Monologue Writing And Psychodramatic Techniques With Adolescents Experiencing Suicidality, Justine Rea

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The United States continues to face an ongoing youth mental health epidemic among children and adolescents, coinciding with an increase of suicidal behaviors among this developmental age group. Accessibility to culturally competent mental health support, addressing social barriers, and an increase in research to identify and respond to youth mental health needs are among recommendations provided by the Surgeon General. Currently, there is limited clarity on standards and best practices for treating suicidality across mental health sectors. As such, it’s necessary to explore additional means of support for adolescents experiencing suicidality within the individual therapy model. Thwarted belonging and sense …

Risk And Protective Factors For Psychopathology During The Developmental Period 0-25 Years, Pamela Cotton

Master of Arts in Human Services

Research has shown that mental health disorders can have their onset in the period of

childhood and adolescence. This is a relatively recent discovery, as most of history

has studied mental health conditions only in adults. Today it is known that the global

onset of first mental health disorder occurs before age 14 in one third of the cases and

before the age of 18 in almost half of cases across the world (Solmi et al., 2022;

Dragioti et al., 2022). Research has uncovered risk and protective factors for

psychopathology in certain mental health conditions, such as Autism Spectrum

Disorder …

Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms And Nicotine Use Among Adolescents In Canada, England, And The Us From 2020-2022, Emily E. Hackworth

Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is a well-established bi-directional relationship between cigarette smoking and internalizing mental health (IMH) symptoms (e.g., symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety). However, it is unclear whether IMH symptoms are associated with using different types of nicotine products among adolescents, as adolescents are using a variety of nicotine products, including combustible products (cigarettes), non-combustible products (e-cigarettes), or combinations of both types of products. This dissertation examines associations between IMH symptoms and current use of various types of nicotine products across three countries from 2020-2022.

Methods: Data come from the 2020-2022 waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Adolescents Tobacco …

Development Of An Intensive Outpatient Program (Iop) For Adolescents Of American Military Members Deployed Overseas To Support Mental Health, Tyler Russo, Aaron N. Brion

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

An Anxiety And Coping Mechanism Educational Program For Children And Adolescents, Amanda Garrett

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project encompassed creating and implementing an educational program focusing on anxiety and coping mechanisms for adolescents 12-15 years of age at the YMCA in Largo, Florida. The academic program focuses on six different types of anxiety, which are generalized anxiety, social anxiety, test anxiety, feelings of panic, feelings of stress, and health anxiety, all in a PowerPoint format. Each of these topics also included a coping mechanism that the teens completed after learning about each different type of anxiety. These coping mechanisms included journaling, creating a stress ball, participating in a yoga class, completing a scavenger hunt …

Development Of An Intensive Outpatient Program (Iop) For Adolescents Of American Military Members Deployed Overseas To Support Mental Health, Aaron N. Brion, Tyler J. Russo

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Validating A Scale Of Psychological Flexibility And Inflexibility For Older Adolescents, Caleb Douglas Farley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Psychological flexibility (PF) is a skill that is related to various mental health experiences in adults. Higher levels of PF seem related to greater wellbeing. Given increases in mental health problems with youth, measuring PF and its inverse, psychological inflexibility (PI), might be useful for identifying those teenagers at risk for mental health challenges and referring them to appropriate interventions. To date, most measures of PF and PI are only available for adults older than 18, and, while theory suggests PF and PI are important for adolescent mental health, little research has examined the validity of these claims. This multipaper …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

Utilizing Morphology Instruction To Improve Students’ Reading Proficiency, Michelle Marie Sweigart

Culminating Experience Projects

Many adolescent learners face difficulties with reading comprehension as grades progress. Research suggests that this is due to a variety of contributing factors, including deficits in decoding, fluency, and vocabulary, in addition to content-area vocabulary becoming increasingly challenging. While research has shown the vast benefits of utilizing morphology instruction across grade levels to improve vocabulary, especially in secondary education, it is a largely underutilized area for intervention. This project explores the potential benefits of offering adolescents a morphological intervention to make grade-level vocabulary across content areas more accessible. Through the use of explicitly-taught strategies to systematically break down and employ …

Professional’S Perspectives For Supporting Alternatives To Drug Culture For Adolescents, Emily L. Davis

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perspective’s professionals have around providing adolescents using substances with an alternative to drug culture. For this study, a semi-structured interview was conducted as the method of collecting phenomenological data. To capture a broad understanding of professional’s viewpoints and understanding of drug culture, professions across the area of mental health support in both the school and community-based setting were considered. In total, three school-based professionals and four community-based professionals participated in the research. Professionals ranged from school counselors, school administrators, mental health professionals, community-based substance use therapists, and health educators. The …

Emotional Eating In Adolescents With Obesity: Case Series, Paula Dayan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern, with substantial implications for physical and mental well-being. This thesis aims to explore the intricate relationship between emotional eating and obesity among adolescents, with a focus on identifying emotional triggers and assessing their psychological impact. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design at a university in southern California, data were collected from two adolescents aged 13-18 years. Through surveys and body composition measurements, participants' emotional barriers to weight loss and readiness for change were assessed. The findings underscore the presence of varying degrees of emotional hurdles among adolescents with obesity, including depression, frustration, and …

Implementation Of A Mindfulness Approach To Emotional Regulation In A Public High School., Kaelin Cherise Shay

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

According to the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation-State of American Youth Survey for 2023, schools in the United States received an average grade of C+ when it comes to supporting their students’ mental health, highlighting a potential area for improvement in the school system (Wilcoxon & Marken, 2023). This quality improvement project aimed to teach high school students about emotional regulation using a mindfulness platform and evidence-based techniques designed for the school environment. The sessions focused on improving the students’ understanding of emotions and emotional regulation and helping them apply techniques to regulate emotions in a healthy manner.

This project …

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates Among Adolescents In South Carolina, Rebecca Jane Morrison

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Among adolescents 11-17 years of age in South Carolina, low rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can negatively impact health outcomes through increased risk of acquiring HPV-associated cancers.

Purpose: To determine if the 4 Pillars™ Immunization Toolkit increased HPV vaccination rates among adolescent patients.

Methods: The 4 Pillars™ Immunization Toolkit was the framework for this bundled intervention. Pillar 1, convenience and easy access, included after-school HPV express clinics. Pillar 2, communication, utilized staff motivational interviewing skills, campaign promotion materials, documentation of declination, and second-dose callback appointments. Pillar 3, enhanced vaccination systems, was designed to use …

Explaining The Paradox Of High Self-Esteem In Black Youth Exposed To Stress: The Protective Role Of Kinship And Spirituality, Takayla Christine Towns

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents are exposed to many stressful life experiences, such as major illnesses, the death of a family member, school stressors, peer pressures, conflict with parents, and more. Minoritized youth are exposed to even greater numbers of stressors, including those connected to racism, segregation, and poverty. This study aims to examine the relationship between stressful life experiences and self-esteem and explore protective factors that may protect minoritized individuals from the negative effects of stress on self-esteem. This study also builds upon literature that shows that Black youth report higher self-esteem than White youth, even while being exposed to higher levels of …

The Role Of Team Sports, Coping, And Friendship In Reducing Depressive Symptoms In Youth, Abigail K. Bushnell

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The prevalence of depression in adolescents has increased in the last decade. Minority and low-income youth face additional barriers to accessing mental health services leading to a significant proportion of adolescents going undiagnosed and untreated. Participation in multiple team sports may offer an additive protective effect for youth mental health, yet how and for whom this relation occurs is unclear. The current study aimed to examine how coping strategies and friendships interact with team sports participation to reduce depressive symptoms in youth. Self-report data was collected from 196 urban youth across two time points. Moderated moderation analyses were conducted …

Embodied Co-Regulation: A Neuroregulatory-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Transition Intervention Method For Arousal Regulation For Adolescents In A Partial Hospitalization Program, Anamaria Guzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) approach, focusing on nervous system arousal regulation during transitions between therapy groups. The core of the method involves a brief 5-minute exercise designed to modulate arousal levels, encompassing alertness and energy, aiming to establish a baseline homeostasis. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Neurobiology, the approach assumes the co-regulation of nervous systems within a group therapeutic setting. Two primary outcomes are self-assessed: 1) somatic experiences documented through narratives and 2) nervous system biodata measured using the Flowtime headband monitoring of brainwaves, heart rate, and other biomarkers. Results indicated that all six sessions …

Aligning With Adolescents: A Literature Review Of Art Therapy In Residential Treatment Programs, Olivia Moore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents in residential treatment programs throughout the United States are a specialized population that demonstrate resiliency and hope every day. Many adolescents in these programs have experienced prominent levels of trauma that impact their ability to function in lower-level programs, foster homes, and in their communities. Residential treatment approaches may look like locked facilities with trauma-informed staff who provide programming options, mental health care, and safe living conditions for adolescents. Without strength-based approaches to treatment, this population may struggle to overcome their trauma, mental health challenges, and developmental needs. In this literature review, art therapy was offered to provide developmentally …

Dance/Movement Therapy In The Treatment Of Emotional Dysregulation In Children With Emotional, Social, And Behavioral Challenges: A Literature Review, Sarah E. Scarbrough

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the topic of emotional regulation as it relates to children with emotional, cognitive and behavioral impairments and the effectiveness of current treatment modalities. In this paper emotional regulation is conceptualized as the ability to modulate the intensity and/or duration of emotional responses. Emotional regulation is explored for both its intrinsic and extrinsic features and how they interact with treatment outcomes. Current psychotherapeutic and dance/ movement therapy interventions aimed at improving emotional awareness, expression, and regulation coping skills are discussed. Group interventions are investigated for their unique contributions to the development of emotional regulation skills. The importance …

Effects Of Dance Movement Therapy On Nonverbal Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Erin Walsh

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis investigates the effects of an approach to Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) on communication outcomes in nonverbal children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Drawing inspiration from the DMT mirroring method, the research employed a unique methodology throughout five 60-minute group therapy sessions. The participants, five 13-16-year-old students each with a diagnosis of ASD, attended a private school specializing in behavioral and mental disabilities. Each participant presented with varying levels of communication and language impairments, ranging from nonverbal to minimally verbal. The study explores the intersection of ASD and DMT, focusing on how different DMT interventions can be tailored …

How Did You Get Here? A Map Making Art Therapy Intervention For Adolescents In Crisis, Ayala Dayan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are an important mental health resource for crisis intervention. PHPs support clients transitioning between levels of care or aiming to avoid a higher level of care, provide safety and stabilization, offer services such as group therapy and medication management, and oversee referrals. This study investigates the helpfulness of an art therapy mapmaking intervention for adolescents in crisis at a PHP location. The design of this program drew from Narrative Therapy concepts. Results support that the intervention can be beneficial for this population in their recovery efforts and yielded four major themes: 1) the development of self …

Art Therapy Meets Dungeons And Dragons: Supporting The Development Of Social Skills In High School Students, Ben Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This arts-based research explores the current literature on the clinical uses of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) using art and play therapies. Previous studies that intersect with D&D and expressive arts interventions have been traditionally focused on drama and play therapies while this study focused on open studio practices based on art therapy methodologies. D&D in clinical settings has been effective in developing social connection between peers and emotional regulation. A 10-week art therapy group was conducted in a school setting with adolescents with academic anxiety, socioemotional disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The author provided a space for participants to create art …

Anxiety Group For Teens Group Manual, Jacob Kinnen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Early intervention has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall function and life satisfaction. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common disorders among youth (Watson et al., 2014). Through early intervention, adolescents can grow with more confidence and feel less anxious by improving their social skills and overall life satisfaction. This manual examines the impact of anxiety in adolescents and the various practices that have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. This group manual provides interventions based on evidenced based practices have been found to be effective in treating …

Adaptedex: Community-Based Adapted Exercise Program For Adolescents With Physical Disabilities To Support Health Maintenance, Grace Mura

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

This capstone project describes an adapted exercise program for adolescents with physical disabilities to promote health management in adolescents with physical disabilities developed in partnership with the Robert D. Fowler YMCA. The adapted program is mainly geared toward adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Three main objectives of this project included conducting a literature review, creating a program for Robert D. Fowler YMCA staff that included both education on CP and DMD and two adapted exercise modules for adolescents with physical disabilities, and participate in professional development of creating and facilitating a community group-based program. In …

Supporting Students With Chronic Pain: A Group Manual For School Counselors, Victoria Shinners

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the current literature on evidence-based interventions for working with youth who have a chronic pain condition. Interventions and other relevant information found were then used to formulate a school counseling group manual utilizing evidence-based interventions for school counselors to deliver to a group of students who live with chronic pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported intervention for use with people with chronic pain, adolescents, and group work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a newer modality that has promising research on efficacy for adolescents with chronic pain and …

Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater Community Engagement Project, Taylor Windle

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater model (TTMT) and investigate the observable reduction in social anxiety and increase in mental wellness in children and adolescents through participation in a production. The literature review provides justification for the creation of this model while refining understanding of therapeutic theater, Erikson’s stages of development, and community based, trauma informed care. This thesis culminates in a detailed explanation of the 4-phase model of TTMT during a production of Newsies: The Musical and a discussion on next steps for future research. The findings indicate the use of therapeutic …

Speak My Language: Art Therapy Restorative Justice Hybrid For Disenfranchised High School Students, Catherine Day

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This literature review examines the use of zero tolerance policies and exclusionary practices in schools throughout the United States. The adolescent population is more vulnerable now than ever, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. An increasing number of students are struggling with behavioral misconduct, mental health issues, and suspension/expulsion from school. The research contained in this review explores how zero tolerance policies have contributed to the current state of our education system, behavioral misconduct in schools, student involvement in the juvenile justice system, alternative methods of discipline such as restorative practices and therapeutic interventions like Art Therapy. The current exclusionary …

History Matters Exploring Intergenerational Trauma And Human Connection - A Community Engagement Project, Latoya Robinson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Drama Therapy and trauma centered psychoeducation have been utilized as an intervention for groups in urban schools. The following research expands upon this foundation by exploring intergenerational trauma (IGT). The following research aimed to answer this question, will learning about intergenerational trauma observationally improve adolescents' relationships to others? For eight weeks, I engaged a group of male and female minority adolescents in an urban high school in Connecticut to explore IGT as an element of human existence. Drama Therapy tools such as utilization of the playspace, elements of DvT, the integrative five phase model theater games and poetic …

I Just Want To Be A Normal Teenager: A Literature Review Of Impacts Of Adolescent-Onset Chronic Illness On Identity Development And Proposed Benefits Of Drama Therapy, Margaret Young

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a crucial moment in life for establishing our personal identity, internal values, and social autonomy (Christie & Viner, 2005); however, this already-tumultuous time can be further complicated by the addition of a chronic illness diagnosis which can lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and an inconsistent sense of self (Chisholm, 2018; Wicks et al., 2019). This literature review investigates the current research regarding the impacts of chronic illness on identity development as well as the landscape of available expressive therapies interventions. Based on personal experience and available literature, I argue that drama therapy can provide much needed support …

Opening The Trauma Window: Embodied Storytelling With Adolescent Survivors Of Domestic Violence, April Reck

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents who have experienced trauma may develop a neutral state, which they use to shield themselves from the trauma so they can perform daily life tasks. Though it is acknowledged in the literature that trauma lives in the body, adolescent survivors of trauma may often stay in this neutral state until they seek mental health services. This thesis asks: How can drama therapy’s core processes, such as embodiment, widen the window of tolerance of an adolescent who has experienced trauma to begin to feel emotions beyond the neutral state and become open to new roles? The method that I have …

A Peer-Mediated Art Program For Secondary Education Students: An Occupation Based Approach, Kjersten B. Sievers

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this 14-week capstone project was to explore the impact of a peer-mediated art program on the social and occupational experiences of students with disabilities. This program was designed and implemented to promote inclusion of students with disabilities by providing an opportunity to interact with typically developing peers within their school-context. The 7-week peer-mediated art program was embedded into a startup peer-program at a high school. A total of 10 participants (4 from special education) were recruited to complete the study. Students met for three 45-minute sessions and one 90-minute session each week as part of the program’s …