Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Incorporating Occupation-Based Activities Into Treatment For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders To Increase Self-Efficacy, Brea E. Westberg

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

In 2022, over 48.7 million people aged 12 and older reported having a substance use disorder in the past year. Adolescents are increasingly becoming involved in substance use behaviors that impact their lives daily. There is limited evidence for providing mental health interventions, including those provided by occupational therapy practitioners, to adolescents with SUDs within the substance use treatment setting. Self-efficacy is an important part of the substance use recovery process. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to determine the effects on self-efficacy after incorporating occupation-based activities into programming for adolescents in treatment for SUDs. The Model of …

Treatment Not Punishment: Youth Experiences Of Psychiatric Hospitalizations, Maira Ferrer-Cabrera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to better understand adolescent psychiatric hospitalization regarding the use of coercion at the hands of clinical staff from the perspectives of former hospital staff and former patients' family members. This study was conducted from a critical theory perspective. The researcher surveyed a total of fourteen former staff members and former patients' family members. This research study emphasized quantitative data as the way data was collected. The methods utilized to gather data were online surveys that were collected through Qualtrics and further analyzed using SPSS statistic data editor. The findings of this study showed that 25% of former …

Comparison Of Self-Reported Physical Activity And Wearable Device-Xiaomi Mi2 Band In Preadolescent School Children-A Pilot Crossesctional Study, Aysha Almas, Shiraz Hashmi, Adil Elahi, Om Parkash, Sania Sabir, Romaina Iqbal

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 565-575, 2024. The purpose of this study is to compare physical activity measured by the wearable device Xiaomi Mi2 Band and self-reported physical activity by YPAQ in preadolescent school children. A pilot cross-sectional study was performed on a subsample (5%=n=60) of preadolescent children within a parallel-group feasibility intervention trial (n=1000). All children aged 9-11 years enrolled in the schools were included in the study and children with any physical disability were excluded. Self-reported physical activity was recorded through the modified version of the Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (YPAQ) and automatic physical activity was measured …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Universal Depression Screenings In The High School Setting, Telisha Anthony Msn, Fnp-Bc, Jennifer Thorsen Bsn, Rn, Jackie Sharp Dnp, Pmhnp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Depression in adolescents is rising each year. Early detection of depression has been shown to result in better health outcomes and success in school. This scoping review aims to evaluate the implementation of universal depression screenings in the high school setting and how this detection of depression and initiation of treatment.

Methods

From August 2022 to November 2023, we used the Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases, using specific keywords related to depression in adolescents. Of the 38 articles found, 10 were chosen after extensive article critique. The publication dates ranged from 2014-2023, were full-text, and from …

Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infection In African American Teenage Adolescents: Developing A Culturally Competent Health Program For Underserved Communities, Brandolyn I. Burks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Proper education and programming can help reduce Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents. This research aimed to help lay the framework for determining ways to ensure African American young adult adolescents aged 18–19 years have the necessary information and resources to make healthy decisions regarding their sex lives and experiences. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand what lived experiences and gaps of knowledge contribute to the contracting of STIs to develop a culturally competent health program to reduce the high rate of infections among African American 18–19-year-old adolescents living in underserved communities. The theory guiding this …

Exploring Parent/Caregiver Perspectives Of Self-Determination And Its Impact On Mental Health In Adolescents With And Without Disabilities, Jessica Schuttler, Sydney Walls, Tyler Hicks, Karrie Shogren, Hannah Adams, Richard A Chapman

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Introduction. Parents and caregivers play key roles in supporting the development of self-determination and mental health needs in adolescents with and without disabilities. This study explored parent/caregiver perceptions of the relationships among mental health and self-determination constructs for youth with disabilities, across gender and disability status. Method. Parents/caregivers of adolescents with and without disabilities completed rating scales regarding adolescents’ self-determination status (Self Determination Inventory) and mental health symptoms (Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3^rd Edition). Bayesian analyses examined the relationships among self-determination and mental health status. Results. Results are mixed, indicating moderate to robust relationships for self-determination as a …

Occupational Impacts Of Seizures, Stephanie Nailon, Karen Park, Kelly Rodenkirch

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research looks at the occupational impacts of seizure disorders on the adolescent population. The research study explores how their condition impacts the adolescent and family unit. The research was gathered from multiple perspectives to gain an in-depth understanding to best aid occupational therapists and health care professionals to gain a deeper understanding of areas to address when working with this population.

Longitudinal Effects Of Familism And Family Assistance Behaviors On Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality, Emily C. Zhang, Kathleen M. Roche, Rebecca M.B. White, Sharon F. Lambert

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Longitudinal Effects Of Perceived Immigration Threats On Sleep And Mental Health Of Latinx Adolescents, Emily C. Zhang, Kathleen M. Roche

GW Research Showcase 2021-2024

No abstract provided.

Family Obligation, School Climate, And The Academic Achievement Of Latinx Youth Living In One- And Two-Parent Households, Elizabeth Martinez Charleston

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Latinx youth are achieving lower levels of educational attainment when compared to their ethnic or racial peers from other backgrounds. Addressing these academic disparities is imperative, with the Latinx population in the U.S. experiencing substantial growth. Guided by the Positive Youth Development Model and the Integrative Model of Child Development, this study explored family obligation and school climate as factors associated with academic achievement. Participants included 268 Latinx youth, including 101 (37.7%) in one-parent households. Participants were 5th through 7th-grade students (56.7% female; M_age = 11.4), mainly 2nd generation (US-born with foreign-born parents; 77.2%), and primarily identified as Mexican …

The Symptoms And Management Of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder During Covid-19 Pandemic At The Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Nuttorn Pityaratstian

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused abrupt changes in almost everybody’s life, particularly children. Children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties in many aspects in lives and may have worsening of the symptoms during the pandemic.

Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate the changes of the ADHD symptoms and managements of children with ADHD during the first lockdown and after-lockdown period.

Methods: Parent-reported questionnaires i.e. the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale-IV (SNAP-IV) and a demographic questionnaire, were applied to collect data from 109 children with ADHD aged between 4 -18 years …

Understanding Student Perceptions Of A High School Wellness Center: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Qualitative Study, Devan Audrey Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents face many challenges at home and at school which impact various areas of their lives, including their academics. Schools have worked to ensure better student mental health outcomes by hiring school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers. School wellness centers can be an additional resource that students utilize to address mental health challenges during their school day. The purpose of this study is to understand adolescent perceptions of a school-based wellness center. Perceptions of populations who utilize the wellness center and those who do not utilize the wellness center were studied within one high school to understand how …

Diminished Adolescent Social Well-Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael J. Furlong, Mei-Ki Chan, Erin Dowdy, Karen Nylund-Gibson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Managing the COVID-19 pandemic involved implementing public health policies that disrupted students' lives, creating conditions that substantially influenced their mental health and well-being. Subsequently, research focused don the mental health sequelae of increased depression and anxiety, but the possible impacts on adolescents' social well-being have been largely unexamined. Social well-being is essential to youth's overall mental health and can be diminished even without symptoms of depression and anxiety. This report explored heterogeneities in changes in adolescents' social well-being from pre-COVID-19 to post-restrictions using longitudinal data from adolescents attending middle and high schools in California (N = 1,299; 49.9% female). …

A159: Effects Of Social Supports On Chinese Adolescent Perceived Physical Literacy, Junyi Bian, Benjamin Colin Cork

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: Levels of physical activity in children have gradually declined from elementary to high school. This trend necessitates a greater need of perceived physical literacy (PPL) to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Because social supports for physical confidence (PC) and understanding (PU) are key to nursing PPL, this study investigated effects of perceived family support (PFS), perceived physical education support (PPES), and perceived community support (PCS) on PPL among a group of Chinese adolescents. Methods: The study was based on a retrospective investigation. A total of 3820 participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing PFS, PPES, PCS. PPL was assessed by an eight-item …

Challenges And Opportunities For Improving Access To Adolescent And Youth Sexual And Reproductive Health Services And Information In The Coastal Counties Of Kenya: A Qualitative Study., Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Abdu Mohiddin, Flaura Kidere, Anisa Omar, Job Akuno, Violet Naanyu, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Globally, adolescents and youth experience high unmet need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. In Kenya, evidence shows that more than half of teenage pregnancies are unintended and that half of all new HIV infections occur in people ages 15-24-year-olds, with the majority of those being female. The coastal counties in Kenya record a relatively high adolescent pregnancy rate and higher rates of unmet need for contraception for all women of reproductive age compared to the national average. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the existing challenges to and opportunities for accessing SRH …

Making Cities Mental Health Friendly For Adolescents And Young Adults, Pamela Y. Collins, Moitreyee Sinha, Tessa Concepcion, George Patton, Thaisa Way, Layla Mccay, Augustina Mensa-Kwao, Helen Herrman, Evelyne De Leeuw, Lukoye Atwoli

Brain and Mind Institute

Urban life shapes the mental health of city dwellers, and although cities provide access to health, education and economic gain, urban environments are often detrimental to mental health1,2. Increasing urbanization over the next three decades will be accompanied by a growing population of children and adolescents living in cities3. Shaping the aspects of urban life that influence youth mental health could have an enormous impact on adolescent well-being and adult trajectories4. We invited a multidisciplinary, global group of researchers, practitioners, advocates and young people to complete sequential surveys to identify and prioritize the characteristics of a mental health-friendly city for …

Collaboration In East Africa: A Contextualised Approach To Defining The Construct, Claire Scoular, David Alelah Otieno

Assessment and Reporting

Collaboration has been highlighted internationally as a key skill for learning, working, and living in the twenty-first century. However, to teach it well, enhance its performance, and measure its growth, it is essential to have a clear and consistent definition of the skill. There are a number of frameworks that describe collaboration in a way that is meaningful to learning and growth. Despite some differences across frameworks, it is clear there is a common core set of contributing subskills. This suggests that collaboration is of global interest, and that there are components that transcend national or cultural specificities. Notwithstanding, definitions …

Cross-Sectional And Descriptive Study On The Challenges And Awareness Of Hispanic Parents Regarding Their Adolescents’ Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jihye Kim, Robin Scott

Faculty and Research Publications

Research has shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the United States experienced mental health issues that became a significant social concern. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the majority of adolescents maintain positive emotions despite the crisis. This cross-sectional and descriptive study delves into the emotional states of adolescents during the pandemic, considering the viewpoints of both adolescents and their parents, with a specific focus on Hispanic adolescents. Survey results revealed that most adolescents reported positive and happy moods. However, a percentage of adolescents experienced worry, significant changes in feelings, and loneliness as …

The Shifting Landscape Of Adolescent Wellness In Boarding Schools: Can Time Spent Off Screens And Outdoors Improve Adolescent Wellbeing?, Kristen H. Peterson

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

For nearly twenty years I have worked directly with adolescents as an independent school educator. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the dorm, I have observed and supported students through their middle and high school experiences. During this time, I have witnessed an alarming shift in adolescent physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Concurrently, I have observed a dramatic increase in the amount of time students spend using screen-based devices, and a decrease in their time spent outdoors.

Using research to ground my anecdotal accounts in empirical understanding, my thesis examines whether or not screen use might help …

Collectivism And Efficacy: Relationship To Academic Performance In Early Adolescents, Richvinder Kaur

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

This study explored the mathematics efficacy beliefs of 270 South Asian (Indo American) immigrant and Anglo American nonimmigrant 7th grade students. Self-efficacy beliefs strongly predicted mathematics performance for both cultural groups, but there were differences between the 2 groups in the sources of self-efficacy, the predictiveness of the secondary motivation variables. It is argued that the Indo American students are more vertical or hierarchical than the Anglo-American students and that comparison with others strongly influences their motivation beliefs and the formation of their efficacy beliefs. Self-efficacy in some cultures may be more other-oriented than is typically seen in Western cultures. …

The Impact Of Body Image On Self-Confidence In Elite Dancers, Carissa Bethel

Applied Sport & Performance Psychology | Literature Reviews

In athletics and the performing arts, athletes and performers are expected to maintain a healthy, strong, and athletic physique. Specific professions foster a thin body image amongst athletes, which are expected to be maintained. Pressure to maintain low weight or an athletic body has been considered a risk factor for developing body image dissatisfaction (Nascimento, Luna, Fontenelle, 2012). Previous research has shown that from a health perspective body satisfaction is one of the crucial factors in the prevention of unhealthy, weight related behaviors, especially in female athletes (Kantanista et al., 2018). The research addresses body image concerns in elite performance …

Unveiling New Realities: An In-Depth Analysis Of Virtual Reality's Impact On Postoperative Adolescents, Julia Tolentino

Nursing | Senior Theses

The traditional approach to postoperative pain management heavily relies on opioids, but there’s been a surge in their misuse and adverse effects, leading to a significant public health concern. This has led healthcare providers to incorporate a multimodal approach aimed at reducing opioid dependence. This proposal introduces an immersive component, virtual reality (VR), not as a replacement for opioids but as a complementary tool offering distinct advantages for enhancing postoperative pain management. By immersing patients in a virtual environment, VR effectively distracts them from pain and discomfort, allowing for reduced opioid dosages and mitigating the risk of opioid misuse. Additionally, …