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Title: Cultural competency in clinical consultation at the Alberta Children's Hospital: how to deliver equitable, effective, and adequate health care to minority people
Contributors: Johnson Opoku (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The need to provide culturally competent health care and social service has become a major concern for social workers, health professionals, and researchers. Many researchers suggest ways to implement culturally competent programs and services, such as diversity training for staff, the building of cordial relations with the communities around the service centers, implementing culturally responsive service policies, and hiring from the communities to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of service users. Others advocate the need to introduce programs such as interpretation service to eliminate language barriers. They also emphasize the development of practice guidelines which should include self-assessment, enquiry about a client's cultural background, and the need to acquire cultural knowledge. Although, the above suggestions see the need for changes in the traditional way of providing health care and social service, there has been little examination of the link between culture, illness, and healing. It shows that many practitioners do not see the importance of implementing culturally competent services and programs within the health care and social service settings. Further, much of the current debates on cultural competence focus on services and programs provided by mental health practitioners and nurses, but very little research has been conducted from a social work perspective. The Child and Women's Diversity Program at the Alberta Children's Hospital tries to correct these deficiencies in cultural competence by providing a cultural based consultation to social workers, physicians, and psychologists. --P. i.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Abandonment or autonomy: How do social workers know the difference?
Contributors: Louise Holland (author), Dawn Hemingway (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Adult Guardianship Act proclaimed in British Columbia in 2000 was a legal response that provides a mandate for designated agencies to look into reports of vulnerable adults who are abused, neglected, or self neglected. Important guiding principles are embedded in the legislation intended to safeguard the principal of autonomy. This legislation requires designated agency staff to be simultaneously responsible for the mandate to care for vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or self neglect and to uphold the principle of the right to autonomy. This qualitative research study describes the experiences and decisions social workers encounter in adult guardianship practice with older adults, particularly as it relates to the ethical dimensions of the practice. Results suggest that social workers look for and find ways to balance support for both autonomy and care by improvising ethical jazz. Questions were raised about the viability of integrating adult protection and health care. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: Investigating how boxing interventions may support youth in northern British Columbia
Contributors: Trevor Moyah (author), Indrani Margolin (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Sarah de Leeuw (committee member), Heather Peters (committee member)
Abstract: Sport-based interventions (SBIs) are one method proven to help at-risk youth improve their lives by building relationships with positive adult and peer role models and providing a physical goal oriented activity with which to engage. This study examined boxing as a SBI intervention, looking specifically at if and how it may improve the lives of at-risk youth in Prince George and 100 Mile House, BC. SBIs have been shown to empower youth to choose differently by assisting them to develop positively (Wright, 2006; Pollack, 1998). My research focused on the sport of boxing as an intervention to assist youth towards more positive development, especially for at-risk youth living in northern British Columbia (BC), to form positive relationships, gain empowerment to make healthy choices, and decrease violent behaviours. To collect data, open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted. There were eight interviews completed with two boxing coaches, two adult boxers, who have been boxing since their youth, and four youth boxers ranging in age from 15 to 17 years old. Thematic analysis was conducted with the interview transcripts, which yielded three main findings: influence of boxing, boxing can teach life skills, and coaches’ have a positive influence. The significance of this research is well-timed and important. In a northern BC community with fewer resources available as compared to urban geographies, an SBI might be a more viable option to help youth become connected to their communities.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2017

Title: Studying the efficacy and service users' experience of a cognitive behaviour therapy group for adults experiencing anxiety and/or panic in a community mental health setting.
Contributors: Lani Ho (author), Bruce Bidgood (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study examines the efficacy of a psycho-educational group for adults experiencing anxiety and/or panic using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) at a community mental health agency. A pre-post design was used to measure target behaviours related to anxiety and/or panic and post-intervention interviews were conducted to explore the service users' experience of the group process, content and outcome. The five pretest-posttest (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia, Quick Inventory of Depressive Sympotomatology and Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire) measure eight target behaviours. Seven of the eight target behaviours for the average client showed significant improved functioning after the group in: (1) affective and somatic symptoms of anxiety (general anxiety), (2) anxiety sensitivity, (3) panic attack intensity, (4) while alone, severity of avoidance behavior of certain common situations, (5) while accompanied, severity of avoidance behaviour of certain common situations, (6) severity of depressive symptoms, and (7) frequency of certain fearful thoughts. The target behaviour, number of panic attacks experienced per week did not show any significant change from before and after the group. For the qualitative interviews, content analysis was used to analyze the verbatim interview transcripts. Seven superordinate themes emerged from the data: (1) joining the group and expectations of the groups, (2) the group experience, (3) coping strategies, (4) strengths, likes and highlights of the group (5) weaknesses, dislikes and low points of the group and individuals suitable or unsuitable for the group, (6) suggestions, and (7) the interviewee's environment. There is a lack of studies investigating the efficacy and service users' experience of group CBT on anxiety and panic in community settings without using strict exclusion criteria. This study is an extension of this research and explored the latter in the context of northern British Columb
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: Clinical perspectives on the integration of mainstream mental health approaches and traditional aboriginal healing practices.
Contributors: Marcela Rojas (author), Joanna Pierce (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of my thesis was to describe the perspectives of child and youth mental health clinicians on the integration of mainstream mental health approaches and traditional Aboriginal healing practices. Research participants consisted of four clinicians currently employed by the Ministry of Children and Family Development, who have delivered services in the Northern region of British Columbia within the last twelve months. The literature review examined a variety of topic related areas, including: Cultural Safety Research Considerations Aboriginal Mental Health Mainstream Mental Health Approaches Traditional Aboriginal Healing Practices Integrated Mental Health Approaches and Considerations for Rural Practice. I applied a qualitative research approach, guided by the tenets of a constructivist lens. The process of examining my research findings involved the application of a Thematic Analysis approach. My research findings support the need for future research that would expand the scope and applicability of findings. These findings suggest that clinicians see the value of integrated approaches in both their practice and in outcomes for their clients. In addition, findings suggest that clinicians perceive the limitations of mainstream approaches as potential barriers to the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Implications related to the field of social work include the institution of organizational specific cultural safety training and shifts towards more flexible and collaboratively based service delivery structures. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2014

Title: Like minds: a case study of child protection workers' shared values
Contributors: Brenda Gayle Lewis (author), Gerard Bellefeuille (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2005

Title: Tiny specks in microscopes: the impact of human service workers on the lives of parents with intellectual disabilities
Contributors: Jacqueline Harper (author), Gordon Ternowetsky (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This exploratory study used grounded theory methodology to examine the interactions between human service workers and parents with intellectual disabilities. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted with 3 parents. These parents were all receiving voluntary, formal support services. The findings of this study indicated that parents recognized that they needed voluntary, formal support services to manage some aspects of their lives. Other findings indicated, however, that support was not always viewed as being beneficial. Human service workers were often perceived as social control officers. A number of mechanisms such as coercion and blaming were used to maintain social control. The social control parents experienced led them to feel a sense of hopelessness about their situations which resulted in parents inventing new ways to adjust or adapt to their situations.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1997

Title: Clinical social work and child sexual abuse
Contributors: Melody Johnson (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Children and adolescents who experience traumatic life events may develop a wide variety of problems including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use. This report will focus on assessment and treatment of children and youth with PTSD symptoms and a history of sexual abuse. An examination of the impact of sexual abuse on children will be described. A critical analysis of psychotherapy with children and youth who have been sexually abused will be explored. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) will be examined as a therapeutic approach that targets PTSD symptom reduction. This intervention is provided in a community setting. The Sexual Abuse Intervention Program provides services to child victims of sexual abuse that are 18 years of age or younger. In reviewing the literature, sexualized behaviours are the most commonly studied and characteristic symptom of sexual abuse. The following will explore children with sexual behaviours problems. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2013

Title: Women escaping abuse in northern British Columbia: Attributes and resources that make the most difference.
Contributors: Cherylynne Greenard-Smith (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2003

Title: Clinical social work and community practice with children and youth through Carrier Sekani Family Services
Contributors: Jeremy Bissett (author), Joanna Pierce (thesis advisor), Susan Burke (committee member), Trevor Moyah (committee member), University of Northern British Columbia Social Work (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In this report I weave the practical skills and knowledge I gained from my practicum with Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) with theory related to child and youth mental health. I present human ecology as my grounding conceptual framework in my approach to wellness. I explore theoretical foundations for clinical social work, therapeutic modalities, rurality and cultural diversity through a literature review and build on these to support my practice experience. I include sections on youth mental health, Indigenous issues, ally-ship, trauma informed practice, attachment theory, connectedness, tele-mental health and rural social work practice. Services offered through Carrier Sekani’s counselling program that I have practiced include outreach, assessment, treatment planning, safety planning, referral and discharge. I connect practical experiences of working within Carrier culture as a mental health clinician to the literature and explore how I make sense of the shared and created knowledge.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2020

Title: The Northern Child and Family Clinic incentives and barriers to utilization: a contradiction
Contributors: Lyn J. Comeau (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Declining referrals from local Ministry for Children and Families (MCF) child protection social workers threaten the viability of the multidisciplinary approach to child maltreatment operating out of the Northern Child and Family Clinic (the Clinic) in Prince George, British Columbia. This exploratory study used grounded theory methodology to discover and describe the incentives and barriers to referrals for local MCF child protection social workers. In-depth open ended personal interviews were conducted with six local MCF child protection social workers who had used the Clinic at least once. The findings of this study suggest that local MCF child protection social workers would value and use a multidisciplinary approach that has specific characteristics. However, additional findings indicate that the design of the approach in use at the Clinic contradicts what child protection social workers need to do their job and relates to alienation and non-utilization of Clinic services. The findings that emerged from this study are used to develop recommendations about the multidisciplinary model used at the Clinic.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1998

Title: Community network building to impact policy and improve the lives of northern British Columbian women
Contributors: M. Christina Rodrigues (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2004

Title: Disabling labeling : a social worker's response to attention deficit disorder
Contributors: Brent Douglas Goerz (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a childhood psychiatric diagnosis that has exploded within the last decade. The literature written to address this topic is dominated by the medical perspective and for the most part contains few references from a social worker's perspective. The goals of this paper are to question some of the fundamental assumptions of this disorder and explore the treatment strategies utilized in dealing with this problem. I then apply some of these treatment approaches to two separate groups of 6 to 9 year old children diagnosed with ADD. This project looks at how the treatment strategies evolved within my own practice and then provides some radical suggestions that social workers need to consider when working with this population of children.--Page ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: A shared mental health care model at Whitehorse Hospital, Yukon: A First Nations and medical perspective.
Contributors: T. Lynn Scott (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research presents a shared mental health care model for Whitehorse General Hospital that successfully merges medical and Aboriginal health and healing practices within the mental health program. This blended model encourages a collaborative approach that supports the key concepts and principles of the national shared care model. This research explores the Whitehorse Hospital mental health program from employee participant views, perspectives, and experiences. A significant number of strengths are identified within the mental health program, along with suggestions for change and improvement. Results are descriptive in nature and positively reflect on program components. The research reveals that a collaborative shared care model does operate successfully at Whitehorse Hospital, and complements the medical and First Nations programs, as the way forward.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Mothers, problematic substance use, and child welfare in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Carol Ann Sanford (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study examines the experiences of mothers with problematic substance use (PSU) involved with the Ministry for Children and Family Development child protection services (MCFD). The study takes place in two communities in northern British Columbia (BC). The smaller of the two communities is not named in order to protect the anonymity of the study participants. The larger community of Prince George, has a population of approximately seventy-thousand. The study focuses on the mothers' experiences of their involvement in the child welfare system in BC. Specifically, the aspects of the mothers' involvement related to identifying and accessing drug and alcohol treatment programs, or drug and alcohol counselling services (ADS) as mandated by MCFD. This qualitative, exploratory study provides a descriptive look at the women's experiences. The data is comprised of one on one, in-depth interviews conducted with ten mothers and one key worker, an experienced drug and alcohol counsellor. Demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. The interviews took place between November 2008 and September 2009. A descriptive analysis of the data reveals a number of recurring themes. Participants identified the challenges encountered in their involvement with MCFD. The women also shared the personal impact of these problems. The mothers made recommendations for improving the experience of involvement with child welfare and ADS. The paucity of research specific to this population of women living Northern British Columbia motivated this thesis. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: The stingray
Contributors: Adrienne Moya (author), Indrani Margolin (thesis advisor), Edward Sandberg (committee member), Joanna Pierce (committee member), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In my practicum, I sought to explore how clinical social work practitioners achieve holistic practice in counselling settings. Holistic practice and alternative methods in clinical social work are gaining broader recognition within the profession and academia. One could argue that social work is always holistic since it views clients within their environments and social systems. While I believe this structural, ecological person-in-environment perspective is key to a holistic approach, I am also interested in the many other complimentary ways we can attend to the complexity of our clients’ selves and experiences, especially through alternative and creative methods as opposed to solely theoretical ones.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2018

Title: Adults experiencing mental health and addiction in Prince George
Contributors: Patricia Okpodi (author), Bruce Bidgood (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The aim of this practicum was to learn about adult mental health and addiction services available in Prince George, and to gain an in-depth understanding from practitioners on the addiction behaviors unveiled by adults. This practicum report describes the learning experience and the approaches used to familiarize with clinical skills and practice/counseling modalities of the CAST program offered by the Northern Health Authority (NH or NHA). The understanding and development of these clinical skills and counseling modalities has subsequently exposed me to other practice models used within Northern Health and has improved my personal professional practice, and the ability to provide mental health services to adults living with addictions. This learning experience has not only enhanced my clinical skills, but also equipped the student for future clinical social work practices. The student is confident in her abilities to support patients to strive for emotional and psychological well-being and avert other challenges and disabilities associated with mental illness and substance misuse. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2015

Title: Improving quality of life of older adults living in a long-term care facility
Contributors: Enino Nocolia Izu (author), Nancy Jokinen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Glen Schmidt (Committee member), Leslie Webb (Committee member)
Abstract: Over half of the residents in long-term care have a diagnosis of dementia. Maintaining a good quality of life is important, as there is no cure for dementia. Quality of life may be used as a standard for caregiving and, as a framework for practice to enhance service provision. The purpose of this four month practicum was, to explore quality of life as seen and experienced by residents living with dementia in long-term care, factors that influence quality of life, as well as the approaches used to improve quality of life. ...
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2017

Title: Machine learning techniques in pain recognition.
Contributors: Md. Maruf Monwar (author), Siamak Rezaei (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2007

Title: Teen Mothers' Alternative Education Program
Contributors: Christine Kullmann-Taylor (author), Indrani Margolin (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Teenage motherhood is a socio-economic issue in northern British Columbia. This practicum report focuses on the risks associated with teenage motherhood. My practicum placement was with School District 57's Teen Mothers' Alternative Program in partnership with Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society. School District 57 is located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh. This unique practicum allowed me to practice as a MSW student and utilize my skills as a licensed early childhood educator. The practicum provided the opportunity to explore the experiences of practicing social work within the education system. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2015

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