 years old (M= 63.84, SD= 7.09) and lived in a mean household of 2.09 members. Approximately 48% of the respondents reported an annual household income of above $91,000 and approximately 61% identified as female. Preliminary analysis indicates that on average, participants spent 22.35 hours in nature each month with the most common outdoor activities listed as hiking, gardening, and walking. Participants identified challenges to spending time in nature including physical mobility, time, and the weather. Approximately 92% rated their mental health as either good or very good, and 71.7% rated their physical health as good or very good. An emerging and unexpected finding from qualitative responses was around spirituality. Participants described a spiritual connection and specifically mentioned God and their relationship to God as integral to their connection with the natural environment. Discussion: As the World Health Organization's Age Friendly Movement continues to gain momentum in rural areas, and as we are grappling with the long-term change in the climate, there is need for more studies on the well-being of older Americans as they navigate their natural environment.
  • Item
    Puzzling Pictures: Feasibility Study of a Collage Art Trauma Reprocessing Intervention for LGBTQ+ Emerging Adults
    (The Ohio State University, 2023-05) Mathew-Santhosham, Ray; McInroy, Lauren
    Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals are at high risk for adverse mental behavioral, and physical health outcomes due to the prejudice and discrimination they experience at both individual and institutional levels. Compared to the general United States (US) population, LGBTQ+ adults report experiencing more trauma during their childhood and are more likely to be victimized as adults. Systemic barriers to healthcare for LGBTQ+ people are compounded by a lack of culturally responsive care to counter the historic pathologization of sexual and gender minority identities. In this feasibility study, an art intervention (Puzzling Pictures) was developed and tested to address the trauma reprocessing needs of the LGBTQ+ population. Using the cutting and pasting technique of collage art, participants were guided through a series of sessions wherein they identified traumatic memories and positive memories during or following trauma, and subsequently developed core beliefs to be represented in an art piece telling their personal trauma narrative. Findings show the intervention was perceived as highly satisfactory, logical, helpful, and appropriate for participants' goals. Participants indicated they experienced low levels of discomfort and anxiety during participation. Participants' symptoms of traumatic stress were significantly reduced from the pre-test (M=15.6, SD=3.44) compared to post-test (M=8.4, SD=3.05); t=6.22, p=0.002. Trends of decreased difficulty in emotional regulation and increased coping skills were also found. Trauma narratives and core beliefs shifted from shame-based to strengths-based with an emphasis on the decentering of trauma. More research must be conducted with a larger data pool and sample with diverse educational backgrounds as well as higher levels of trauma to determine further efficacy of the Puzzling Pictures intervention.
  • Item
    Understanding Needs and Challenges of African American Students Enrolled in the Moritz College of Law
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Walker, Nahla; Karandikar, Sharvari
    There is currently a vast amount of underrepresentation of Students of Color who attend law school. However, the even greater amount of inconclusive documentation accounting for the experiences of Black law school students is concerning. Documenting the issues that Black students face in educational pursuits of obtaining their Juris Doctorate is what will eventually evoke change and help them excel in their greatest potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to support the exigency of enhanced supportive measures for African American Students enrolled in the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State. In an effort to evaluate the conditions in which African American Students have endured in their journey to arrive at the Moritz College of Law, an exploratory study was utilized through cross-sectional interviews to gather qualitative descriptive data. Each interview consisted of a series of questions related to constructs and lived realities of childhood and adolescent experiences, impact of COVID on the lack of legal opportunities for students, challenges faced during 1L through 3L, and methods of responding to adversity. Based on 12 in-depth interviews with adults who identify themselves as underrepresented minorities within the African American community, the results of this study present different barriers that are divided into two groups: institutional barriers and internalized barriers. This study demonstrates that if adequate steps are not taken to improve diversity and inclusion, the minoritized population at Moritz College of Law will continue to face more challenges as they navigate gaps in equities within the legal profession. It is pivotal to acknowledge and study the social determinants that persist in African American communities that directly affect students of color in law schools.
  • Item
    Exploring the Role of Weight Stigma in the Development of Eating Disorders among Food-Insecure People
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Kretschmer, Andy; Ruch, Donna
    Although a small body of research exists that describes the relationship of food insecurity (FI), eating disorder (ED) pathology, and the role of weight stigma (WS) in the development of EDs, little is known about the specific impact of WS on food-insecure people, let alone those among them with significant, clinical ED pathology. The aims of this mixed-methodological study were (1) to quantitatively describe the nature and prevalence of EDs and WS internalization in a group of food-insecure people (n=45) in central Ohio; and (2) to derive themes governing compensatory disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in order to qualitatively describe the role that experiencing WS plays in the development of eating disorders, and particularly the use of compensatory disordered eating behaviors (i.e., vomiting, exercise, restriction, laxative and diuretic abuse) among a food-insecure sample. Participants were recruited from a central Ohio food pantry. Survey data gathered from participants was analyzed to describe the prevalence and severity of FI, ED pathology, WS internalization, and relationships between these variables. Consistent with prior studies, this study demonstrates that FI is correlated with high rates of ED pathology, and that WS internalization is significantly correlated with ED pathology (P <.001). The results of this quantitative examination have been used to purposively sample respondents for the upcoming qualitative portion of this study. Consistency across studies examining EDs and FI as well as the influence of WS internalization on ED pathology implies that this is likely a widespread issue. Further qualitative and intervention research is needed to understand the systemic issues facing this population, potential barriers to treatment, and to determine specific and culturally competent care and support needs of this population.
  • Item
    "If I Don't Do It, No One Else Will" Narratives on the Mental Wellbeing of Eldest Daughters in sub-Saharan African Immigrant Households
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Bah, Fatoumata; Kagotho, Njeri
    Black immigrant women are especially susceptible to poor psychological outcomes and yet female immigrants of sub-Saharan African (SSA) descent remain a highly understudied population. Cumulative migration stressors, poverty, and socio-cultural factors contribute to high mental health risks in this sub-population. While the literature is mixed, birth-order has been correlated with mental health risk factors, with firstborns reporting higher emotional disorders and lower education achievement. This phenomenological study examines how birth-order and transnational experiences inform the psychological well-being of women from SSA. Convenience sampling was used to recruit college-age women (N=11) who were the eldest daughters of their families. Participants were invited to schedule two interviews at least 1-month apart. Two cycles of analysis were followed (cycle 1: descriptive, in vivo, and process coding; cycle 2: axial coding). Methodological rigor was optimized through reflexivity, journaling, peer check-in, and team coding. Atlas.TI was used to analyze the data. All participants self-identified as cis-gender females, age range 18-24, and were first or second-generation immigrants. The average household had 3 siblings with most respondents identifying as 'first-daughter' and two as eldest daughter still living in the household. Participants contextualized their narratives around family and college experiences and described their changing identities at the intersection of multiple cultures. Three themes emerged: Locus of Control, Identity, and Transnationalism. These women were hopeful about their future, and credited parenting strategies (they sometimes viewed as problematic) and social interactions as large contributors to their drive and academic motivations. They often feel overwhelmed with the expectations and responsibilities they are expected to fulfill both outside and inside of the home. These findings point to the need for further research to facilitate inclusive spaces in higher education and mental health settings for young sub-Saharan African women living in these transnational spaces.
  • Item
    Spirituality, Identity and Belonging: Exploring Mental Well Being among the Coptic Community in the United States
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Bibawy, Juliana; Maleku, Arati
    The Coptic population is a native Egyptian Christian population representing a minority status in their country of origin and religious identification. As a minoritized Orthodox Christian population in a constitutionally Islamic state of Egypt, the Copts have endured suffering in their homeland, which in most cases, forced them to migrate from the only home they know and brought many challenges to their migration. The Coptic diaspora in the United States is a minority representative religious diaspora community, which remains hidden and largely understudied. Mental well-being remains to be a huge concern among the Coptic diaspora population in the United States. Using a quantitative online survey design, this study aimed to explore the role of spirituality, identity, and sense of belonging on the overall mental well-being among the Coptic community in the United States. The online survey used quantitative measures on spiritual experience, belonging, identity, anxiety, and depression and few open-ended questions on the meaning of mental health, Coptic identity, and issues in the Coptic community. Quantitative findings of the study (N= 171) showed high levels of spirituality and Coptic identity, challenged sense of belonging, and high levels of anxiety and depression faced among survey respondents. Qualitative findings from the open-ended questions corroborated quantitative findings and highlighted mental health as a significant problem facing the Coptic population. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) meaning of mental health; (2) Coptic community identity; and (3) issues facing Coptic community: challenged sense of identity and mental health. Findings provide implications for culturally appropriate spiritual practices and collaboration with faith-based institutions to implement targeted mental health programs. This study sheds light on the experiences of minority-representative diasporas and unravels the role of spirituality in addressing mental health issues.
  • Item
    Exploring Firefighter Preference Regarding Critical Incident Stress Debriefing as a Post-Critical Incident Intervention
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Sarabia, Joselyn; Dellor, Elinam; Freisthler, Bridget
    Firefighters have a higher risk of developing negative mental health outcomes due to the high-risk nature of the job and cumulative trauma exposure. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a commonly utilized intervention in the fire service that aims to minimize psychological and emotional harm and prevent the development of negative mental health outcomes. However, limited research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of CISD specific to this population. The purpose of this study is to explore firefighter preference regarding CISD as a post-critical intervention and examine self-reported secondary traumatic stress and coping self-efficacy. 540 career firefighters completed an online survey. Specific demographic and employment factors varied by each objective and analytic sample; however, the majority of study participants were Caucasian, non-Hispanic males. The study found that the majority of firefighters preferred CISD as compared to informal peer support, formal one-on-one counseling, and no intervention (47.9%); while no intervention was the second largest preference (27.8%). Firefighters who participated in CISD had significantly higher levels of secondary traumatic stress symptoms (STSS) as compared to firefighters who were offered and declined to participate after controlling for other factors (p <0.05), and the association was driven by men (p < 0.05). Lastly, firefighters who preferred CISD and those who preferred formal one-on-one counseling had significantly lower levels of firefighter coping self-efficacy and trauma coping self-efficacy as compared to firefighters who preferred no intervention (p < 0.05 and < 0.01 respectively). Findings from this study can be used to inform the practices utilized by the Columbus Division of Fire to address the stress and trauma experienced among its firefighters, as well as direct the implementation of future research to bridge the gap in knowledge on firefighter intervention preference.
  • Item
    Usefulness of Sexuality Education for Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Disabilities
    (The Ohio State University, 2022-05) Ball, Olivia H.; Warren, Keith
    Little research about the effectiveness of prescribed sexuality education for adolescent individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis without the presence of intellectual disabilities has been published. Common misconceptions and stereotypes portray the idea that autistic individuals do not wish to engage in romantic relationships and previous research continues to dispel this false narrative. To fill this gap, the authors of this research study surveyed adults 18-24 years old who self-disclosed an ASD diagnosis and previously completed a sexuality education class in school during their adolescence. Using data from previously published research, the authors hypothesized that autistic individuals did not learn or retain information related to sexuality education key concepts outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) ((1) relationships, (2), values, rights, culture and sexuality, (3) understanding gender, (4) violence and staying safe, (5) skills for health and well-being, (6) the human body and development, (7) sexuality and sexual behavior, (8) sexual and reproductive health). Through this research study, it was found that individuals who attended a private institution while enrolled in a sexuality education instruction scored statistically lower on the "Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire" than those who attended a public institution.
  • Item
    Exploring Marginalized Youth Access to Outdoor Spaces for Recreation in Columbus, OH: Perspectives of Greater Hilltop Community Youth Service Providers
    (The Ohio State University, 2021-05) Parsons, Nuurah; Jarrott, Shannon
    There is an ever-growing body of research regarding the role of the natural environment in relation to children's development and health. Erik Erikson identified eight developmental stages; adolescence (ages 12-18) is the fifth stage. The main developmental challenge at this stage is identity versus role confusion. During this stage youth ego identity begins to crystalize (Orenstein 2020). Development can be defined as "a lasting change in the way in which a person perceives and deals with [their] environment" (Bronfenbrenner 1979, p. 3). Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of development identifies five nested structures where development is profoundly affected by events occurring in settings the developing person is present in, and settings the developing person is not present (Bronfenbrenner 1979). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified five social determinants of health: economic stability, education, social and community context, health and health care, and neighborhood and built environment. Using perspectives of organizers, and administrators who work with youth in the Greater Hilltop area, I addressed how marginalized adolescents access outdoor spaces for recreation in their community. Specifically, I explored what outdoor places and spaces adolescents' access for recreation, how they use it, strengths and barriers to currently available outdoor space and association with adolescent health. Results of the study captured how the ecological systems domains influence adolescent access to outdoor spaces for recreation in the Greater Hilltop community and health. All systems were reflected in interview responses except the chronosystem. The mesosystem was the most identified system, which is consistent as the majority of interviewees are involved with adolescents in the out of school setting. This research affirms the need for more research to understand the relationship between natural outdoor recreation spaces in the urban environment and adolescent health.