Faculty Advisor: Dr. Laura Granruth

Group Title: SOWK 322: Literature Review Student Presentations

Group AbstractAiming to strengthen students; foundational and professional writing skills in preparation for professional social work practice, a combination of peer review processes and iterative instructor feedback is utilized to support students as they produce the course’s primary product–a comprehensive literature review. Students receive instruction related to foundational writing skills and complete assignments related to writing forms required of social work professionals to increase their writing competency.2 sections of SOWK322 (10 presentations for each)

Group Keywords: professional writing, students, social work practice, peer review, literature review

Group Members and Presentation Titles:

  • Francis Milano – The Importance of After-School Programs for At-Risk Youth
  • Samantha DeJesus – Reducing Stigmas Associated with Mental Illness
  • Stephanie Signorelli – Preparing Offenders for Societal Re-Entry
  • Brandy Bressler – LGBT Youth Experiencing Homelessness
  • Lauren Lefever – Heroin Epidemic
  • Tina Miller – Factors Affecting a Woman’s Decision to Leave a Domestic Violence Relationship
  • Samantha Blasch – Bereavement Care for Alzheimer’s Patients
  • Chelsea Phillipson – Suicidal Behavior in Children
  • Arianna Camel – Recidivism: The African-American Plight
  • Katherine Chuey – Europe’s Forgotten Children: The Effects of Segregation on Romani Youth
  • Constance Valdez – Modern Industrialized Slaughterhouses Produce More than Meat
  • Ana Francisco – Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood

 

Aimee DiLucido

Title: Let’s Talk About Racism MU

Abstract: Racism in the 21st century is one of the most controversial topics in the news and on college campuses across the United States. I sat down with 38 minority students from Millersville University to gather students’ perspectives about the racial climate on campus, their experiences of racial division, racial tension, and what it means to have supportive faculty, staff, and mentors. This research project is aimed at promoting productive and on-going conversations about racism as a social problem on Millersville University’s campus. Without on-going conversations and intentional actions, sustainable progress towards racial justice is impossible. This research project has also resulted in several recommendations about what can be done at Millersville University to promote justice, equity, and cultural competency for all students.

Keywords: racism, racial justice, cultural competency, equity, campus

Laura Saltzman

Title: Sex Trafficking: A Case Analysis of Pennsylvania and Nevada

Abstract: According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), sex trafficking is defined as, “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person induced by force, fraud, coercion; or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age” (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, 2000).

Prostitution is a form of sexual exploitation” (Prostitution, 2012). Prostitution is defined as, “the exchange of sexual acts for money, food, rent, drugs, or other material goods. In the United States, sex trafficking is illegal, but prostitution is illegal in all states except Nevada. This thesis will be a case analysis of the Hotline Bill in Pennsylvania and legalized prostitution in Nevada, and its effects of reducing sex trafficking rates. Both states have the same rating by Polaris Project with very different policies.

Keywords: Sex Trafficking, Prostitution, Pennsylvania, Nevada

Brittni Tallman

Title: Effects of the Media on Body Image

Abstract: The media shows images of tight bodies, ripped abs, skinny girls, and thigh gaps on a regular basis. These images often have an effect on the way Millennials view themselves, but the companies and corporations that use these images have no idea how hurtful these images can be to men and women. While these images affect many people, the way men and women are affected are very different. This review examines the difference between male and female body types in the media, how men and women are affected physically and psychologically, how the social work profession is attempting to combat these images, and the difference in treatment for men and women.

Keywords: media, body image

Allison Nagler

Title: The Effects of Adolescent Sexual Assault on the Interpersonal Relationships of Adult Females

Abstract: Sexual assault can affect women of any age; however when it occurs in childhood or adolescence, the effects can last a lifetime, and have a ripple effect into every aspect of the woman’s life. Sexual assault can cause lifelong self-esteem problems that can effect a woman’s sexual adjustment and future familial relationships. Life after an assault can be plagued with mental health issues, lack of self-worth and unhealthy sexual behaviors. I am conducting completely anonymous research to determine what major problems women face along the road to recovery from an assault.

Keywords: sexual assault, survivors, interpersonal relationships

 

Sarah Kline

Title:  Women’s Health in Africa

Abstract: Women in Africa die in large numbers every year from preventable and treatable diseases and conditions that barely affect women in the West. Healthy African women are imperative to the development and progression of the continent, so social workers should become more involved in advocating for this population. This presentation discusses three different preventable health problems women in Africa face and ways social workers can intervene to help the women struggling with these conditions: HIV, poor maternal health, and female genital mutilation. Furthermore, this presentation addresses current research on these issues and recommends several research questions. The implications for social work practice specifically addressed are that social justice and dignity and worth of a person are challenged when women in Africa suffer and die from these treatable and preventable ailments. This presentation explains why women in Africa are so important, as well as why social workers should get involved.

Keywords: Women’s health, Africa, Social Work

Tyler Gehman

Title: The Experiences of Male Social Work Students at Millersville University

Abstract: Males are underrepresented in social work education and in the field of social work. This presentation will outline the findings of a study of the experiences of male social work students at Millersville University. The presenter will highlight areas of resilience among the sample and similarities among the sample in order to demonstrate areas of growth and improvement to increase the number of students who are male in the School of Social Work.

Keywords: Social Work Students, Male Students, Male Social Work Students, Student Experiences