Browsing by Subject "Department of Family Social Science"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Autism mentorship program: A self-concept strengthening program
    (2020-03) Tomfohrde, Olivia; Goldberg, Emily; Goerdt, Annie; Weiler, Lindsey; Hudock, Rebekah
    Adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report that they often feel burdened by their diagnosis and struggle with social interactions and anxiety. Concurrently, adolescents with ASD rarely know adult role models with ASD who can serve as a source of guidance and inspiration. The Autism Mentorship Program (AMP) is a first-of-its-kind program that matches autistic* adolescents with autistic adults in one-to-one mentoring relationships (*identity-first language preferred). AMP was designed to provide youth with a sense of identity and belonging, by means of a supportive relationship. The aim of this study was to explore the promise of AMP to affect mentors’ and mentees’ self-concept and self-satisfaction. Seven mentee-mentor pairs (N=14) completed pre- and post-test assessments. Results showed that 83% of mentees and 57% of mentors improved in overall self-concept. Mentees experienced a moderate change in life-satisfaction (d=0.56) and a moderate to large change in self-satisfaction (d=0.71). Mentors reported a minimal change in self-satisfaction (d=0.13) and a small increase in life-satisfaction (d=0.30). One hundred percent of mentees and mentors reported satisfaction with the program. As such, AMP shows promise as a mutually beneficial program for supporting aspects of wellbeing for individuals with ASD.
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    College Freshmen’s Experiences of Emotional Support via Texting
    (2020-03) Keyzers, Angela; Holmgren, Hailey; LeBouef, Samantha; Dworkin, Jodi
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    College students, texting, and family: “The only way we can goof off and be [family]… because we don’t see each other often.”
    (2020-03) LeBouef, Samantha; Dworkin, Jodi; Hessel, Heather; Holmgren, Hailey; Keyzers, Angela
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    Societal Transition on Mongolian Families
    (2012-04-18) Tserendamba, Delgermend
    Mongolia is located in Northern Asia bordering on Russia and China. Mongolian culture has been described as unique due to its traditionally nomadic way of living. Since societal transition that took place in 1990, studies on Mongolian family system have primarily focused on quantitative data that provide basic demographic descriptions; there are few qualitative research studies conducted. Much remains to be learned in significant changes in traditional Mongolian values and practices, specifically related to poverty and alcoholism. The “Social Ecological Model” framework was used to explain impacts of societal change on Mongolian families and social issues of unemployment, alcoholism, public service and low quality education affecting families. On the other hand, there are cultural values and principles that have survived through the significant changes in the country, and they are identified as cultural strengths.
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    "They're the Same as Any Woman:" Professionals' Awareness of the Unique Needs of Mail Order Brides Who Experience Domestic Violence
    (2012-04-18) Wu, Yuwei
    Mail order Brides (MOBs) are women who marry men through international marriage brokers. Usually, MOBs come from less developed countries than their husbands. In recent years, domestic violence in mail order marriages has been brought to public awareness. Although legal protection from government is in place, it is not always sufficient. Community resources, on the other hand, can be helpful for MOBs to escape from domestic violence. Therefore, in order to find out what community resources are available to MOBs who experience domestic violence, the author has conducted 10 interviews with professionals who work in different domestic violence service organizations in the Twin Cities area. This research suggests that only a small number of MOBs have utilized existing community resources. Cultural and language competency as well as an awareness of the unique needs of MOBs who experience domestic violence vary among organizations. Most professionals categorized MOBs as “Immigrants” and saw no difference between the needs of MOBs and those of either all women in general, or immigrant women in particular. Funding cuts and access to MOBs are the main barriers for most organizations in providing appropriate services. One interesting finding from the interviews is related to the term “Mail Order Brides;” as some who were interviewed saw MOBs as victims or other unwitting participants in the sex trafficking industry. This paper adds to our understanding of the unique needs of MOBs who experience domestic violence and whether or not community professionals are adequately prepared to assist them.