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Title: THE GREAT ESCAPE: MAKING THE CHOICE FOR UPWARD SOCIAL MOBILITY.
Creator: Gilliam, Trina, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In 2004, Bill Crosby delivered a speech during which he explicated his theory that blacks continuation of negative attitudes and behaviors is the reason for inability to achieve upper socioeconomic mobility. This theory is not a new concept. Oscar Lewis published the Culture of Poverty in 1959 which indicated characteristics much like Crosby, his theory was people in poverty had common characterizes. To test Cosby's theory, I have examined individuals with higher upper mobility aspirations ...
Show moreIn 2004, Bill Crosby delivered a speech during which he explicated his theory that blacks continuation of negative attitudes and behaviors is the reason for inability to achieve upper socioeconomic mobility. This theory is not a new concept. Oscar Lewis published the Culture of Poverty in 1959 which indicated characteristics much like Crosby, his theory was people in poverty had common characterizes. To test Cosby's theory, I have examined individuals with higher upper mobility aspirations (HUMA) and those individuals with lower upper mobility aspirations (LUMA) to provide some salient factors contributing to the desire for upward mobility.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004799, ucf:45328
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004799

Title: EFFECTS OF FEDERAL GRANT MONEY ON ECONOMIC MEASURES IN THE COMMUNITY.
Creator: Miller, Andrea L, Guldi, Melanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the concentration of poverty increasing throughout the United States (Kneebone, 2014) there has been a recent emphasis on mixed-income housing as a means to alleviate this issue. By creating housing in one area with pricing for different income levels it is assumed that the burden imposed by concentrated poverty will be lowered. Many years and many dollars later however, the results of mixed-income housing projects on low-income residents seem to be mixed � while some projects have found...
Show moreWith the concentration of poverty increasing throughout the United States (Kneebone, 2014) there has been a recent emphasis on mixed-income housing as a means to alleviate this issue. By creating housing in one area with pricing for different income levels it is assumed that the burden imposed by concentrated poverty will be lowered. Many years and many dollars later however, the results of mixed-income housing projects on low-income residents seem to be mixed � while some projects have found success, others seem to suggest that it has little to no effect. The federal program HOPE VI is one example of efforts to increase the availability of mixed-income housing. It is the purpose of this study to decipher whether the administration of HOPE VI federal grant money has had an effect on certain economic outcomes within the selected metropolitan areas.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000054, ucf:45565
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000054

Title: THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL CORRUPTION ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Creator: Crowe, Heather, Morales, Waltraud, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study is to understand to what extent political corruption affects social welfare in Nigeria using a qualitative case study design. This thesis argues that political corruption leads to a concentration of wealth among a minority of elite government officials, resulting in extensive deficiency of social welfare. In addition, political corruption has secondary and tertiary effects throughout society that further exacerbate social welfare conditions. For this study, social...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to understand to what extent political corruption affects social welfare in Nigeria using a qualitative case study design. This thesis argues that political corruption leads to a concentration of wealth among a minority of elite government officials, resulting in extensive deficiency of social welfare. In addition, political corruption has secondary and tertiary effects throughout society that further exacerbate social welfare conditions. For this study, social welfare is measured by a comprehensive range of social indicators including but not limited to: level of poverty, income inequality, level of infrastructure, and health. Political corruption can only be measured by the sole available gauge of corruption to date: Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Research limitations regarding the conceptualization of corruption as well as complexities in defining and measuring social welfare are also addressed. This study concludes that political corruption is a significant factor contributing to poor social welfare in Nigeria, resulting in nothing short of a protracted human tragedy.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003905, ucf:48758
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003905

Title: PRINCIPALS' LIVED EXPERIENCES IN CHILDHOOD POVERTY IMPACTING RESILIENCY OF STUDENTS IN POVERTY.
Creator: Rasmussen, Jonathan, Martin, Suzanne, Lue, Martha, Taylor, Rosemarye, Brown, Deborah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The number of children living in poverty within the United States is on the rise, which translates to more public school students experiencing those risk factors associated with poverty. Given the severity of the negative effect living in poverty has on the likelihood of academic success, paired with the current climate of accountability in U.S. public schools, it is imperative that educational leaders understand how to create a school culture that fosters resilience in students from poverty....
Show moreThe number of children living in poverty within the United States is on the rise, which translates to more public school students experiencing those risk factors associated with poverty. Given the severity of the negative effect living in poverty has on the likelihood of academic success, paired with the current climate of accountability in U.S. public schools, it is imperative that educational leaders understand how to create a school culture that fosters resilience in students from poverty. The purpose of this study was to examine principals' lived experiences in childhood poverty impacts the decisions they make. More precisely, it examines how their childhood affects their decision making in regard to creating a culture of academic resilience for students living in low socioeconomic conditions. Additionally, this study identified strategies that are effective, as perceived by school principals who grew up in low socioeconomic conditions, in creating a culture of resilience to improve academic success for students living in low socioeconomic conditions. This study provides valuable information to school leaders who strive to create an environment that fosters educational resilience in children living in poverty. The results are particularly salient to principals, as the information comes directly from the perspective of school principals who grew up in poverty, were educationally resilient, and are now creating a school atmosphere that fosters educational resilience in their students who live in poverty.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005696, ucf:50119
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005696

Title: ETHICS IN A SHRINKING WORLD: EXPLORING THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROLIFERATION OF TECHNOLOGY ON WORLD HUNGER.
Creator: Dupree, Kevin, Stanlick, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Even if they do not realize it, readers are perpetually in a condition that is strikingly similar to that of the Good Samaritan. Right now they have access to a vast network of communication that both enhances their senses and increases their sphere of influence. They can, for example, sit down at a computer and click on a certain combination of sites and the result will be that, in two weeks (or sooner), a DVD will arrive on their doorstep. Or, they can choose another combination, and the...
Show moreEven if they do not realize it, readers are perpetually in a condition that is strikingly similar to that of the Good Samaritan. Right now they have access to a vast network of communication that both enhances their senses and increases their sphere of influence. They can, for example, sit down at a computer and click on a certain combination of sites and the result will be that, in two weeks (or sooner), a DVD will arrive on their doorstep. Or, they can choose another combination, and the result will be that, in about two weeks (or less), a child will be saved from starvation and dehydration in some distant and destitute nation. Like the Good Samaritan, a reader of this thesis can see the desperate need of others and they have the ability to affect their condition. This perpetual Good Samaritan condition is directly a result of the recent changes the world has undergone as a result of technological advancement. This thesis is an exploration of the ethical implications of the potential perpetual good Samaritan. I will argue that (1) affluent individuals are able to affect positively the global poor and that they have a moral obligation to do so, (2) that this moral obligation is limited insofar as fulfilling the obligation requires a moral agent to sacrifice something of substantial significance (i.e., something that would cause a long term decrease in happiness), and (3) fulfilling this obligation requires specific actions on political, social, and individual levels.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003797, ucf:44713
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003797

Title: DEAD, IMPRISONED, RELAPSED: THE FATE OF HOMELESS SUBSTANCE ABUSERS TWO DECADES LATER.
Creator: Rayburn, Rachel, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Guided and influenced by a famous follow-up study in criminology focused on desistance from crime, this dissertation studies desistance from crime, homelessness, and substance abuse. In the early 1990s, The New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project (NOHSAP) was founded as an experiment funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to uncover optimal treatment strategies for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts. The program ran for three years (1991-1993) and in...
Show moreGuided and influenced by a famous follow-up study in criminology focused on desistance from crime, this dissertation studies desistance from crime, homelessness, and substance abuse. In the early 1990s, The New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project (NOHSAP) was founded as an experiment funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to uncover optimal treatment strategies for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts. The program ran for three years (1991-1993) and in those years, 670 homeless New Orleans men and women were admitted into treatment. Some of the original clients were followed for as long as 18 months, but none of them had been re-contacted since the mid-1990s. This dissertation involves finding these individuals and re-interviewing them, to discover what life trajectories they have taken some 17-19 years later. Guided by social bonding theory, this project shows what baseline factors and conditions explain variability in life outcomes. The methodology for this study consists of three main parts: 1) a quantitative analysis of mortality data; 2) a historical analysis of criminal histories and 3) in-depth interviews. Nested logistic regression models explained differences among those who have died (n = 91) and those still living. The same method was used to explain differences among those currently incarcerated (n = 56). Follow-up interviews were conducted with 32 individuals in a variety of settings including at their homes and in prisons. Findings from the quantitative results show that social bonding theory seems to be a weak explanation scheme among this population. Results from the qualitative data, however, are contrary and show social bonds to be crucial in the desistance process. Like Laub and Sampson's study, marriage and employment were strong predictors of desistance. Individuals interviewed tended to be sober, but disaffiliated with twelve-step meetings. Other themes from the interviews involve presentation of self, the importance of religion, and a process of aging out of crime. Policy implications from these results focus on the importance of choosing a good life partner, the reduction of alcohol and drug use among abusers, and emphasizing stable employment.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003896, ucf:48730
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003896

Title: THE EFFECTS OF TEACHER IDEOLOGY ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE AS RELATED TO POVERTY AND ETHNICITY.
Creator: Webb, Jessica, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study was conducted to explore the impact of teacher ideology on student performance. A definition of teacher ideology was drawn from the pupil control ideology, PCI, created by Willower, Eidell and Hoy (1967). Research concerned with teacher ideology has suggested that there is a definite difference between the custodial ideology and the humanistic ideology (Gaffney, 1997). In particular, the custodial teacher views rules and regulations as a priority, while the humanistic teacher views...
Show moreThis study was conducted to explore the impact of teacher ideology on student performance. A definition of teacher ideology was drawn from the pupil control ideology, PCI, created by Willower, Eidell and Hoy (1967). Research concerned with teacher ideology has suggested that there is a definite difference between the custodial ideology and the humanistic ideology (Gaffney, 1997). In particular, the custodial teacher views rules and regulations as a priority, while the humanistic teacher views the student as the priority. Factors which influenced student achievement, such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and behavior in relation to how teacher ideology affects student performance were investigated. More specifically, the researcher investigated whether teacher ideology had any effect on student achievement of the entire student body, on student achievement of economically disadvantaged students, and on student achievement of non-white students. In addition to achievement, the effect of teacher ideology on student behavior was also investigated. A slightly positive relationship was found between teacher ideology as indicated by the PCI score, and the percentage of students making learning gains. This learning gain was evident in mathematics scores for all students, economically disadvantaged students, and non-white students. A learning gain was only evident among non-white students in reading. The results demonstrated the need for professional development on teacher ideology and its effects. This study has also indicated the need for further research into iv the effects of teacher ideology on classroom management and teaching styles. The researcher determined that due to a limited number of responses, further research is needed.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003218, ucf:48570
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003218

Title: A Single Case Analysis of the Impact of Caregiver-Student Collaborative Learning on an Urban Community.
Creator: Edmundson, Heather, Hopp, Carolyn, Lue, Martha, Vitale, Thomas, Olan, Elsie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of caregiver-student collaborative learning classes on an urban community. The study examined whether the self-efficacy of the caregivers increased with helping their children with school work due to the caregiver-student classes. The study also examined whether providing access to a resource not normally provided within this particular community led to increased self-efficacy within caregivers. The research questions that guided the study...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to measure the impact of caregiver-student collaborative learning classes on an urban community. The study examined whether the self-efficacy of the caregivers increased with helping their children with school work due to the caregiver-student classes. The study also examined whether providing access to a resource not normally provided within this particular community led to increased self-efficacy within caregivers. The research questions that guided the study were as follows: How do collaborative caregiver-student classes that focus on collaborative strategies impact the self-efficacy of the caregivers in helping their children with school work? How does increasing access to educational services impact the self-efficacy of the caregivers who participate in collaborative caregiver-student classes? The researcher collected data through classroom observations, reflections from participants, and an initial focus group and closing individual interview. Classes were taught by a co-teacher selected by the researcher with the input of the principal. Four total sessions were held, three of which included the teaching of collaborative learning strategies, and the last of which was an individual interview.Overall, data indicated increased self-efficacy within caregivers. The caregiver roles within the neighborhood proved not to always be between an adult and child, but rather cousins and siblings who may have been close in age. Families within the neighborhood exchanged care in different ways according to their culture, work demands, and family dynamic. This program led to strengthened relationships between home and school, as well as enhanced self-efficacy and stronger relationships between caregivers and students.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005327, ucf:50534
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005327

Title: UNDERPRIVILEGED BLACK AMERICANS: THE AFTERMATH OF KING COTTON.
Creator: Bryant, Patience, Santana, Maria Cristina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: It has been criticized that the present economic state of Black Americans is a reflection of their history stemming from slavery. Diana Pearce's Feminization of Poverty Theory discusses the idea that the ever-rising number of underprivileged Black Americans is due to the fact that there exists a rise in female headed households. The researcher constructed and analyzed several concepts that fall under the Feminization of Poverty Theory: education, employment, family, and social class. For...
Show moreIt has been criticized that the present economic state of Black Americans is a reflection of their history stemming from slavery. Diana Pearce's Feminization of Poverty Theory discusses the idea that the ever-rising number of underprivileged Black Americans is due to the fact that there exists a rise in female headed households. The researcher constructed and analyzed several concepts that fall under the Feminization of Poverty Theory: education, employment, family, and social class. For the analysis the study used the documentary Lalee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton. Results show that each of the categories are approximately equal in proportion under the Feminization of Poverty Theory and that they also affect the impact that capital, government programs, economy, and investments have on underprivileged Black Americans.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001604, ucf:47171
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001604

Title: DOES HOPE VI DEEP-SIX THE POOR? ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF DISPLACEMENT FORMER RESIDENTS OF DISTRESSED PUBLIC HOUSING IN A MID-SIZED SOUTHERN CITY.
Creator: Zeller, David, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Do downtown revitalization efforts detrimentally affect people who are displaced? HUD's HOPE VI grant program provides local housing authorities with funds to leverage private investment to demolish blighted, severely distressed public housing units and replace them with mixed-use, mixed-income units. In 2002, the OHA secured an $18 million grant to redevelop a public housing project then known as Carver Court. 212 units of public housing were razed and former public housing residents were...
Show moreDo downtown revitalization efforts detrimentally affect people who are displaced? HUD's HOPE VI grant program provides local housing authorities with funds to leverage private investment to demolish blighted, severely distressed public housing units and replace them with mixed-use, mixed-income units. In 2002, the OHA secured an $18 million grant to redevelop a public housing project then known as Carver Court. 212 units of public housing were razed and former public housing residents were displaced to make way for redevelopment. Interviews with 55 former residents of Carver Court are analyzed to determine the self-reported effects of the local implementation of federal housing policy. Outcomes measured include satisfaction with occupation, housing costs, neighborhood quality, crime, social interactions, access to public transportation, and quality of life overall, among others. In addition, the analysis uses Census data to examine the extent to which poverty deconcentration, a major policy goal of HOPE VI, has been accomplished. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of HOPE VI's position in the history of American housing policy.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000995, ucf:46701
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000995

Title: RACE, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, SCHOOL LEVEL-RESOURCES, AND PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON FCAT SCORES IN FLORIDA: A QUANITATIVE STUDY.
Creator: King, Tara, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: There is an abundance of literature that focuses on the standardized test score difference between minority and non-minority students. Within this literature, socio-economic factors, parental influences, and school-level resources have been used to explain the difference in test scores. The purpose of this study is to identify the variables that are thought to significantly influence test score achievement. The data come from the Florida Department of Education and the US Census. Linear...
Show moreThere is an abundance of literature that focuses on the standardized test score difference between minority and non-minority students. Within this literature, socio-economic factors, parental influences, and school-level resources have been used to explain the difference in test scores. The purpose of this study is to identify the variables that are thought to significantly influence test score achievement. The data come from the Florida Department of Education and the US Census. Linear regression analyses results are used to examine the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. The results showed that overall economic factors are more closely related to FCAT scores than race. More specifically, the percent of students receiving free lunch was negatively correlated with FCAT scores.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000896, ucf:46641
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000896

Title: THE SYNERGIES BETWEEN TOURISM EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, POVERTY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN ECUADOR.
Creator: Rivera, Manuel, Croes, Robertico, Hara, Tadayuki, Pizam, Abraham, Robinson, Edward, Maunez-Cuadra, Jose, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTThis dissertation attempts to answer the question of what has been the effect of tourism expansion and development in Ecuador. We attempt to analyze, both theoretically and empirically, the relationship between tourism and development. There have been an enormous number of studies explaining how tourism can affect the various dimensions of development. However, no research has been undertaken to simultaneously empirically examine the impact that changes in tourism expansion has on...
Show moreABSTRACTThis dissertation attempts to answer the question of what has been the effect of tourism expansion and development in Ecuador. We attempt to analyze, both theoretically and empirically, the relationship between tourism and development. There have been an enormous number of studies explaining how tourism can affect the various dimensions of development. However, no research has been undertaken to simultaneously empirically examine the impact that changes in tourism expansion has on poverty, human development, and economic growth.To this end, we propose a cointergation methodology with an error correction model to estimate the impact of tourism expansion on poverty, human development, and economic growth. This study employs time series data from 1988 to 2008 as well as a Granger causality test to examine the hypothesized relationships. The five most important results are, first, that tourism seems to have distinguishable effects on reducing poverty. In the case of Ecuador, a tourism poverty nexus exists and it helps fight poverty in terms of intensity, inequality, and the proportion of poor. Secondly, economic growth is Ecuador is (")pro-poor("). Increases in economic growth have both short and long term effects on poverty reduction. Thirdly, tourism does not yet promotes human development but the other way around. Therefore a virtuous cycle between tourism and human development does not exist yet. Therefore, opportunities exist to further promote tourism in an attempt to support human development programs. Fourthly, economic growth promotes human development but human development does not yet promotes growth. These results suggest that Ecuador is in HD lopsided situation when it comes to economic growth and human development. Finally, the relationship between tourism and economic growth is bi-directional; the expansion of either sector promotes the growth of the other.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004161, ucf:49052
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004161

Title: HUNGRY AND TAKING THE BUS? ASSESSING FOOD OUTLET ACCESSIBILITY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Smith, Katelan, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Little academic research has been conducted examining access to transportation by those in need. The small amount of research that has been done focuses primarily on mobility issues of the elderly and the disabled, despite findings that income level is an important determinant in access to transportation. The few studies that have examined access to transportation in relation to income simply cite the difficulties that those in poverty face when attempting to access vital resources as...
Show moreLittle academic research has been conducted examining access to transportation by those in need. The small amount of research that has been done focuses primarily on mobility issues of the elderly and the disabled, despite findings that income level is an important determinant in access to transportation. The few studies that have examined access to transportation in relation to income simply cite the difficulties that those in poverty face when attempting to access vital resources as problematic, yet very few focus specifically on this issue. This thesis examines how free food recipients commute to and from local pantries, and whether public transportation in the Orlando metropolitan area adequately services food bank resources utilized by low income individuals. Physical location data as well as survey questionnaires were used to determine commuting patterns as well as the overall availability and utilization of transit options of Orlando's low income population. Findings from this study show that even though nearly 50% of respondents do not own a car, public transportation remains a last option, making the Orlando area heavily dependent on cars, even for those with no direct access to one. Despite low public transit ridership, it was found that the majority of food pantries in Orange County are adequately serviced by LYNX, while pantries in Seminole County suffer from a severe lack of services.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003913, ucf:48757
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003913

Title: THE INCREASE OF SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) PARTICIPATIONBY LOW INCOME WORKERS: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE.
Creator: Scheiner, Elizabeth, Mann, Mary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature focused on the increased utilization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by low-income workers attempting to become food secure. Poverty measurement will be discussed for its importance to accurately identify individuals and families who are still excluded of social services and programs due to a faulty measurement of poverty. Furthermore, this paper will identify how the limitations of the current minimum...
Show moreThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature focused on the increased utilization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by low-income workers attempting to become food secure. Poverty measurement will be discussed for its importance to accurately identify individuals and families who are still excluded of social services and programs due to a faulty measurement of poverty. Furthermore, this paper will identify how the limitations of the current minimum wage system in the United States contributes to food insecurity within the population of low-income workers. A concise history of the creation of the SNAP program and the current minimum wage system will be provided. Identifying the increased utilization of the SNAP program, how this intersects with the current minimum wage system and increased food insecurity, will help identify potential areas for advocacy within social work practice and potential areas for policy change.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004796, ucf:45326
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004796

Title: HOMELESS WOMEN IN THE ORLANDO SHELTER SYSTEM: A COMPARISON OF SINGLE WOMEN, FAMILIES, AND WOMEN SEPARATED FROM THEIR CHILDREN.
Creator: Dotson, Hilary, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Homeless women and families are among the most disenfranchised groups in society. Further, because of their homelessness and associated problems, many homeless women become separated from their children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on predictors of entering a shelter with or without children (shelter status) and whether or not one is separated from one or more children (child separation status) on various special need predictors. A second objective was to determine...
Show moreHomeless women and families are among the most disenfranchised groups in society. Further, because of their homelessness and associated problems, many homeless women become separated from their children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on predictors of entering a shelter with or without children (shelter status) and whether or not one is separated from one or more children (child separation status) on various special need predictors. A second objective was to determine the relationship between shelter status and child separation and to understand the unique experiences of homeless women who are separated from their children. These objectives were achieved via thematic analysis, quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Results suggest that shelter status significantly related to mental illness, drug abuse and domestic violence, but child separation status only significantly relates to drug abuse. The qualitative findings examined the origins of homelessness, child separation and the women's desires to be reunited with their children. Suggestions for further research and program changes are included.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002526, ucf:47643
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002526

Title: A Trauma-informed School-based Mental Health Counseling Intervention to Promote the Academic and Social-emotional Functionality of Children Living in Poverty.
Creator: Perleoni, Mary, Lambie, Glenn, Kelchner, Viki, Taylor, Dalena, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a trauma-informed school-based mental health counseling intervention (TI-SBMHCI) on students enrolled in three Title I elementary schools. This study aimed to examine the impact of a TI-SBMHCI on participants' social-emotional functionality, trauma symptomology, and academic behavior. Counselors-in-training provided a 10-week TI-SBMHCI based off of Bath's (2008) The three Pillars of Trauma-informed Care and data was collected...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a trauma-informed school-based mental health counseling intervention (TI-SBMHCI) on students enrolled in three Title I elementary schools. This study aimed to examine the impact of a TI-SBMHCI on participants' social-emotional functionality, trauma symptomology, and academic behavior. Counselors-in-training provided a 10-week TI-SBMHCI based off of Bath's (2008) The three Pillars of Trauma-informed Care and data was collected at pretest (first session), mid (fifth session), and posttest (tenth session). In addition, this investigation examined if participants showed greater improvement in academic behavior in comparison to students who did not receive a SBMHCI through the creation of matched sample control group.Results indicated that the participants' trauma-symptomology, social-emotional functionality, and academic behaviors improved over time. Specifically, results of trauma-symptomology per child report exhibited significant decrease in re-experiencing scores (?(&)#178; = .088), arousal scores (?(&)#178; = .086), and total trauma symptomology scores (?(&)#178; = .08). Further, results of trauma-symptomology per parent report exhibited significant decrease in re-experiencing scores (?(&)#178; = .251), avoidance scores (?(&)#178; = .180), negative thoughts and feelings scores (?(&)#178; = .315), arousal scores (?(&)#178; = .192), and total trauma symptomology (?(&)#178; = .369). In regard to social-emotional functionality, parents reported significant decreased in internalizing (?(&)#178; = .236), externalizing (?(&)#178; = .160), and total problem behavior scores (?(&)#178; = .211). Similarly, teachers reported significant decrease in the participants' total problem behavior scores (?(&)#178; = .090). Further, the students who received the 10-week intervention showed a significant decrease in their office discipline referrals (?(&)#178; = .094). When a matched sample control group was implemented, there was a between-subject effect among the treatment and control group concerning office discipline referrals (p = .042; partial ?(&)#178; = .052) with the treatment group exhibiting greater decrease in office discipline referrals.Implications of the findings include: (a) support for the use of a TI-SBMHCI for children living in low-income communities; (b) evidence that a TI-SBMHCI promotes elementary school students' social emotional functionality, decreases their trauma-symptomology, and improves their academic behavior; and (c) reinforces the importance of trauma-informed counseling within an effective school-based mental health counseling program.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007704, ucf:52455
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007704

Title: This is just temporary: A study of extended-stay motel residents in Central Florida.
Creator: Gonzalez Guittar, Stephanie, Wright, James, Carter, Shannon, Jasinski, Jana, Frumkin, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Motel life has existed in the United States for over 100 years. However, it was not until the HEARTH Act in 2009 changed the federal definition of homelessness that those who live in motels more or less permanently were considered homeless persons. This project utilizes qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 18 families with children who are living in motels to explore their experiences with motel life and social service providers, their housing identity, and identity management...
Show moreMotel life has existed in the United States for over 100 years. However, it was not until the HEARTH Act in 2009 changed the federal definition of homelessness that those who live in motels more or less permanently were considered homeless persons. This project utilizes qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 18 families with children who are living in motels to explore their experiences with motel life and social service providers, their housing identity, and identity management strategies. Interviews with social service providers were also conducted for context and to gain their perspective on families living in motels. Findings show that most of the motel residents did not identify with the conventional definition or image of homelessness and instead negotiated the term to fit their situation. Although they did not initially self-identify as homeless, when discussing policy recommendations all participants adopted a homeless social-identity (i.e., they identified as members of the homeless social category). As members of the homeless community, the participants agreed that homeless families in the area needed more attention and assistance. The identity management strategies employed by the participants were meant to show how they were good people who were just stuck in a motel because of circumstances outside of their control and how they were deserving of assistance to help their families move out of the motel and obtain adequate, permanent housing. Interviews with the social service providers showed that they often do exercise their power over clients by classifying them into a "deserving" group or a "not willing to work for it" group based on their own experiences and prejudices.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004540, ucf:49241
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004540

Title: Modeling Mass Care Resource Provision Post Hurricane.
Creator: Muhs, Tammy, Kincaid, John, Rollins, David, Dorman, Teresa, Taylor, Gregory, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Determining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected...
Show moreDetermining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected from four hurricanes making landfall in Florida during 2004-2005. The underlying model used in the tool is a Regression Decision Tree with predictor variables including direct impact, poverty level, and hurricane impact score. The hurricane impact score is a hurricane classification system resulting from this research that includes hurricane category, intensity, wind field size, and landfall location. The direct path of a hurricane, a higher than average proportion of residents below the poverty level, and the hurricane impact score were all found to have an effect on the number of meals required during the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004143, ucf:49053
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004143

Title: Predictors of Food Insecurity in 3 Central Florida Communities.
Creator: Towns, Tangela, Rivera, Fernando, Carter, Shannon, Wright, James, Dunn, Stacey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the association between different socio-demographic factors and food insecurity in the Central Florida Communities of Maitland, Winter Park, and Eatonville. Data from the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Florida were utilized to analyze 3 main questions: In which community is food insecurity more prevalent? To what extent are food consumption, transportation, poverty, and unemployment associated with food insecurity? Does the...
Show moreThis study examined the association between different socio-demographic factors and food insecurity in the Central Florida Communities of Maitland, Winter Park, and Eatonville. Data from the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Florida were utilized to analyze 3 main questions: In which community is food insecurity more prevalent? To what extent are food consumption, transportation, poverty, and unemployment associated with food insecurity? Does the association between food consumption, transportation, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity remain when controlling for self-reported overall health, education, marital status, and race. The results revealed differences in predictors of food insecurities. Particularly, there was a positive relationship between food consumption and the knowledge of recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables suggesting that those who have nutritional knowledge practice healthy dietary behaviors. Furthermore, structural dysfunctions and affordability pose food consumption limitations on the communities studied (mainly Eatonville).
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004947, ucf:49564
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004947

Title: THE CONTEXTUAL IMPACT OF INCOME INEQUALITY ON SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ADVERSE SOCIAL OUTCOMES.
Creator: Schiff, Jeannie, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: An interdisciplinary approach to policy and governance recognizes that many social welfare problems are interrelated, and policy-makers have long recognized a need to address the root causes of these problems. There is much evidence that income inequality is one of these root causes but research suggesting the effect of income inequality is mediated by social capital has complicated the relationship, as have theories of causality that take different approaches. This study takes an ecological...
Show moreAn interdisciplinary approach to policy and governance recognizes that many social welfare problems are interrelated, and policy-makers have long recognized a need to address the root causes of these problems. There is much evidence that income inequality is one of these root causes but research suggesting the effect of income inequality is mediated by social capital has complicated the relationship, as have theories of causality that take different approaches. This study takes an ecological approach to these issues to test the relationship between income inequality, social capital and selected adverse outcomes proposed by the relative income hypothesis. The relative income hypothesis posits that the impact of income inequality on adverse outcomes is mediated by social capital. The study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to analyze county-level data for the year 2000 with a structural equation model composed of three constructs: income inequality, modeled by four common measures; a social capital construct based on a model developed by Rupasingha, Goetz and Freshwater (2006); and an adverse outcomes construct designed as a parsimonious measure of social outcomes in four public affairs disciplinary areas. The test of the path presumed by the relative income hypothesis revealed both a direct effect of income inequality and indirect effect of inequality through social capital. However, the direct effect of income inequality on outcomes was significantly larger than the indirect effect, indicating the relationship is moderated, rather than mediated, by social capital. Since the impact of social capital on the selected adverse outcomes was relatively small, and the final model failed to achieve statistical significance, the relative income hypothesis that income inequality exerts its primary effect on outcomes through social capital was rejected.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003205, ucf:48574
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003205

poverty (17)	+ -
Poverty (8)	+ -
Urban (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
food security (2)	+ -

homelessness (2)	+ -
social capital (2)	+ -
student achievement (2)	+ -
ActiGraph Link GT9X (1)	+ -
Administrative (1)	+ -
African American (1)	+ -
Aspirations (1)	+ -
BRIEF2 (1)	+ -
Base (1)	+ -
Black (1)	+ -
Black Americans (1)	+ -
Blacks in education (1)	+ -
Blood on the Forge (1)	+ -
Capabilities (1)	+ -
Children (1)	+ -
Class Conflict (1)	+ -
Code of Ethics (1)	+ -
Commodification (1)	+ -
Corruption (1)	+ -
Crime (1)	+ -
Defining Issues Test-2 (1)	+ -
Depression Era (1)	+ -
Desistance (1)	+ -
Discipline (1)	+ -
Dropout (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (28)	+ -
Honors Collection (5)	+ -

University of Central Florida (33)	+ -
Wright, James (8)	+ -
Murray, Barbara (5)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (5)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (4)	+ -

Doherty, Walter (3)	+ -
Lue, Martha (3)	+ -
Carter, Shannon (2)	+ -
Donley, Amy (2)	+ -
Hayes, Burnice (2)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (2)	+ -
Jasinski, Jana (2)	+ -
Olan, Elsie (2)	+ -
Rivera, Fernando (2)	+ -
Robinson, Edward (2)	+ -
Allee-Herndon, Karyn (1)	+ -
Austin, Cavel (1)	+ -
Boote, David (1)	+ -
Brown, Deborah (1)	+ -
Bryant, Patience (1)	+ -
Clark, M. H. (1)	+ -
Croes, Robertico (1)	+ -
Crowe, Heather (1)	+ -
Dorman, Teresa (1)	+ -
Dotson, Hilary (1)	+ -
Dunn, Stacey (1)	+ -
Dupree, Kevin (1)	+ -
Edelen, Delores (1)	+ -
Edmundson, Heather (1)	+ -
Fritz, Ronald (1)	+ -

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