Hood College Department of Sociology and Social Work
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Item Mental Illness in the Media: A Comprehensive Analysis(2017-04) Del Nunzio, Justine O.; Moore, Laura; Hood College Sociology and Social Work; Hood College Departmental HonorsThis research provides a comprehensive review of approximately 150 journal articles analyzing how mental illness is portrayed in the media, as well as the effects these representations have on the public’s attitudes, persons with mental illness themselves, and social policy. In addition, the websites of 43 prominent mental health organizations in the United States were analyzed to explore their involvement in addressing the portrayals of mental illness in the media. Prior research suggests that mental illness portrayals in the media are disproportionately negative, promote inaccurate images and stereotypes, create negative public attitudes toward individuals with mental illness, have adverse effects on persons with mental illness themselves, and influence relevant social policy. Both the literature review and website analysis suggest that the United States is lagging behind other countries in addressing negative media portrayals of mental illness and their consequences.Item When Worlds Collide: Combining Stigma Management Strategies and Intersectionality Theory Amongst Homeless and Lower-Income Adults(2016-04) Stone, Eric Allan; Moore, Laura; Hood College Sociology and Social Work; Hood College Departmental HonorsEmploying multiple theoretical frameworks and both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research examines the identity management strategies and perceived obstacles that homeless/lower-income adults use/experience as a consequence of stigma and their intersecting identities. Data from structured interviews with 22 homeless/lower- income adults accessing services at a Frederick, Maryland agency was analyzed for emergent themes, translated into key word searches and quantified to conduct Fisher’s exact tests for statistical significance. Results confirm that certain stigma management strategies and perceived obstacles vary significantly by gender, race/ethnicity, or age, thereby supporting arguments for future research more attuned to the consequences of intersecting identities for homeless/lower-income populations.Item Empathy and Adverse Childhood Experiences' Role in Choice of Major(2022-04-25) Lutz, Rylan; Gricus, Michelle; Social Work; Hood College Departmental HonorsPrior research suggests that those pursuing college majors with the intent of helping others may be more likely to have higher levels of empathy, and a higher average of adverse childhood experiences. In turn, these experiences may be a motivational factor for a person to select a certain type of major. This study evaluates the number of adverse childhood experiences that undergraduate students majoring in social work, nursing, and psychology have endured in their lifetime. In addition, empathy is quantified as a variable using an Emotional Intelligence Index to analyze a possible relationship with adverse childhood experiences. Analysis suggests that those who have a college major focused on helping others may have elevated levels of emotional intelligence and may have a higher average of adverse childhood experiences.