Social Work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Jen Currin-McCulloch, assistant professor, through funding from The American Cancer Society, investigated factors that facilitate and hinder hope among young adults diagnosed with advanced cancers. Through her study she discovered the devastating impacts of cancer treatment on young adults’ physical, emotional, and social, and spiritual well-being. Her current work focuses on the role of a group intervention in reducing social isolation, depression, anxiety, despair, and internalized stigma.

Anne Williford, associate professor and Ph.D. program director, and Jamie Yoder, associate professor received a Spencer Foundation Small Research Grant to examine the post-high school effects of a high school-based prevention program. In collaboration with faculty from Human Development and Family Studies, the researchers will use the funding to evaluate the impact of “Sources of Strength,” a prevention program that aims to use peer social networks to change school culture. It is designed to help high school students enhance healthy coping skills, develop help-seeking habits, and form positive relationships with other youth and adults.

Combined with existing barriers to citizenship, attitudes towards immigrants can negatively impact their overall well-being, says Assistant Professor Elizabeth Kiehne. “Ambivalent attitudes toward immigrants in the U.S. have long guided immigration policy, resulting in a large and socially undervalued immigrant population that is partially integrated but not legally recognized,” said Kiehne, noting how the nation’s increase in federal immigration enforcement has led to violations of internationally recognized human rights and “core social work values.” Kiehne is leading two community-based participatory action research studies that aim to improve macro-oriented social work practice among immigrant populations in the U.S.