Browsing by Author "Nguyen, Thu Suong Thi"

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    Familial Influence: The Role of Black Families in College and Career Decisions
    (2024-12) Davis, Le'Joy Denise; Maxcy, Brendan; Murtadha, Khaula; Nguyen, Thu Suong Thi; Santamaria Graff, Cristina Corrine
    This dissertation explores the impact of familial influence on the college and career decisions of Black students that attended urban, low-income high schools. Through a comparative case study approach, the research examines how family dynamics, communication, values, socioeconomic, and social factors shape decisions. The study employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and case analysis, to gather insights from students and their families. The findings reveal that familial support and expectations play a crucial role in shaping students' aspirations and choices, though the extent and nature of this influence varies significantly depending on family structure, resources, and lived experiences. This research highlights the complex interplay between familial and social factors, offering family engagement and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing support systems for students from similar backgrounds and suggesting areas for future research on familial impact in college and career spaces.
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    Rural Hospice Caregivers and the Social Workers Who Support Them: A Mixed Methods Study
    (2024-12) Curd, Jessica Lind Ann; Pierce, Barbara; Hong, Michin; Lee, Jessica; Nguyen, Thu Suong Thi
    This study aimed to explore the experiences of rural caregivers for dying individuals and the hospice social workers who support them, with a focus on the Covid- 19 pandemic and its recovery phases. This study also investigated stress, secondary trauma, anticipatory grief, social support, and health disparities among home informal caregivers of dying persons, as well as stress and secondary trauma among hospice social workers. This study employed a mixed method approach to explore the factors affecting rural caregivers and hospice social workers. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. Initial analysis of means revealed moderate to high levels of anticipatory grief, secondary trauma, and caregiver stress among end-of-life caregivers. To explore the interactions between these variables, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using data from 107 caregivers. Each regression model (Caregiver Stress, Secondary Trauma, and Anticipatory Grief) was statistically significant. Results indicated that anticipatory grief, secondary traumatic stress, and caregiver stress co-vary and are influenced by perceived social support. Qualitative findings from caregiver interviews supported the quantitative results. Seven themes emerged: "no time to grieve but I am grieving," "feeling alone," "structure and routine help," "meaning making," "building a 'new normal'," "going into their world," and "impact ofCovid-19 pandemic." Interviews with 19 hospice social workers revealed moderate to high levels of anticipatory grief and secondary traumatic stress. Six themes emerged: "feeling disconnected and less effective," "grief regarding loss of no1malcy," "no longer 'heroes'," "false sense of security," "closer with peers and distanced from leaders," and "systemic barriers." Overall, this study sheds light on the specific stressors and emotional challenges faced by rural end-of-life caregivers and social workers. It highlights their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The findings underscore the need for targeted support systems and interventions to address the mental health and well-being of these essential yet often overlooked members of the healthcare community. Additionally, the research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on the importance of social support in mitigating the effects of stress and trauma in caregiving professions.