Master of Social Work program news update
Stephanie Rudd, assistant professor of social work, had a peer-reviewed article accepted with interdisciplinary colleagues (including Amanda Miller in the Department of Sociology) in Socius entitled “ Division of Housework, Communication, and Couples’ Relationship Satisfaction.”
Rudd and colleagues started The Crisis Support Collective which is a free and confidential support for medical professionals and healthcare staff in Central Indiana who are on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be an opportunity for front line staff to vent about challenging situations that are being experienced day-to-day, learn techniques to manage stress and anxiety, process emotions related to challenges brought on by the pandemic, and connect with others who are facing similar stressors. Both individual and group sessions will be offered. These collective pro bono services will start no later than May 1st.
Dr. Lynn Shaw, assistant professor of social work and MSW field director, was the guest speaker for the NASW-Indiana webinar last week entitled “Mindful Moments: A Contemplative Practice for Self-Care.” It was well-received and she was invited to speak again at a future event.
Melissa Ketner, assistant professor of social work, and a colleague (Allissa Williams, Chaplain/Mental health counseling clinician) are offering first responder and healthcare professionals in and around Vigo County pro-bono support and psychoeducational groups beginning Wednesday, 4/22. This service will be offered at a minimum on a biweekly basis at no cost, at least through the month of June. We plan to open the sessions with covering topics of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, and self-care. We will refer those needing formal mental health services to local providers.
Dr. Lainey Collins, Melissa Ketner, and Stephanie Rudd, assistant professors of social work, are actively gathering interview data for the incivility study. We hope to complete interviews by the middle part of May. UIndy MSW research assistants, Evie Anastaciadou and Rachel Loepker, have been interviewing participants via Zoom. We have gathered and coded preliminary interviews to revise our interview guide. Professor Jansing was instrumental in helping the research team to access potential participants.