Articles tagged with Social Work
A national study found that food insufficiency is strongly associated with unmet mental health needs and higher use of psychiatric medications among Americans. The study suggests that clinicians should screen patients for food insecurity and provide referrals to food assistance programs.
A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
A new study found that Connecticut's MAT programs have higher-than-average patient retention rates, with 58.9% of participants remaining in the program at six months. However, younger patients and those using cocaine or crack alongside opioids had lower retention rates, highlighting the need for targeted strategies.
A new study examines the factors that influence young women's disclosure of partner violence in their first relationships. The research reveals four patterns of partner violence and disclosure, including stigmatization, shame, and lack of support. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness about different types of partner...
Researchers at UTA will match students with dementia patients for a two-year project using reminiscence therapy and digital memoirs to improve social and emotional well-being. The team hopes this intergenerational approach will promote better outcomes for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Research reveals that Black African families in the UK are influenced by structural forces of race, power, and cultural differences. Many parents express a desire to adopt UK parenting styles but fear being misunderstood or penalized by authorities.
A new study found that adults who experienced parental intimate partner violence, mental illness, and substance dependence were more than 10 times more likely to have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. The study suggests that these parental problems can increase the risk of childhood sexual abuse by nearly tripling or even doublin...
UT Arlington faculty members Stephanie Rasmussen and Ericka Robinson-Freeman received the UT System Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award for their dedication to student success. The two professors were recognized for innovative course development, classroom expertise, and student learning outcomes.
A new University of Toronto study found that individuals with suboptimal mental health died on average 4.7 months earlier than those in excellent mental health. The study, which followed 12,424 adult Canadians from 1994 to 2011, also identified key factors associated with premature mortality.
Michael E. Wolf-Branigin, a Professor of Social Work at George Mason University, has been awarded a Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program grant valued at $267,675. The funding supports the development of social work students for long-lasting careers in child welfare.
Research reveals the proportion of children born into care in England has risen from one in 400 to one in 200 over the past decade. This corresponds to a 48% increase in the number of babies being taken into state care, with regional disparities observed.
A study by Ohio State University found that job skills training significantly reduced the use of illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin in low-income youth. After 16 years, only 2.8% of those who received job skills training used these drugs, compared to 5.2% of those who received basic services.
The UTA team is developing a comprehensive vision of Texas' transportation system in 25 years, incorporating autonomous vehicles and surveying Texans' needs. The project aims to proactively prepare for emerging technologies and ensure a preferred future vision.
The National Social Work Education Health Futures Lab will explore trends in climate change, artificial intelligence, and social media's impact on mental health. The center aims to train social work educators as futurists and democratize foresightful approaches.
Women experiencing high-risk pregnancies struggle with fears and tears without adequate psychosocial support, feeling isolated and worried. Researchers suggest professional interventions like visualization, mindfulness, and psychotherapy can help manage emotions and reduce poor outcomes.
The UTA project uses a national grant to improve transportation for older adults living in assisted-living communities across the Dallas area. The team analyzes data from various sources and conducts surveys to understand mobility needs, usage of available options, and potential barriers.
A new study found that depression is linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians, with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables being a risk factor. The study also found that immigrant women were more likely to experience depression than Canadian-born women.
A study of social workers found that leaving a child under 12 years old home alone for four hours is often considered neglect, regardless of injury. The research suggests the need for uniform guidelines and safety laws to protect children from harm.
The University of Texas at Arlington will train more addiction recovery specialists with a new $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The project aims to provide evidence-based practices for working with opioid users through hands-on training.
A new study by researchers at Boston University and American University confirms the negative impact of food insecurity on child health, highlighting its unique and pervasive effects. The study suggests an urgent need for policies to address this issue, with potential solutions including increased federal SNAP benefits.
A new University of Michigan study found that spanking is harmful for all three racial groups, despite cultural differences. Spanking at age 1 predicts child behavior issues at age 3, leading to more spanking at age 5. The study's findings highlight the need for discipline alternatives to spanking in Native American communities.
A study of over 3,500 participants aged 32-51 found significant associations between optimism and various characteristics of self-reported sleep. Optimists were more likely to report very good sleep quality and adequate sleep duration. The research suggests that positivity may buffer the effects of stress by promoting adaptive coping.
A new study found that at-home support networks using social work case managers and online resources significantly improve stroke patients' physical health and confidence. Patients with access to these services reported better outcomes compared to those with traditional care.
The LSU School of Social Work has been awarded a $3.73 million grant to improve the quality of life for Louisiana residents and families living with Alzheimer's disease. The program, LA-GWEP, will train social workers, nurses, and physicians in dementia-friendly integrated practice.
A study found that Connecticut's Mobile Crisis Intervention Service reduced ER visits for children and youth with acute behavioral health needs by 22% compared to those who received emergency care. The program provided timely mental health interventions and services, resulting in lower rates of follow-up episodes.
Adults with parents struggling with addiction, intimate partner violence, and mental illness are more than 30 times likely to be victims of childhood physical abuse. The study found a strong correlation between these risk factors and childhood abuse, highlighting the importance of screening for children in vulnerable homes.
Researchers identified four distinct categories of stress experienced by women seeking abortion, including prior stressors, accessing abortion services, and post-abortion stress. The study aims to inform social workers' clinical care and policy development, prioritizing a trauma-informed approach.
A University at Buffalo researcher emphasizes the importance of considering community realities and resources in treating postpartum depression among low-income mothers of color. The study's findings highlight the need for social workers to advocate for expanded services, including childcare, transportation, and access to healthcare.
A PSU researcher is working to identify the behavioral health needs of NICU parents and develop a sustainable program to support them. Studies show that parents with babies in the NICU are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.
The Healthy Start program aims to address longstanding perinatal health disparities in Houston's most disadvantaged communities. The initiative will provide community-based services and health education to black women, their partners, and families to promote preconception care and behaviors that reduce risk.
Dementia caregivers want robots to support positive moments and alleviate emotional stress through tasks like answering repeated questions, managing daily schedules, and providing reminders. The researchers are now building high-tech prototypes based on the initial low-tech prototypes designed by caregivers.
A nationally representative study found that two-thirds (69%) of Canadians who had ever attempted suicide were completely free of any suicidal thoughts in the past year. The study also identified that social support and effective mental health treatment played a critical role in recovery from suicidal ideation.
A one-hour workshop on houseplant-potting improved the moods of incarcerated women and provided a respite from their surroundings. The study highlights the value of interaction with nature for therapeutic and rehabilitative goals, suggesting that such activities can have a lasting impact on quality of life while in prison.
A study of over 110,000 respondents found that morbid obesity was strongly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in never-smokers. In particular, among older women, those with morbid obesity had a higher prevalence of COPD compared to their normal-weight peers.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that spanking may be more harmful for children in developing countries than previously thought. The research, which analyzed data from 62 countries, found a link between physical discipline and lower social development among young children.
Two UTA social work professors, Noelle Fields and Ling Xu, have received a $459,994 NIH grant to develop an intervention program for African American dementia caregivers. The SCP Plus program aims to reduce caregiver burden and stress while increasing the well-being of caregivers.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $500,000 grant from the Office of the Governor to fund two projects: one providing campus victim services and the other evaluating programs across the state. The grant aims to support crime victims and their services, with a focus on sexual assault cases.
Jillian Rose, Hospital for Special Surgery's director of Community Engagement, Diversity and Research, received the ARHP Distinguished Educator Award for her innovative teaching, innovative initiatives, and dedication to promoting health equity in rheumatology care. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally.
Wraparound services, co-located with primary care, are associated with a reduction in hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Researchers estimated potential cost savings of $8.2 million from 2011 to 2016, representing an average annual savings of $1.4 to $2.4 million.
Yuri Jang, PhD, receives GSA's 2018 Minority Mentorship Award for her exceptional mentorship of minority researchers in the field of aging. She has mentored over 30 scholars during her 15-year tenure, inspiring them to pursue research and careers promoting the well-being of minority older adults.
Research finds that even vulnerable kids can identify specific adults who made a difference in their education. The study's participants highlighted the need for communication and collaboration among adult providers to ensure youth don't fall through the cracks. Better support systems are crucial for improving educational outcomes.
Researchers have developed an innovative app, SageServe, to connect older adults with online-based volunteer opportunities, reducing social isolation. The app aims to enhance health and well-being by strengthening existing social roles and developing new ones, catering to those with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments.
A Baylor University study finds that many young adults with severe mental illness consider religion and spirituality relevant to their mental health. Researchers discovered unique ways in which this sample made sense of their difficult life situations through their religious/spiritual perspective.
A recent study by Aaron Thompson found that high-performing school social workers were more likely to have graduate degrees and work in states with certification standards. This suggests that policies supporting minimum competencies and national certification standards can improve school safety outcomes for students.
Lobachevsky University researchers analyzed constructing ideology of social assistance to the elderly in state institutions, public and religious organizations. They found that social care remains traditional, with a focus on passive recipients rather than active involvement.
A Baylor University study found that birth mothers' satisfaction with their decision to place children for adoption is affected by time, age, education, income, and contact with the child. The research revealed that higher education, financial success, and older age led to decreased satisfaction, while current contact with the child an...
A recent study published in Families in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services found that social workers have the capability to mitigate impending financial calamity before it happens. Further training could strengthen their abilities to stave off foreclosure, supporting families in connecting with resources.
Research by University of Huddersfield professor Brid Featherstone highlights the importance of allowing adopted children closer ties with their birth families, citing potential identity issues and emotional consequences for adoptive parents. The report calls for a review of UK adoption law to consider more open approaches.
Child welfare workers lack effective assessment tools for identifying chronic neglect, a critical predictor of child well-being. The study identifies hazardous housing, mismanaged finances, and domestic violence as key predictors of chronic neglect.
A study comparing smoking rates and regulations between the US and Turkey found that current smoking rates are higher in Turkey at 27%, while cessation rates are higher in the US at 25%. The researchers hope to inform global health leaders on effective interventions to reduce tobacco use.
The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.
A study published in Population Health Management found that state-level Medicaid expansion improved health care access among low-income US residents, increasing insurance coverage and reducing barriers to care. Residents in non-expansion states were disproportionately negatively affected by the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage.
A study of gay and lesbian adopters and foster carers in England and Wales found that many professionals cling to traditional ideas of family, challenging the concept of diverse kinship systems. The research aims to re-examine familial relationships and kinship practices within adoption and fostering.
Research from the University of Missouri identifies themes that could help policymakers keep veterans out of jail, including alcohol and drug use, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and economic disadvantages. The study found that trauma encountered in the military, relational stress, and struggles with civilian culture contribute ...
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a framework to help victims of domestic violence before, during, and after disaster events. The framework integrates domestic violence services into disaster-related assistance, promoting empowerment for women and children.
Researchers developed algorithms that pinpoint individuals most likely to influence peers to get tested for HIV status, resulting in a 70% reach compared to current methods. The AI-powered approach encouraged testing, with 37% of peers getting tested when selected by HEALER and 25% by DOSIM.
A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.
A new study from the University of East Anglia aims to improve policy and social work practice by addressing the knowledge gap about men in child protection. The research found that most men involved wanted to be part of their child's life, presenting both a risk and resource for their children.
A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.
Saint Louis University research suggests that formal volunteering in civic service programs can improve the health, mental health, and social life of US veterans. After participating in a six-month volunteer program, more than half of the participants reported better health and emotional well-being.