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Community Policing Perspectives: A Comparative Analysis Between Communities with Community Policing Initiatives
No full textThe document is a dissertation exploring the differences in community policing practices between minority and predominantly white communities, focusing on their impacts and perceptions
Utilizing ACT to Promote Resilience and Empower Parents/Caregivers in Navigating a New Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in their Children (over 6 years old)
Get PDFThis capstone explores the experiences and support needs of parents and caregivers whose children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) after the age of six. Despite growing awareness and earlier identification, many families still face delays in diagnosis, emotional upheaval, and difficulty accessing clear, practical support. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this project examines the psychological and emotional impacts of an ASD diagnosis on parents and families. This Capstone explores the role of psychoeducation and the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as a therapeutic intervention and seeks to determine the strengths and gaps in current support systems. The review also considers methodological and ethical issues in existing research. Findings highlight the importance of timely, accessible, and culturally sensitive psychoeducation, as well as ongoing mental health and peer support that meets the present and ongoing support needs of families. Recommendations include a two-step model: starting with foundational psychoeducation, followed by flexible, ACT-based supports that can adapt to each family's needs. Community involvement, regular feedback, and a strong ethical foundation are emphasized as essential for keeping programs relevant and empowering. This capstone underscores the need to include families' voices in designing and evaluating support and to address barriers so that families feel seen, supported, and equipped to navigate the journey after an ASD diagnosis
The Impact of an Equity Centered Social-Emotional Learning Program on Social Awareness in Children Ages 5 through 11
Get PDFThe purpose of this action research study was to examine the impact of integrating equity-centered social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons into the existing curriculum at the Positive Activities Lead to Success (PALS) Children’s Program. The program serves children ages 5–11, many of whom come from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). While traditional SEL programs promote positive behavior and social-emotional growth, they often lack an explicit focus on equity. This study addressed that gap by embedding equity-focused lessons on diversity, empathy, and inclusion and evaluating their influence on children’s social awareness. A mixed-methods design was applied over four weeks, incorporating pre- and post-intervention Devereux Student Strengths Assessments (DESSA), student self-perception surveys, and weekly behavioral observations. Findings revealed modest but meaningful growth in children’s social awareness competencies, particularly in empathy, inclusion, and emotional regulation. Quantitative data demonstrated increases in DESSA scores and survey ratings, while qualitative observations confirmed improved peer support and inclusive behaviors. However, fairness and equity concepts remained more abstract and challenging for some participants. Overall, results suggest that embedding equity-centered SEL strengthens children’s ability to build positive relationships and apply prosocial skills in authentic social contexts
Special Education Teacher's Perceptions of How Classroom Learning Environments Support Students with Dyscalculia
No full textSpecial Education Teacher’s Perceptions of How Classroom Learning Environments Support Students with Dyscalculi
Body Image Perceptions of Gay and Bisexual Southeast Asian American Males
No full textBody image defines how individuals perceive, feel, and think about their body. Certain genders and ethnicities have been shown to have increased risk in developing body image dissatisfaction, which has been identified as a public health concern. The problem addressed in this study was that body image dissatisfaction has been shown to be a risk factor for eating pathologies, depression, and low self-esteem. However, most of the research had focused on females and non-Hispanic White males, leaving male ethnic/racial minorities underrepresented. Using the tripartite influence and minority stress model as a framework, the purpose of this qualitative embedded case study was to examine body image dissatisfaction amongst gay and bisexual Southeast Asian American males. Thirty-four Southeast Asian gay and bisexual emerging adult males participated in the study. The study used a qualitative survey data collection methodology and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes identified in this study were that family, peers and media identified both similar and different characteristics that were considered attractive, participants experienced peer pressure to follow media personalities and media trends, and that media had the most negative effect on mental health with regard to body image for gay participants. In addition, attractive characteristics were based on how participants could achieve cultural values/expectations and mental health issues sometimes arose due to expectations to conform to societal and familial expectations. A final theme concerned intersectionality of culture and gender identity: both gay and bisexual participants did not feel accepted in their ethnic/racial community but felt accepted in the predominantly bisexual/gay community. The results of this study contributed to existing research by providing insight to the role that peers, family, media, culture and ethnicity play in body image dissatisfaction amongst Southeast Asian sexual minority men
The Construction of Autism: Socio-Historical Contexts that have Contributed to the Understanding of Autism
No full textIn this study, I will explore the understanding of autism, building awareness that this understanding is dependent on available knowledge, which is influenced by socio-historical contexts, power relations, and a changing understanding of human behaviour (Gutting & Oksala, 2022; Krylova, 2024; Williams, 2005). Subsequently, I will use research to demonstrate that autism is therefore a social construction. Currently, there is minimal literature discussing the historical and social construction of autism with explanations of the limited truths upheld in that construction (Hollin, 2014; Runswick-Cole et al., 2016; Wodzinski & Golaska-Ciesielska, 2021). As such, the label holds negative stereotypes and opinions, and results in individuals with the autism diagnosis being marginalized in society. It is therefore, critical to answer the question: How has autism been socially constructed?
Concurrently, this study will identify limits on the constructed meanings of autism in the research and propose an in depth mapping out of this construction. Firstly, I will draw from theory, or specifically a post-structural theoretical framework to develop an understanding of the rationale for my argument about the impact of social-historical constructions on current knowledge. Then, I will explore the history of psychology, followed as an extension by the history of the development and evolution of assessment and diagnosis to provide awareness of how autism gained recognition as a diagnosis, and subsequently the main way of understanding a human behaviour perceived as abnormal to modern society. Revealing this social construction will allow me to draw on the limits of knowledge and reveal evidence that knowledge changes throughout time. Lastly, I will review the literature that reveals autism as a social construction to argue for greater awareness of the changing diagnostic criteria and beliefs about autism.
Collectively, I will use these reviews to build the argument that there is the potential for negative impacts of the diagnosis on individuals who are labeled as autistic. This will provide rationale for my methods section, which is a proposal to conduct a research project mapping a comprehensive and in-depth construction of as many social-cultural-historical forces, or power relations, socially constructing autism, which is a pathology of immense importance to millions of people. By developing a more thorough and accurate understanding of the boundaries of autism, the reasons for its construction and any unseen problems and unintended consequences, individuals with the label may be able to live better lives. At the very least, they will be empowered with a greater range of choices as to how the label may affect them
Conflict Resolution in Romantic Relationships: Comparing Gottman Method Couples Therapy & Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy
No full textConflict is an inevitable aspect of romantic relationships. How couples manage relational conflict significantly influences relationship satisfaction, relationship health, and individual well-being. This capstone explores the complexities of relational conflict and examines two leading therapeutic models for conflict resolution: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT) and Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, this work compares and contrasts the theoretical foundations, core interventions, and practical applications of each model. GMCT emphasizes structured behavioral interventions and communication strategies, while EFCT focuses on emotional expression, attachment needs, and the transformation of maladaptive emotional cycles. Though distinct in approach, both models aim to foster healthier relational dynamics and enhance emotional security. By analyzing the strengths and limitations of each method, this research highlights their respective efficacy in addressing various forms of relationship conflict and identifies opportunities for integrative practice. Additionally, cultural and ethical considerations are explored, emphasizing the need for contextual and inclusive applications of both models in diverse relational settings. The findings culminate in a set of best practices for therapists engaging with couples conflict resolution. These insights contribute to the field of counselling psychology by offering evidence-informed strategies that promote relational resilience, emotional attunement, and long-term relational heal
Therapeutic BDSM: Taboo or Transformative?
No full textBDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) is a range of sexual and nonsexual preferences and behaviours involving physical or psychological control, pain, or unequal power dynamics (Goerlich, 2021; Shahbaz & Chirinos, 2017). Many people report that engaging in these activities has been beneficial for their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Since being declassified as a disorder in 2013, research regarding potential therapeutic benefits has increased, although it is still lacking. While BDSM aesthetics have been embraced in music, movies and fashion, there continue to be harmful stereotypes about people who engage in the lifestyle. These misconceptions include assumptions that BDSM encourages violence and abuse, promiscuity, and unhealthy relationship dynamics (Chancer, 2000; Stear, 2009). This stigmatization has both moral and legal ramifications, as many BDSM practitioners have shared that their kink practices have been used against them in custody proceedings (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, 2013, as cited by Cascalheira, 2023). As awareness and research grows, the necessity to provide kink-affirming therapy also increases. Being aware of common BDSM practices and dynamics can decrease stigmatization within the clinical space and further support clients. There are many parallels between traditional trauma therapies and the BDSM practice of trauma play, so knowing how they overlap can create possibilities for meaningful therapeutic work. This paper will discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of BDSM, the overlaps of trauma therapy and trauma play with a focus on exploring the models of therapeutic facilitated trauma play (Bonus, 2024) and surrogate partner therapy (Masters & Johnson, 1970), along with the discussion of legal and ethical considerations in combing the two models to create clinically supported BDSM as a potential modality
Emotional Regulation in the Classroom: Counseling Practices and Impact
No full textEmotional Dysregulation is the recurrence of loss of emotional control either internally or externally. In elementary aged children, the prevalence of emotional dysregulation is increasing, causing concern for parents, educators, counsellors, social workers, family practitioners, and psychiatrists alike. Frequent emotional dysregulation in school-based settings is correlated to increased feelings of fear and decreased learning within the classroom community. For the individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation in the classroom, negative long-term effects include increased risk of depression and psychological disorders in adulthood. Frequent emotional dysregulation can also impact individuals negatively by increasing the likelihood that the individual will be marginalized in social settings and victimized by bullying. This capstone project explores the many causes for emotional dysregulation in classroom. A variety of approaches including attachment focused and cognitive behavioural therapy may be used to support children in developing emotional regulation skills, and approaches should be selected based on the child’s developmental level and circumstances. Overall, counsellors can positively impact clients’ ability to emotionally regulate by taking a holistic approach, which addresses the biological, psychological, and social needs of the child
Whole Body Healing: Integrative Therapeutic Approaches to Healing after Human Sex Trafficking
No full textHuman sex trafficking is a global issue with devastating biopsychosocial impacts on survivors. This capstone explores integrative, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches for supporting individuals who have experienced sex trafficking. This paper reviews current literature on the psychological, physiological, and relational consequences of sex trafficking. Theoretical frameworks such as somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and relational-cultural theory are examined for their relevance in addressing the complex trauma associated with sex trafficking. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, feminist, and intersectional perspectives to better support the diverse identities of survivors. The capstone concludes with a proposed adaptable treatment plan for clinicians, which integrates bottom-up and top-down approaches, including somatic grounding, sex therapy, expressive arts, and relational healing. The goal of therapy is to promote posttraumatic growth, reconnection with the body, and the reclamation of sexuality and
identity through holistic care