Main And Interactive Effects Of Mental Health, Parent Ethnic Socialization, Discrimination On Bipoc Teens' Ethnic Identity, Emily Takamasa, Ashley M. Fraser, Adam Rogers

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Research would suggest that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) adolescents have the best developmental outcomes when strong, positive ethnic identity is acknowledged and embraced. This study investigated whether discrimination, internalizing symptomology, parent socialization, and/or interactions of these variables influenced adolescent ethnic identity, specifically in exploration, resolution, and affirmation to illuminate nuanced ways BIPOC youth can achieve positive ethnic identity. Recruited from third-party research panels, surveyed participants were adolescents (Mage = 15.28; 51.6% male) of diverse racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds from all regions of the U.S. Overall, the results showed that there were four significant main effects on ethnic …

Communication Disorders And Mental Health: A Scoping Review, Haven B. Schultze

Honors Thesis

This scoping review examined current research investigating the relationship between communication disorders and mental health disorders. Depression and anxiety disorders were correlated with communication disorders, but this relationship is complex. Next, potential interventions and clinical implications are discussed. The literature suggests that Speech-Language Pathologists and mental health professionals are most effective when working collaboratively to meet the needs of the whole child.

The Association Between Physical Pain, Depression, Anxiety, And Nervios Among Latinx Agricultural Workers, Iveth Cuellar Celallos

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical pain, chronic pain, socio-cultural factors and mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and nervios among Latinx agricultural workers. Survey data were collected in Northern California (N = 104). The sample of Latinx agricultural workers consisted of 47 (45.2%) female and 57 (54.8%) male respondents. The average age of participants was 43.13 years (SD = 14.37). Over half of participants were married (60.6%). The majority of participants (95.2%) reported Mexico as their country of origin. Most (85.6%) participants reported currently working in agriculture. Two hierarchical multiple linear regressions …

Empowering Nurses To Recognize Post-Stroke Depression In The African American Community, Deidra Frisbie, Robin Simon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalence of stroke and death compared to other racial groups in the United States. Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately 1/3 of all stroke patients and is underdiagnosed in the African American community.

Aim: By using a mHealth mobile app and a Psychiatry provider list at discharge, PSD can be identified, and interventions initiated, thus decreasing the sequela of PSD in AA.

Methods: Nurses were provided education on PSD, expressions of depression in African-Americans, cultural humility, implicit bias, and the importance of the nurse's role in developing a therapeutic relationship.

Results: Quantitative analysis revealed the …

Masculinity And Depression: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of The Counseling Literature’S Recommendations On Caring For Men From 2012-2021, Jean Taylor

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study examined how the counseling literature between the years of 2012-2021 addressed the diagnosis and treatment for men with depression. Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) was used to examine four publications of the American Counseling Association: Journal of Counseling and Development (JCD), Journal of Humanistic Counseling (JHC), Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development (JMCD), and Counselor Education and Supervision (CES). Four research questions guided the study: 1. How many articles in the selected counseling journals focus on men and depression between 2012 and 2021, and what percentage of the total articles do they represent? 2. What specific types of studies …

A Novel Test Of Emotion Recognition Bias Using Dynamic Facial Morphing, Michael R. Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Depressed persons have demonstrated emotion based cognitive biases, specifically surrounding vigilance of negative information and avoidance of positivity. These biases are sometimes operationalized through emotion recognition tasks. However, previous emotion recognition tasks lack in their ability to accurately measure and decompose positivity avoidance with enhanced negativity, while accounting for basic cognitive processes that can drive the results. Therefore, we developed a novel emotion recognition task that examines emotional intensity thresholds, while accounting for general response bias. Linear mixed effects modeling revealed substantial individual differences on all conditions in the task, using both frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Additionally, the findings suggest …

The Effects Of Social Media On Internalizing Disorders In Adolescents, Deziree Wiegmann

Counselor Education Capstones

This platforms capstone project paper is about the effects that social media or advanced technology platforms has on young individuals. Many articles were reviewed, which included research studies on the prevalence of social media usage by adolescents, along with its negative and positive effects on their development. This topic is important for counselors to review in order to treat young clients that struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, etc. For counselors and other professionals who work with adolescents, it would be important to look at the data, which has helped derive what treatment approaches may be the most effective and …

Storytelling To Promote Mental Health: A Conceptual Analysis And Application With Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Depression, Carter H. Davis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Mental health treatments can be delivered in many ways. One approach is to use storytelling to communicate healthy practices. While societies across the world have engaged in storytelling for thousands of years, these practices have been used less in the mental health field. The aim of this project was to study the overlap between the areas of mental health and storytelling. We also tested how a storytelling-based mental health treatment could help solve a particular clinical problem. In this case, the problem of people who receive inadequate help for managing depression through medication alone.

We examined one particular mental health …

Hispanic/Latino Mothers Of Children With Developmental Disabilities: Identifying Factors Associated With Practicing Self-Care And Mental Health Outcomes, Jessica Gutierrez

Capstone Experience

Caring for a child with developmental disabilities can be challenging, exhausting, and overwhelming for many parents. The level of care that a child with disabilities requires can be intense, resulting in stress and negatively impacting caregivers' mental health. Many Hispanic/Latino mothers of children with developmental disabilities are not practicing self-care or using support services; thus, the mothers may experience high stress, depression, and anxiety. Previous research studies have found adverse psychological effects such as high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. This quantitative study sought to identify the gaps and barriers Hispanic/Latino mothers of children with developmental disabilities encounter when …

Implementing The Depression Screening Tool Phq-9 In The Annual Wellness Exam Of Concierge Family Medicine, Eric Iglesias

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Abstract

Background: Depression has been one of the most common mental health disorders that our population fact but is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Primary care providers are often the first line of defense in detecting depression. Because of this, implementing a depression screening tool in a primary care setting will improve holistic management of care and improve quality of life.

Project Aim: The aim of this project was to increase the number of clients who are evaluated for depression by using the PHQ-9 screening tool during their annual wellness exam and initiate treatment according to the Veteran’s Affairs/Department of Defense Depression …

Effects Of Home-Based High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Continuous Walking On Cognition In Overweight And Obese Women, Kelsey C. Bourbeau

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether six weeks of home-based high-intensity interval training versus six weeks of moderate-intensity walking improves cognition, depression, and anxiety in women that are overweight or obese. Design: A randomized control trial design. Subjects: Twelve sedentary women characterized as overweight or obese were randomized into either a six-week home-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 6, 26.6 ± 8.9 years, 37.4 ± 4.9% body fat) group or a six-week moderate-intensity walking (Walk, n = 6, 22.5 ± 3.7 years, 40.2 ± 4.1% body fat) group. Main Measures: Pre- and post-intervention, participants …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Depression Screening Process Among Older Adult Patients In Primary Care For Quality Improvement., Ashley Dru Larson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Depression is not a normal process of aging; it is a diagnosable and treatable medical condition. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that older adults be screened for depression annually.

Aim: The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to evaluate the depression screening process for older adults (age 65+) in a primary health care setting and provide recommendations to the primary health care clinic for improving it.

Methods: This EBP project involved collecting retrospective data from August to October 2022, including aggregate data (demographics), from all older adults who were seen in …

The Model Minority Myth And The Mental Well-Being Of Academically Struggling Asian Americans, Jan Michael Roa Ballesteros

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation investigates relationships between pressures Asian Americans experience to be academically successful and their feelings of depression and stress. The model minority myth (MMM) stereotype characterizes Asian Americans as industrious, intellectually-gifted, assimilating to U.S. values of meritocracy, and achieving higher academic and employment success levels compared to other racial groups in the general population. While many consider MMM a positive stereotype, it also comes with a cost. Prior research demonstrates the tensions that exist among Asian Americans who do not uphold the MMM stereotype and its corollary, the Asian Academic Success Frame. Those unable to meet academic success standards …

The Effects Of Traumatic Stress & Role Of The Neuropeptide Y System As A Therapeutic In Females, Roxanna J. Nahvi

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

The incidence of many stress-elicited disorders is markedly influenced by sex. Women are twice as likely as men to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and social impairments following exposure to traumatic stress. However, most of the studies in animal models examining putative therapeutics for stress-triggered impairments, including single prolonged stress (SPS), were performed predominantly with males. Previous studies in males demonstrated that intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY) can provide therapeutic relief of many SPS-triggered symptoms. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of studies found that NPY levels in females in many brain regions are lower than in male rodents. NPY …

The Mediating Role Of Mental Health On Academic Performance Among College Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault, Ariah Lewis

Honors College Theses

The current study analyzed the mediating role of mental health on academic performance among college women who have experienced sexual assault. The purpose of this research was to acknowledge the impacts that sexual assault experiences may have on the college experience. A total of 241 undergraduate students participated in the study. Participants were college aged, ranging from 18-36 (90.5% female, 59.2% White, 28.1% Black/African American). Participants completed an online survey that evaluated their sexual assault experience, depression, and academic performance. Using Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation model, it was found that as participants reported higher instances of sexual assault experience, …

Addictive Social Media Use: Examination Of The Psychometric Properties Of The Arabic Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale And The Mediational Role Of Sense Of Control In The Relationship Between Depression And Social Media Addiction, Louis J. Fourie

Theses

The period of COVID-19 has proven to be a turbulent period where extreme psychological trends can be examined due to lockdown procedures, social isolation, and public fear. The use of technology such as social media has increased with research highlighting the harm of overuse. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translated version of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) to assess for addictive social media use. Secondly, the study further examines the association between depression, social media addiction, and an individual’s sense of control. Specifically, the potential mediational role of …

Societal Impact Assessment Of Depression, Mohammed Salah Almazrouei

Theses

Depression is a mental problem characterised by unusual changes in the mood of a person, accompanied by a temporary different emotional response to everyday changes in the phenomena (WHO, 2020). Affected people suffer greatly, hence functioning poorly in the workplace, school, or at home in a family setup. Even though the public is well aware of its existence, there is little going on to combat this condition. Amongst the various stumbling blocks towards achieving an effective approach to address the problem include limited resources and associated well-trained personnel to help the victims.

A mental disorder associated with social stigma and …

Individual Differences And Neural Correlates Of Emotion Reactivity And Regulation: Potential Intervention Targets In Depression, Ian James Kahrilas

Dissertations

Depression, Electroencephalography, Emotion reactivity, Emotion regulation

The Impact Of Peer Supportive Accountability On Use Of A Mindfulness App In Depressed College Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Carol Hundert Gonzales

Dissertations

Depression, Mental Health App, Mindfulness, Supportive Accountability

An Electrophysiological Examination Of Attentional Biases To Emotional Faces In Depression And Social Anxiety, Nathan M. Hager

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Cognitive theories have proposed that major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) involve attentional biases toward and away from specific environmental stimuli. Research has often examined these biases in response to emotional facial expressions, but evidence of attentional biases is mixed. An event-related potential called the N2pc offers advantages over other measures of attentional bias and may clarify conflicting findings. Studies on the N2pc and social anxiety have found consistent results, but there is little work examining depression. Previous N2pc studies are limited by the types of emotional faces they use and by comparing attention for emotional faces …

Improving Patient Outcomes In Substance Use Disorder Through Behavioral Therapy In Depression Development And Impacts Of Social Determinants Of Health During And After Substance Use Treatment, Jerry Ryan Armstrong, Chyanne Napp

Doctoral Projects

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a growing problem in the United States (U.S.) and worldwide and relapse is a common occurrence among those facing SUD. Limited scholarly research has been published addressing evidence-based treatment improvement strategies. This study focused on improving SUD treatment through the incorporation of depression tracking from admission to and discharge from inpatient treatment, as well as the incorporation of social determinants of health education during treatment, with an evaluation of relapse rates 30-days after inpatient treatment discharge. Results indicated a significant improvement in depression scores from admission to discharge. Results also revealed improved knowledge regarding social …

Implementing A Depression Screening Process Within A Primary Care Setting Initiative To Improve Quality Patient-Centered Healthcare, Mark Beech

Doctoral Projects

Depression is more widespread than many people understand. Depression is a common mental disorder involving millions of people from all backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic levels (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Depression not only affects one’s mental well-being but can be often linked to one’s physical well-being. Additionally, depression is often misdiagnosed and can many times go undetected. The stigma of depression or any mental health disorder still has many patients feeling shameful and the need to be secretive which can prevent proper treatment. The implementation of a depression screening process by utilizing a tool for early depression detection is essential …

Thoughts, Feelings, Actions; The Brevity Of Being: A Haiku Method, Scott Medeiros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The difficulties of delivering clinical services during the pandemic showed that there was a need for interventions that were able to be adapted to virtual sessions. In addition, lack of training and expertise regarding specialized therapies require modern day clinicians to be able to synergize current theory with the reality of the mental health landscape. In this study, 19 individuals participated in a psychoeducation group that taught a therapeutic thought mapping technique that was then adapted towards the creation of a haiku. It was noticed that participants were able to learn a psychological concept, apply it towards their life, create …

Ssri-Induced Emotional Blunting: A Study Of Cognitive Changes In Pharmaceutically Treated Depression, Carly Tocco

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: In recent years, approximately 12.7% of the American population are on a prescribed antidepressant medication. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a widely used pharmacological treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders, primarily due to their tolerance levels, mild side effects in comparison to other antidepressants, and broad range of clinical indications. However, there are still numerous concerns about SSRIs’ ability to improve depressive symptoms without adding side effects such as sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal upset, and a restricted range of emotions. Although patients typically claim that they have less emotional pain while on SSRIs than they do during a depressive …

Neuroanatomy In Mild Cognitive Impairment: Relationship To Functional Skills, Treatment Expectancy, And Comorbid Depression, Sara Rushia

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurocognitive disorder defined by cognitive decline in older adults. Although MCI has been studied for decades, there remain important areas to be explored in order to adequately characterize aspects of this disorder that provide information valuable for possible interventions and disease progression to dementia, including a better understanding of the neuroanatomical variables relevant to this disorder. Such neuroanatomical variables include cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). This dissertation consists of three separate studies aimed at addressing gaps in the literature on MCI in relation to brain morphometrics and under-studied characteristics involved …

The Role Of Emotion Regulation In Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance: A Cross-Sectional Study, Karyn M. Aiello

Graduate Masters Theses

While many weight loss interventions have resulted in significant weight loss, maintaining that weight loss long-term continues to be challenging for most, with long-term weight loss maintenance (LTWLM) rates as low as 20% among participants of clinical weight loss studies. Those who struggle with LTWLM exhibit many shared characteristics, including lower mental health composite scores; high levels of perceived stress; and lower rates of adherence to WLM behaviors. One explanation for this might be that emotion regulation (ER) skills are stronger among those who are successful at LTWLM, and therefore more successful at self-regulating for the goal of LTWLM.

The …

Inhibitory Control And Mentalizing: Potential Contributing Factors To Maladaptive Interpersonal Behaviors Associated With Depressive Symptoms, Eliot Fearey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current project considered the role of inhibitory control and mentalizing as vulnerability factors for engagement in excessive reassurance seeking, negative feedback seeking, and conversational self-focus among a sample of 222 older adolescents. It was hypothesized that lower levels of both inhibitory control and mentalizing would exacerbate the effect of elevated depressive symptoms on higher levels of the three interpersonal behaviors. Additional analyses further explored the role of self-reported gender identity. Models tested inhibitory control and mentalizing separately. In assessing inhibitory control, a self-report measure of impulsivity was used as a proxy for inhibitory control, and the Go/No-Go task was …

Self-Regulation, Emotion Regulation, & Social Problem-Solving: Common & Distinct Pathways To Depression, Michelle L. Buffie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the relationships among three psychological constructs: self-regulation (SR), emotion regulation (ER), and social problem-solving (SPS), and their connection to depressive symptomology. SR, ER, and SPS arose from independent, well-established literature bases and each has demonstrated links to psychopathology. The theories underlying these constructs, however, suggest overlap in their operationalization and measurement. Despite these concerns, no empirical investigations to date have examined the measurement and predictive validity of measures of SR, ER, and SPS in the context of one another. Undergraduate students aged 18-29 (N = 592) completed three self-report measures each of the constructs interest, …

Role Of The Default-Mode Network During Narrative Integration In Major Depressive Disorder, Darren Ri-Sheng Liang

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

How brain activity is synchronized across individuals during narrative comprehension has previously been characterized by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in healthy and patient populations. To our knowledge, there has been limited investigation as to how it is affected by major depressive disorder (MDD). We addressed this issue with fMRI through examination of inter-subject synchronization in the default mode network (DMN), brain structures which have previously been implicated in MDD pathology. Twenty-two patients with MDD and 20 matched control participants listened to Intact versus Scrambled versions of an auditory narrative; these experimental conditions differed in the degree of temporal integration …

The Child Care Crisis: Through The Social Ecological Lens, Jocelyne Saldana

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Objective - Working mothers face mental strain when returning to work due to the challenges of the current child care system. It is unclear how the instability of the child care sector impacts the mental health of working mothers.

Methods - The systematic review of literature was conducted to identify existing evidence to determine the influence access to quality, dependable, and affordable child care has on maternal mental health outcomes in working mothers. Multiple databases were used including PubMed and Scopus.

Results - Subsidized programs help reduce the cost of child care, however, income eligibility criteria makes it difficult …