Digital Commons Network^™

Touch The Earth: Integrating Biophilic Design And Nature Rx Therapy Initiatives At Georgia State University, Kennedy L. Burks

Art and Design Theses

Touch the Earth aims to establish a meaningful connection between university students experiencing mental health difficulties and the therapeutic advantages inherent in the natural world. The Touch the Earth program currently concentrates its efforts on an outdoor activity initiative at Georgia State University (GSU) within the Recreational Services Department. This thesis applies the principles of biophilic graphic design and Nature Rx initiatives to revitalize, redefine, and educate GSU students on effective strategies to enhance their mental well-being through a strategic rebranding and the creation of informative and promotional materials. The thesis endeavors to raise awareness, educate, and encourage GSU students …

Merging Black Feminist Ecologies And Psychology: Black Women Resisting The Psychological Costs Of Environmental Racism, Shola Shodiya-Zeumault

Counseling and Psychological Services Dissertations

Environmental racism, or the disproportionate burden of environmental toxins in racially marginalized communities (Chavis, 1994), has been associated with poor mental health and wellbeing (e.g., Power et al., 2015). Though recent evidence has demonstrated that Black Americans are exposed to environmental toxins at higher rates than other racial groups (Mikati, 2018; Pinto de Moura & Reichmuth, 2019), the specific challenges that environmental racism pose specifically for Black women are understudied. Historically, Black American women have strategized and labored to bring about environmental equity and justice in their communities, and to facilitate social change (Collins, 2009; Simpson, 2011). However, inquiries into …

Addressing Rural America’S Suicide Disparity Among Men: How Mental Health Stigma Is Communicated Through Storytelling Networks, Lindsey Hand

Communication Dissertations

The suicide rate disparity of men in rural America has continued to increase year after year. While this is a complex public health problem with many contributing factors, this study examines the stigma of mental illness in men, a recognized contributing factor to increased suicide rates among rural men. Grounded in communication infrastructure theory and the model of stigma communication, this study sought to collect data for the first phase in the development of a stigma communication intervention program for Rabun County, GA, a rural Appalachian community in north Georgia. Twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with Rabun County residents to …

"It's Always A Combination Of Things": An Intersectional Approach To Post-Migration Discrimination And Mental Health In Refugee Women, Jessica L. Kumar

Psychology Dissertations

Refugees face high rates of mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Several pre- and post-migration risk factors for negative mental health outcomes have been identified, including discrimination. However, extant literature on the association between discrimination and refugee mental health has rarely attended to additional marginalized identities beyond refugee status, resulting in a limited understanding of individual differences. Guided by intersectionality theory, the goal of the present study is to address this gap with three primary research questions: 1) What are refugee women’s experiences of post-migration discrimination? 2) How do intersections of multiple marginalized identities shape …

Webs Of Social Support For Mental Health: An Examination Of College Students' Social Support Seeking Behavior On Social Media, Dilan Sinem Basaran

Communication Dissertations

College students’ mental health has been a growing public health concern, as they have been reporting very low levels of emotional well-being. Drawing from social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and the modified labeling theory (Link et al., 1989), this study sought to examine the role of life stressors, emotional well-being, self-efficacy of help-seeking, outcome expectations, and stigma in college students’ social media-based support seeking. Undergraduate students were recruited from communication classes at Georgia State University to complete an online, self-administered survey. The final sample size was 940. Respondents reported seeing other people seek social media-based support for mental health more …

The Economics Of Sexual And Mental Health, Benjamin Harrell

AYSPS Dissertations

In recent years, sexual and mental health have become increasingly important in both national discourse and policymaking. These shifting priorities present unique opportunities for economists to study the market contexts, incentives, and trade-offs faced by those making choices about their sexual and mental health. This dissertation’s chapters utilize a mix of experimental and quasi-experimental methods to examine how changes in the health policy landscape affect choices about the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), and how patterns of discrimination affect access to mental healthcare markets.

Chapter 1 estimates the causal effect of a major eligibility expansion of a …

Differences In The Association Between Use Of Electronic Vaping Products And Subsequent Tobacco And Marijuana Use Among Us Youth, Zongshuan Duan

Public Health Dissertations

Limited evidence shows that e-cigarette use is associated with subsequent cigarette and marijuana use among US adolescents. However, it remains unclear whether these associations differ by individual characteristics and state-level policies. This dissertation examines effect modification of biological sex on the association between e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette use (Study One), effect modification of mental health conditions on the association between e-cigarette use and subsequent marijuana use (Study Two), and effect modification of state recreational marijuana laws on the association between e-cigarette use and subsequent marijuana use (Study Three).

Data were compiled from the first four waves (2013-2018) of the …

Outness And Discrimination As Predictors Of Psychological Distress Among Sexual Minority Cisgender Women, Madison Higbee

Sociology Theses

This thesis is a quantitative analysis of the relationships between demographics, outness, discrimination experiences, and mental health among cisgender sexual minority women. It utilizes data from the LGBTQ Institute Southern Survey, which documents the experiences of LGBTQ adults in the Southern United States. Greater outness correlates with more discrimination, and both outness and discrimination are associated with psychological distress (greater outness correlates to less psychological distress and greater discrimination correlates to more psychological distress); older respondents tend to be more out, experience more discrimination, and have less psychological distress; bisexual respondents and respondents of some other sexual orientation tend to …

Black And Foreign: Haitian Immigrant Identities And Well-Being In America, Mollie Innocent-Cupid

Sociology Dissertations

Black Immigrants who come from Black majority nations must face a unique assimilation to the United States’ racial hierarchy, which places them at the bottom as a racial minority. While theoretical models address the double-consciousness of being a Black American, racial identity models fail to address the identity negotiations of this “invisible immigrant” (Bryce-Laborte 1972) minority group. Black Immigrants experience a deterioration in mental health as they increase their exposure to American society. This trend continues with each subsequent generation, causing second and third generations to display significantly poorer health than Non-Black immigrants.

Haitian Immigrants, who are considered one of …

Access And Engagement Of Moodtools, An Mhealth Application For Depression, Langting Su

Psychology Theses

mHealth (mobile health) serves as a potential solution for circumventing barriers to traditional psychotherapy, but few studies evaluate mHealth technologies available in real-world settings with real-world users. This study evaluated the extent to which MoodTools, a self-help app for depression, circumvents barriers to traditional psychotherapy and engages users. App behavior from 159,00 Android users were assessed. Results showed that MoodTools could circumvent barriers to traditional psychotherapy, as it was downloaded in 198 countries, and the number of users was positively correlated with rates of unmet mental health need in the US. App use during and outside of traditional business hours …

Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Borderline Personality Disorder: Findings From The National Epidemiologic Survey On Alcohol And Related Conditions (Nesarc)-Iii, Elizabeth A. Fall

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events including abuse, neglect, and related stressors that occur before the age of 18. These exposures affect 61 % of adults in the general population. Studies have documented that ACEs contribute to mental illness; however, less is known about its contribution specifically to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and co-morbid substance use disorder (SUD).

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between each category of 10 ACEs and the total number (ACE score) with borderline personality disorder alone, borderline personality disorder with comorbid substance use disorder, and lifetime substance use …

The Role Of Racial Identity On The Mental Health And Functioning Of Postpartum Black Mothers, Kortney Floyd

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Rates of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) have ranged from 10% to 23% in mothers living in the United States. Due to cultural beliefs, Black mothers may be less likely to share their PPDS with their healthcare providers. Therefore, postpartum depression (PPD) may be more common in this population than statistics reveal. Racial identity, an understudied concept in postpartum mothers, has been shown to correlate with psychological health of Black adults. Understanding the influence of racial identity on PPDS and maternal functioning may be helpful in identifying Black mothers at greater risk of developing PPD. The purpose of this study was …

Correlates And Predictors Of Life Satisfaction And Resilience Among Sexual Minority Persons Living With Disabilities, Tameeka L. Hunter

Counseling and Psychological Services Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Life satisfaction and resilience are understudied, but important psychosocial constructs in the lives of sexual minority persons with disabilities(SMPWDs; Hunter et al., 2020). This study examined the influence of multiple minority stressors on the life satisfaction and resilience of SMPWDs. This study also examined whether social support bolsters life satisfaction and resilience in relation to minority stress. This study sought to answer the following questions: (a) What are the associations between ableist microaggressions, sexual orientation microaggressions, self-stigma, perceived social support, resilience, and life satisfaction? (b) To what degree do ableist microaggressions, sexual orientation microaggressions, self-stigma, perceived social support, resilience, …

Experiences Of Uncertainty Among Latinx Immigrant Parents In The U.S., Claudia A. Delbasso

Psychology Theses

A large body of research has demonstrated that uncertain threats increase emotional arousal, negative mood, and worry. However, uncertainty in the context of political climate has been understudied. The current qualitative study examined the experiences of uncertainty and their perceived effects among Latinx immigrant parents with diverse documentation statuses (undocumented, TPS, permanent resident, and U.S. Citizen) during a restrictive immigration policy climate. The findings revealed seven major themes: immigration policy changes, discrimination/racism, enforcement actions, anticipated consequences, distrust, fear/anxiety, and preventative/preparatory action. Findings indicate that the unpredictable aspects of threats to personal, familial, and community safety contributed to uncertainty and related …

The Association Between Poverty And Access To Mental Health Treatment Among Children, Ages 3-17, In The United States, (Nsch 2017), Mattou Mokri

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Mental health disorders affect an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects 13-20% of adolescents between the age of 13 to 18. Majority of term mental illnesses start in childhood and adolescent years, with 50% of all lifetime cases starting around age 14 years. Treatment at early ages means decreased risk of long-term problems linked to mental disorders like alcohol and drug abuse. Children living in poverty have a higher risk factor for mental disorders and may also have limited access to quality mental health care.

AIM: This study aims to examine the relationship between access …

Stronger: An Examination Of The Effects Of The Strong Black Woman Narrative Through The Lifespan Of African American Women, Verinique Bailey

Communication Theses

The Strong Black Woman narrative and characteristic fosters both positive and negative representations of African American women. This study explores the lived experiences of African American women and their encounters with stereotypes, particularly the Strong Black Woman narrative and characteristic, through their lifespan. By examining three dominant age groups (young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults) this study analyzed the level of endorsement to the Strong Black Woman narrative in connection to self-care and help seeking behaviors. The article and supplemental documentary contribute to existing research and support the idea that African American women become stronger when they practice self-care …

Mind Over Matter: Evaluation Of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program For College Students, Jim Kasper

Public Health Theses

Mind Over Matter: Evaluation of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for College Students

By

Jim Kasper

Background: While there is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness practice to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and elevate self-compassion and awareness, the impact of brief mindfulness programs on these domains among urban, college-aged populations has not been explored fully. The current study aims to explore the impact of a brief mindfulness program upon student experiences of both positive and negative thoughts and emotions.

Methods: A mixed-methods study was designed to evaluate the impact of a 6-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) …

Understanding Cyber Violence In Intimate Partner Relationships: A Qualitative Study, Fiana O. Thacker

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Traditional forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) such as physical and psychological violence have been linked to various negative health consequences such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and chronic diseases. Among women, IPV has resulted in significant financial losses in the United States. However, an area of IPV that has not seen much attention in the public health field is cyber violence among intimate partners. The growing prominence of mobile devices, social media, and other communication technology, has opened up new avenues for the perpetration of IPV. No longer are perpetrators’ physical presence necessary. Cyber violence can …

The Invisible War: A Portrait Of Structural Racism And Mental Health In The Life Of A Formerly Incarcerated U.S. Born Africana Man, Tarell C. Kyles

Africana Studies Theses

This study examines the ways in which a formerly incarcerated U.S. born Africana man age 47 perceives, interprets, and copes with being criminalized and disenfranchised by interacting institutions which support white domination and black subordination. The focal point of inquiry is an analysis of the reverberating mental health impacts of structural racism via the criminal justice system. Utilizing portraiture and person-environment fit theory, this study presents a multivocal portrait of a man, his life, his family, and his community impacted by the stress/strain of navigating environments characterized by structural racism and inequality. The study seeks to add to the relevant …

Framework Analysis: Potential Repatriation And Mental Health System Recovery In The Mena, Yasmin Othman

Public Health Capstone Projects

During the last decade and a half we have seen the culmination of what is perceived to be the biggest refugee and humanitarian crises the world has witnessed since World War II. The parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are in turmoil, and we are witnessing an outpouring of people fleeing the violence through precarious means. It is unknown when stability will return to parts of the MENA, but this does not mean the global health community cannot be proactive in planning for post-conflict health system recovery. With the vast number of today’s refugees originating from the …

Emotional Health Of Parents And The Association Of Mental Illness Among Children, Ashley Wilson

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Mental illness is a major public health problem, and has been observed as early as infancy and persists throughout childhood into adulthood. Mental illness among children can severely impair a development, academic achievement, and the ability to live a productive life. Emotional dysregulation among parents may be a risk factor for mental illness among their children. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of poor emotional health of parents and mental health problems among children, aged 6-17 years old in the state of Georgia and nationally.

METHODS: Data on 66,920 children between the ages of 6-17 years …

Descriptive Analysis Of Mental Health Needs Of Nontraditional Black And White Students, Jordan A. Brown

Public Health Theses

Introduction: Mental health seeking behaviors among nontraditional students, particularly Black students, is an area that should be examined closely with care and strategy. There are a plethora of factors that pose risks to nontraditional students completing their education. There is something to take note of when 38% of nontraditional students leave their first year compared to 16% of traditional students (National Center for Education Statistics, 2012).

Objective: This study assessed the risk factors and demographic variables associated with mental health seeking behaviors in Black nontraditional students vs. White nontraditional students at Georgia State University.

Methods: Descriptive demographic data were used …

“In Black And White, I’M A Piece Of Trash:” Abuse, Depression, And Women's Pathways To Prison, Alexa Adamo Valverde

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Theses

Women’s lived experiences of abuse and depression are examined within the context of gendered and racialized pathways to incarceration among 403 women randomly selected from a diagnostic unit in a state prison. This study utilizes feminist action research and community psychological methods to understand what factors predict incarcerated women’s placement on the mental health caseload and provides quantitative support for the pathways theoretical framework. Findings indicate that, among the sample, the prevalence of abuse experiences prior to incarceration exceeded 90%, prevalence of mental health problems exceeded 70%, and less than 35% were receiving mental health care. Being Caucasian, experiencing depression …

Tobacco Control In U.S. Mental Health Delivery Systems: A Descriptive Analysis By Facility Characteristics, Veronica Mahathre

Public Health Theses

Introduction

This study aims to provide an assessment of tobacco control methods (e.g., smoking ban policies and smoking cessation services) implemented in mental health facilities (MHFs) by characteristics such as facility type, ownership, Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) status, and region in the United States.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted using the 2010-2011 National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS). Binomial frequency, chi-square, and logistic regression were used to determine the proportion of tobacco control methods, the relationship between characteristics and tobacco control methods, and predictors of facilities that use tobacco control methods, respectively.

Results

Findings show smoking ban policies …

Early Onset Marijuana Use And Adult Mental Health, Christine Murphy Andrews

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: The impact of marijuana use has become a national topic with the increase in state’s legalizing or decriminalizing the use of the drug. To understand the impact this new trend may have on the population, it is necessary to characterize the interaction between marijuana use and health outcomes. Previous research has focused on the acute effects of marijuana on mental health and longitudinal impacts of marijuana use in the adolescent population. However there are no previously published studies on the impact of early onset marijuana use on adult mental health.

AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of …

Black Men; Are You Too “Masculine” For Mental Health Treatment?, Jasmine C. Thomas

Africana Studies Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of Black men on mental health seeking behavior as viewed through the lens of Black Masculinity. Using an empirical phenomenology approach as described by Creswell (2007), with the Common Sense Model as the framework, four Black men between the ages of 18 and 30 were interviewed and participated in a focus group examining if adherence to traditional roles of masculinity shapes mental health attitudes and help-seeking behaviors and to uncover the stigma and barriers associated with mental health help-seeking in the Black community. The shared phenomenon I examined is mental …

Long-Term Predictors And Consequences Of Optimal Psychological Outcomes In Childhood Cancer Survivors, Aurelie Weinstein

Psychology Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to examine predictors and consequences of optimal psychological outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. This goal was pursued according to the following three specific aims: 1) to test whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) is distinct from life satisfaction, 2) to examine predictors of PTG and life satisfaction in adolescence, and 3) to assess effects of PTG and life satisfaction in adolescence on future psychological and health functioning later in emerging adulthood. A sample of 2802 childhood cancer survivors from the largest dataset of childhood cancer survivors lead by St Jude Research Hospital was followed for more …

The Effectiveness Of Child-Centered Play Therapy On The Challenging Behaviors Of Early Elementary School Students, Corinne Wixson

Counseling and Psychological Services Dissertations

With the high prevalence of mental health disorders among children, there is a growing need for effective mental health interventions that will enhance overall wellness and functioning while meeting the developmental needs of children (Stagman & Cooper, 2010). In addition, there are increasing demands from policymakers, managed-care organizations, and educators to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs), or treatments that are supported by strong research (Kratochwill & Shernoff, 2004). One treatment that shows promise as an effective, developmentally-appropriate intervention that meets the mental health needs of children is play therapy (Bratton, Ray, Rhine, & Jones, 2005; Landreth, 2002; Ray, 2011). Although results …

Ill-Timed: The Effect Of Early Chronic Illness Onset On Young Adult Psychosocial Development, Eundria A. Hill-Joseph

Sociology Dissertations

Chronic illness affects nearly half of all American adults, yet this experience is often regarded as socially normative for older adults. In this study, I examined chronic illness onset early in the life course and its effects on mastery, a person’s self-perception as capable of coping with and managing life’s circumstances, and depressive symptoms as informed by the life course perspective and the stress process model. Using multilevel modeling of American Changing Lives Survey (ACLS) data, I examined the following questions: What is the relationship between early onset chronic illness and mastery? Second, what is the relationship between early onset …

Religion And Depression: Examining The Nature Of The Relationship, Stephanie Hansard

Sociology Theses

After more than a century of research, the nature of the relationship between religion and mental health still is not fully understood. Some studies find that religion is associated with better mental health. Other studies find that religion is associated with worse mental health. Many prior studies have conceptualized religion either as individual religiosity or as religious group participation, with mixed results. It is also necessary to establish the temporal relationship between religion and mental health. While prior religion could influence subsequent mental health, prior mental health could also influence subsequent religion. It is also important to identify factors which …