CityU Scholarly Work (Open Access)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/2

Contains open access scholarly work from City University of Seattle students, faculty, and staff.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 5 of 1059

Understanding the Leadership Pathways and Barriers to Success for Asian American Public Library Leaders
(2025) Koshi-Lum, Jess
As Asian Americans are the fastest-growing U.S. immigrant group and are projected to become the largest immigrant group by 2065, more work will be needed to ensure the library field's demographics reflect the communities we serve (Kim et al., 2021). The lack of representation of Asian Americans in all levels of library work, especially in executive roles, may make it more difficult to create culturally relevant services and programs for these communities (Le, 2021). This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experiences, leadership pathways, and barriers of Asian American public library leaders in California. The target populations of this study were mid- to senior-level East, Southeast, and South Asian American public library leaders who worked in California. The research method was qualitative, the design was phenomenology, and data was collected through individual interviews using purposeful sampling. I examined what these leaders experienced in their leadership pathways in the library field, guided by the following theories: Critical Race Theory, Asian American racial development theory, and the model minority myth. I analyzed and interpreted the data from interview transcripts through coding, a basic qualitative analysis technique, and a detailed explanation of the values of Asian American library leaders, their leadership pathways, and barriers in the library field. The major findings that emerged from the participants’ experiences were: (a) navigating racism within the workplace was a part of their professional experiences; (b) intersectionality of identities had an impact on some of their careers; (c) most participants believed that leaders must work hard, develop their voice, and advocate for what is right; and (d) most participants prioritized community interests. This study may benefit communities interested in diversifying their public library staff and leadership (i.e., library leaders and Asian American library staff) as well as library users, who may be looking for library staff, collections, and programs that represent the diversity of their community. From this study's findings, library leaders and library associations can glean some insight into what kinds of barriers this group faces and identify ways to help encourage more Asian Americans to obtain leadership roles in public libraries.
Therapeutic BDSM: Taboo or Transformative?
(2025-06) Davis, Alexina
BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) is a range of sexual and nonsexual preferences and behaviours involving physical or psychological control, pain, or unequal power dynamics (Goerlich, 2021; Shahbaz & Chirinos, 2017). Many people report that engaging in these activities has been beneficial for their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Since being declassified as a disorder in 2013, research regarding potential therapeutic benefits has increased, although it is still lacking. While BDSM aesthetics have been embraced in music, movies and fashion, there continue to be harmful stereotypes about people who engage in the lifestyle. These misconceptions include assumptions that BDSM encourages violence and abuse, promiscuity, and unhealthy relationship dynamics (Chancer, 2000; Stear, 2009). This stigmatization has both moral and legal ramifications, as many BDSM practitioners have shared that their kink practices have been used against them in custody proceedings (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, 2013, as cited by Cascalheira, 2023). As awareness and research grows, the necessity to provide kink-affirming therapy also increases. Being aware of common BDSM practices and dynamics can decrease stigmatization within the clinical space and further support clients. There are many parallels between traditional trauma therapies and the BDSM practice of trauma play, so knowing how they overlap can create possibilities for meaningful therapeutic work. This paper will discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of BDSM, the overlaps of trauma therapy and trauma play with a focus on exploring the models of therapeutic facilitated trauma play (Bonus, 2024) and surrogate partner therapy (Masters & Johnson, 1970), along with the discussion of legal and ethical considerations in combing the two models to create clinically supported BDSM as a potential modality.
Social-Emotional Learning Effect on School Climate and Student Health
(2025-07-08) Wong, Darren
This capstone examines the impact of social-emotional learning (SEL) on student mental health and school climate in high schools. It addresses key challenges faced by educators, such as reduced funding, increased student isolation from overcrowding and technology use, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth social skills and well-being. The research investigates how the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making can be cultivated through a three-tier approach using evidence-based classroom programs, extra-curricular activities, and targeted mentoring. The findings show that SEL implementation improves emotional regulation, strengthens relationships among peers and staff, reduces behavioural issues, and fosters a more inclusive and connected school environment. The capstone recommends professional development for teachers, alignment of SEL language across grade levels, structured and inclusive extra-curricular offerings, and robust mentoring with ongoing supervision. Prioritizing SEL at multiple levels is shown to enhance school climate, build student resilience, and address mental health needs which empowers schools to proactively reduce feelings of isolation and promote belonging to school community.
Empowering Through Knowledge: The Critical Role of Sexual Education for Youth with Disabilities to Promote Autonomy, Safety, and Overall Well-Being
(2025-07-01) Mossman, Michelle
Sexual education is often treated as optional, especially for youth with disabilities. Access to accurate, inclusive information about sex, relationships, consent, and identity isn't an optional extra; it's a right. This capstone explores how comprehensive, affirming sexual health education can promote autonomy, safety, and well-being for youth with disabilities. Through a disability justice lens, it looks at the systemic factors that have shaped how and whether these conversations happen. It reviews the gaps in the current curriculum, the hesitation of caregivers and educators, and the emotional and relational consequences of leaving disabled youth out of the conversation. Just as importantly, it centers what disabled youth are asking for: content that is real, nuanced, and reflective of their lives, moving beyond fear-based messaging and surface-level information. Drawing on recent research and practice insights, the final chapter offers seven recommendations that prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and collaboration. These include individualized programming, support for adults in teaching roles, and a shift toward education that recognizes disabled youth as sexual beings with rights, boundaries, and desires. This work is about reimagining what's possible, not offering a one-size-fits-all solution, but a starting point for those who want to do better. When we leave disabled youth out of sexual education, we leave them more vulnerable. When we offer them the tools, language, and space to understand themselves and others, we help build something that reflects who they are, not who we assume them to be.
Grieving the Living and the Lost: Sibling Experiences With Drug-Related Deaths
(2025-07-03) Hayes, Brittany
Drug-related deaths (DRDs) continue to be at an all-time high. The increase in these deaths leaves many family members bereaved. Although research in the field of death studies may explore these losses, the bereavement experiences of siblings following a DRD remain under-researched in comparison to other areas of bereavement research. This capstone project aims to explore what shapes siblings' experiences following a DRD by exploring the intersection of ambiguous loss, anticipatory grief, stigma, and disenfranchised grief through a thematic literature review.

Browse

Recent Submissions