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The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae May 2024

The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effects of online learning on mental health. The focus included six aspects: academic performance, physical activity, social isolation, food insecurity and other stressors, pros and cons, and religion and mental health. Each aspect included advantages and disadvantages that adolescent students experienced. The study included 6th - 12th graders attending a Charter school. The eligibility requirement was that participants participated in online learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Academic performance data was obtained from the school office for students who attended the school during online learning and requested from parents if they attended other schools. Both positive …


Childhood Trauma And The Impact On Education, Lakisha Yvetta Davis May 2024

Childhood Trauma And The Impact On Education, Lakisha Yvetta Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to evaluate the complex relationship between childhood trauma and mental health disorders of bipolar, anxiety, and depression and their impact on education. Childhood trauma and mental health disorders have been on the rise, creating the need to understand their impact on educational outcomes. Thus, the study's purpose is to comprehend the present gaps in comprehending how these elements, childhood trauma, and mental health disorders affect educational outcomes such as grades and attendance rates. Data from 1000 students between the ages of 12 to 18 years from New York City was utilized. The method of analysis used for …


A Correlational Study Of The Resilience Factors That Promote Mental Health In First Responders, Tamara Rae Grayson Feb 2024

A Correlational Study Of The Resilience Factors That Promote Mental Health In First Responders, Tamara Rae Grayson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Too often, the title first responder (FR) has been correlated with mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There was a need to address the mental health of this unique at-risk population prior to developing a mindset that being a FR translates into also suffering from mental illness, due to repeated exposure to traumatic situations. The purpose of this correlational study was to identify the resilience factors in FRs, what unique and untreated exposure to traumatic events looks like in FRs, what normal treatment and early interventions for mental illnesses in FRs is, the …


Healing Artists Through Art, Corey Aaron Cundiff Dec 2023

Healing Artists Through Art, Corey Aaron Cundiff

Masters Theses

Men die by suicide nearly four times more than women, with higher rates among artists. There has been an increase in the rate of suicide over the years, primarily linked to depression and mounting societal expectations imposed upon men. The prevalence of social media and the awareness that comes with indicates that the issue of suicide may never disappear unless action is taken. This paper examines the need for art therapy to counter depression among male artists. No longer do we need to rely strictly on medication and talk therapy to treat depression. Many art therapy techniques have proven quite …


Visualizing The Risks: The Significance Of Graphic Design In Educating Women About The Risks Of Prescription Opioids & Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Natascha Foret Truong Dec 2023

Visualizing The Risks: The Significance Of Graphic Design In Educating Women About The Risks Of Prescription Opioids & Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Natascha Foret Truong

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the critical issue of educating women about the increased risks of prescription opioid use and misuse relating to a co-occurring mental health illness. The research-based graphic design solutions proposed in the thesis aim to create awareness and provide knowledge to women on this matter. It is imperative to address this issue as it has severe consequences for women, their families, and society. This thesis utilizes research and best practices from scholarly articles, case studies, visual analysis, personas, and mind mapping to present graphic design solutions based on evidence. These solutions aim to educate women about the gender-specific …


From Rags To Riches: Examining Teacher Perceptions Of The Influence Of Financial Literacy On The Psychological Well-Being Of Military-Connected Students In Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Cynthia Fletcher Davis May 2023

From Rags To Riches: Examining Teacher Perceptions Of The Influence Of Financial Literacy On The Psychological Well-Being Of Military-Connected Students In Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Cynthia Fletcher Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine teacher perceptions as related to the influence of financial literacy on the psychological well-being of military-connected students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Financial literacy among students serves a vital function in the development of financially literate adults. A lack of financial resources has been linked to depressive symptoms, marital discourse, and suicide. Financial literacy includes the knowledge and skills required to make enlightened and effective decisions with money. The theory guiding this study was Constructivism as formulated by Jean Piaget. Constructivism provides for the incorporation of new information within existing constructs …


Who Cares? Suicide And Christian Pastoral Intervention, Debra Kay Averitt Dec 2022

Who Cares? Suicide And Christian Pastoral Intervention, Debra Kay Averitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The fallen world we live in presents challenges that often seem too much to bear. How we view those challenges depends not only on our worldview but also on our interpretation of it. These same beliefs help determine if, when, and to whom we go for help. Beliefs and worldviews also drive those who provide help, making the decision of who to see that much more important. This study addresses the dispute between pastoral and secular counseling—Who is better prepared to treat individuals presenting with severe distress? In essence, this quantitative survey is a letter to the churches asking pastors …


The Overlooked Care Plan- Nursing Mindset Related To Self-Care: An Integrative Review, Marie Mulford Nov 2022

The Overlooked Care Plan- Nursing Mindset Related To Self-Care: An Integrative Review, Marie Mulford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 brought to light many things worldwide. One of the pressing issues was the increased rates of burnout, depression, and suicidal risk among nurses. This called for examining nurses’ work experiences and overall well-being during the Coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, it was revealed that the nursing mindset regarding self-care was overlooked. This integrative review will inform stakeholders about the “overlooked care plan.” This review will be a call to action built on existing knowledge and facilitate policy for the nursing profession. Building upon nursing science, informative research, and facilitating policy initiatives, this review will serve as a call to action for …


Evaluating The Use Of Poetry To Reduce The Signs Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress In Veterans, Misty Pearl Ely Aug 2022

Evaluating The Use Of Poetry To Reduce The Signs Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress In Veterans, Misty Pearl Ely

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A veteran is anyone who has served on active duty in one of the five branches of the military, regardless of peacetime or combat exposure. Currently, veterans make up 2.2 million of our nation’s population and the rates of mental health concerns are continually on the rise due to the prolonged nature of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. With the drawdown of forces, the military is smaller than usual and yet must maintain the safety and security of the world at the same standard. Therefore, these service members are recycled over and over to deployments abroad and …


Religiosity: Does It Attenuate Or Exacerbate The Relationship Between Past Childhood Sexual Abuse And Depression, Anxiety And Stress?, Karmen Lashawn Payne Jun 2022

Religiosity: Does It Attenuate Or Exacerbate The Relationship Between Past Childhood Sexual Abuse And Depression, Anxiety And Stress?, Karmen Lashawn Payne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals who experience childhood sexual abuse (CSA) suffer a global injury. In addition to the impact sexual abuse has on their mental, emotional, sexual, and physical well-being, victims of CSA also experience spiritual pain. The sequelae of pain that follow CSA may lead nonbelievers and Christians to approach churches for desperately needed help. Churches may influence the experience of those seeking help. However, the degree to which ministries are helpful is conditional on their knowledge of and preparation for working with adult victims of past CSA. Past negative sexual experiences may also harm self-cognitions, potentially influencing survivors’ ability to approach …


A Mediation Analysis: Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Resilience, Depression, Anxiety, And Attachment Disruption With The Role Of Self-Compassion: A Moderation Analysis, Jessica Ellen Kuehne May 2022

A Mediation Analysis: Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Resilience, Depression, Anxiety, And Attachment Disruption With The Role Of Self-Compassion: A Moderation Analysis, Jessica Ellen Kuehne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study intends to address the gap in the literature on treatment options for adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). The theoretical and conceptual framework for this study was centered on three main ideas: attachment styles, resilience, and self-compassion. Studies have indicated that exposure to parental alcoholism increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and insecure attachment, and ACOAs tend to have higher resilience than non-ACOAs. Researchers have examined different treatment approaches and clinical outcomes for ACOAs. Some holistic treatment choices, specifically self-compassion, have grown ubiquitous for a broad spectrum of individuals with trauma. The purpose of this study is to assess …


Alaskan Rural Pastors' Lived Experiences With Mental Health Stigma, Josephine Kay Barry Apr 2022

Alaskan Rural Pastors' Lived Experiences With Mental Health Stigma, Josephine Kay Barry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of rural Alaskan pastors with mental health and mental health stigma both personally and professionally. While there were few studies available to assist with the framework of this research there were some that focused on pastors, depression, burnout and collaboration with counselors in rural areas. A Conceptual Mapping Task (CMT) was used to conduct the interview of five pastors within an isolated Alaskan community. Pastors were asked to describe in detail their lived encounters with mental health stigma and how it impacted them and their congregation. Interviews were …


Current Targeted Interventions For Adult Patients With Comorbid Obesity And Depression: An Integrative Review, Meredith Lawson Parnell Apr 2022

Current Targeted Interventions For Adult Patients With Comorbid Obesity And Depression: An Integrative Review, Meredith Lawson Parnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Obesity and depression share a bidirectional relationship when they exist as comorbidities in addition to individually posing complex public health challenges. Evidence from recent years suggests that there is a benefit to treating these illnesses with an integrated approach when they co-occur, but no current clinical guideline exists for this approach. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize existing literature and report current interventions targeting the management of comorbid obesity and depression in adults. The Whittemore and Knafl methodology for integrative review is the framework used to conduct this synthesis. A systematic search was conducted of nine computerized …


Prevalence And Correlates Of Food And Housing Insecurities At A Historically Black College, Melissa Massey Lockard Apr 2022

Prevalence And Correlates Of Food And Housing Insecurities At A Historically Black College, Melissa Massey Lockard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine the prevalence of food and housing insecurities at one historically Black college and explore whether these insecurities influence students’ academic performance or their mental health quality. The study also explored possible predictors of students at risk of experiencing these basic needs challenges. A convenience sample of 175 participant surveys was collected in the fall 2021 semester at the small, private, liberal arts college in urban South Carolina. The instruments used in the survey included the USDA’s 6-item Household Food Security Survey Module, the Housing Insecurity and Homelessness Module, the …


Sadness And Social Media: An Analysis Of The Effects Of Social Media On Depression In Young African American Females, Rosa Lee Sutton Apr 2022

Sadness And Social Media: An Analysis Of The Effects Of Social Media On Depression In Young African American Females, Rosa Lee Sutton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has the propensity to inadvertently cause the vicarious traumatization of its users due to their witnessing violent or distressing content. This current research proposes that African American social media users suffer vicarious traumatization via social media and suffer the effects of direct, historical, racialized trauma. In the past decade, through social media, Black Americans have vividly witnessed videos depicting several high profile, violent deaths at the hands of law enforcement, police brutality, racial violence, civil unrest, the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement, experienced blatant discrimination, engaged in racially divisive discourse, and have witnessed attempts to have …


The Impact Of Stress, Depression, And Anxiety On African American Student Success During Their First Undergraduate Semester: A Qualitative Case Study, Anthony Jerome Howard Nov 2021

The Impact Of Stress, Depression, And Anxiety On African American Student Success During Their First Undergraduate Semester: A Qualitative Case Study, Anthony Jerome Howard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the impact of stress, depression, and anxiety on African American students’ success during their first undergraduate semester at House A&M University. The terms stress, depression, and anxiety were defined respectively as the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Schlossberg’s transition theory, which defines transitions as events or experiences that result in changed interactions, habits, expectations, and responsibilities, framed this study. The study's central research question was designed to elicit participant descriptions of the ways stress, depression, and anxiety impact the …


A Quantitative Study Of Child Sexual Assault Survivors’ Struggles With Poor Marital Satisfaction: Mediated By Loneliness And Depression, Thomas Litzinger Oct 2021

A Quantitative Study Of Child Sexual Assault Survivors’ Struggles With Poor Marital Satisfaction: Mediated By Loneliness And Depression, Thomas Litzinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Child sexual assault (CSA) is growing at startling rates in the United States and is related to a staggering number of adult psychosomatic modification problems and outcomes. CSA has been a subject of interest in sexual health research for many years; however, research regarding the sexual health consequences of CSA has been hampered by methodologic changeability. CSA and the sexual victimization of boys and men has been understudied despite its prevalence and potentially detrimental outcomes in the U.S. and worldwide. A large body of research has revealed many adverse psychological and social impacts of CSA in samples of adult male …


The Effects Of Patient-Physician Interaction Time On Overall Visit Satisfaction And Prevention Of Physician Burnout, Miranda Sheridan Apr 2021

The Effects Of Patient-Physician Interaction Time On Overall Visit Satisfaction And Prevention Of Physician Burnout, Miranda Sheridan

Senior Honors Theses

With an increasingly commercialized healthcare setting, today’s physicians are often forced to reduce their patient examination times drastically. There has also been a greater shift in the administration of primary care to allied health professionals such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. However, these changes may not be sustainable in the long-term. This study investigates the relationship between time spent with a physician (M.D. or D.O.) during an examination and overall patient satisfaction. Moreover, mental health concerns, namely burnout, have become more prevalent among physicians. Studying this under the lens of accelerated modern medicine could help shed light on strategies …


The Effect Of Solo-Masturbation And Moral Disapproval On The Relationship Between Internet Pornography Use, Religious Struggles, Sexual Shame, And Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model, Ken Derance Miller Dec 2020

The Effect Of Solo-Masturbation And Moral Disapproval On The Relationship Between Internet Pornography Use, Religious Struggles, Sexual Shame, And Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model, Ken Derance Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Recently, the topics of Internet pornography use and masturbation have received increased attention among researchers, even though there is a cultural reluctance to discuss the common sexual behavior. This reticence is particularly true for religious and moral communities that have stigmatized the behavior and have historically viewed masturbation as taboo and morally offensive. Similarly, many religious groups morally disapprove of sexually explicit media. Despite morally disapproving of viewing pornography, the nearly universal availability of Internet pornography has resulted in an unprecedented increase in religious individuals viewing Internet pornography. Researchers have found a connection between the moral incongruence associated with Internet …


Attraction To Both Genders And The Link To Depression Mediated By The Big Five And Permissiveness In Relationships, Jolene Elizabeth Wyman Jun 2020

Attraction To Both Genders And The Link To Depression Mediated By The Big Five And Permissiveness In Relationships, Jolene Elizabeth Wyman

Masters Theses

The outcome of depression has been well established for sexual minorities. This can be seen in particular within the research regarding those who are attracted to both genders (ABG). The lifestyle choice of nonmonogamous or open relationships is commonly found in ABG relationships. These behaviors demonstrate the concept of permissiveness in relationships. The negative effect of the nonmonogamous lifestyle yields mixed results of either no developed psychopathologies and more personal satisfaction or in developed psychopathologies such as depression. Conscientiousness is often negatively correlated to ABG, permissive behavior in relationships, and depression. The current hypothesis is that conscientiousness and permissiveness in …


The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Surrender, And God Attachment And Its Impact On Depression And Anxiety, Shalana Marlene Palermo Dec 2019

The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Surrender, And God Attachment And Its Impact On Depression And Anxiety, Shalana Marlene Palermo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore how God attachment may impact surrender to God and how mindfulness relates to the relationship between surrender and God attachment. Additionally, this study explores how surrender, God attachment and mindfulness might work together to impact symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study comprised 82 participants from a large Christian university that was enrolled in the university’s online doctoral counseling program. Using a quantitative survey research design, participants completed the following self-report measures online: Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Surrender Scale, Attachment to God Inventory, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Bivariate and multiple …


Depression In Black Men: One Church’S Solution, Dwayne T. Baskin Sep 2019

Depression In Black Men: One Church’S Solution, Dwayne T. Baskin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the Black Church’s influence on Pentecostal African-American men who are depressed, and how the church may assist these men to heal from the wounds of despair through a Pentecostal experience. While many Pentecostal African-American men have matriculated through the ranks of leadership, establishing successful businesses, churches, ministries, and organizational denominations; they are teetering on the edge of an emotional and spiritual breakdown. Researchers have found that African-American men are understudied and underdiagnosed as it pertains to depression. Eight African-American Pentecostal men were interviewed and given questionnaires to examine how depression affected them while maintaining leadership roles in …


Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of The Effect Of Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation On Depression With A Clinical Population, Grace Lynn Bellingham Mar 2019

Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of The Effect Of Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation On Depression With A Clinical Population, Grace Lynn Bellingham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This interpretative phenomenological analysis explored the use of spiritually focused mindfulness meditation for clinical depression. Although antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are the leading evidence-based treatments for clinical depression, major depressive disorder is recurrent, and progressive and relapse rates are increasing. Numerous studies examining the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies, which include the use of meditation to treat depression, have emerged in the literature. In this study, three individuals who met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder used spiritually focused mindfulness meditation for three weeks and participated in in-depth interviews to explore their experiences. Findings revealed significant …


Implementation Of A Screening Protocol To Improve Provider Assessment Of Depression In Patients With Psoriasis, Marlee Bryant Aug 2018

Implementation Of A Screening Protocol To Improve Provider Assessment Of Depression In Patients With Psoriasis, Marlee Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Patients with psoriasis are at an increased risk for depression. Despite this risk, many dermatology care providers do not screen for depression in practice, including providers at the target practice for this project. This evidence-based practice pilot project was purposed to increase dermatology providers’ assessment of depression in patients with psoriasis. This project involved implementing a depression screening protocol at one private dermatology practice and educating providers on the use of the protocol including the embedded depression screening tool, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The project leader used a quasi-experimental design and collected data utilizing retrospective chart reviews completed pre- and …


Social Work Trauma Interventions: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Kassie Baumann May 2018

Social Work Trauma Interventions: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Kassie Baumann

Senior Honors Theses

According to Lynne Weilart (2013), in her article on the reasons why people seek out therapy, trauma is the number one reason people attend counseling. Many different trauma-informed approaches are designed specifically to address the consequences of trauma and to facilitate healing. Some of these approaches are as follows: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT);Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT); Trauma Systems Therapy (TST); Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP); and Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) (de Arellano, Danielson, Ko, & Sprauge, 2008). The effectiveness of each trauma intervention will be examined. DBT is one of these trauma interventions that is growing …


Enhanced Depression Screening In The Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting An Evidence-Based Project, Heidi Winslow Jan 2018

Enhanced Depression Screening In The Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting An Evidence-Based Project, Heidi Winslow

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Depression is common amongst patients with cardiovascular disease. This evidence-based project was designed to evaluate the impact of a practice improvement intervention for screening and referrals in cardiac patients with depression. The American Heart Association Advisory Council recommends depression screening, treatment, and support to provide adequate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up to patients. Cardiacrehabilitation (CR) is a coordinated effort of structured treatments with physical, mental, and social components, to favorably influence cardiac healing and resume optimal functioning. The problem is current depression screening and referrals are not being documented electronically in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) setting limiting real-time communication amongst the …


An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson Oct 2016

An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Depression is becoming more common in pastors because of the stress and strains of ministry, as well as other personal issues. Therefore, this analysis looks into how different mechanisms such as social support and traditional religious values tend to function across different groups of the religious community. The purpose of this study is to understand the issues that would cause a pastor to become depressed and also to devise a plan of action that will provide alternatives to dealing with depression in a positive and healthy manner. This analysis will expand on existing literature and reports that argue on both …


Effects Of Child-Parent Attachment And God Attachment On Depression In Adolescent Christians, Soloman Aifuwa Jan 2016

Effects Of Child-Parent Attachment And God Attachment On Depression In Adolescent Christians, Soloman Aifuwa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis contains a description of a study that examined the relationships between parent attachment, God attachment, and depression in adolescent Christians. It was predicted that secure parent and God attachment are related, and that they will have positive effects on depression and that God attachment will mediate the effects of parent attachments on depression. The study was a cross-sectional correlation study that employed 75 adolescents in youth ministries in North-east Jersey. Depression and attachment measures were administered and the results were analyzed using hierarchical and simultaneous multiple regression, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient. The study findings demonstrated that parent …


A Pilot Study On The Effects Of Exercise On Depression Symptoms Using Levels Of Neurotransmitters And Eeg As Markers, Timothy H. Barclay, Scott Richards, James Schoffstall, Chad Magnuson, Christine Mcphee, Josh Price, Stephen Aita, Audrey Anderson, Dan Johnson, Jerry Price Jan 2014

A Pilot Study On The Effects Of Exercise On Depression Symptoms Using Levels Of Neurotransmitters And Eeg As Markers, Timothy H. Barclay, Scott Richards, James Schoffstall, Chad Magnuson, Christine Mcphee, Josh Price, Stephen Aita, Audrey Anderson, Dan Johnson, Jerry Price

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Context: The prescribing of exercise by physicians has become a popular practice, yet the effectiveness of exercise on symptoms of depression is difficult to determine due to a lack of randomized controlled trials with clinical populations. Reports also indicate that only a small percentage of physicians advise their patients regarding exercise and confusion still exists as to how much and what types are best. Aims: To understand the mechanisms that make exercise a viable treatment in depression. Settings and Design: This study employed a six‑week, two group, single‑level trial, pre‑ and posttest design using self‑report of symptoms, blood …


Conservative Holiness Pastors' Ability To Assess Depression And Their Willingness To Refer To Mental Health Professionals, Andrew Graham Jul 2013

Conservative Holiness Pastors' Ability To Assess Depression And Their Willingness To Refer To Mental Health Professionals, Andrew Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the willingness and ability of Conservative Holiness pastors to assess depression and their willingness to refer to mental health professionals. Eighty-six pastors completed a four-part survey that measured diagnostic accuracy, willingness to refer, attitudes toward mental health, perceived competency to assist, recognition of need for help and confidence in mental health professionals. Demographic characteristics and case study responses were investigated through analysis of frequency data; relationships with demographic variables were analyzed using Spearman's rho and independent t-tests; relationships with variables derived from the scales were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Analyses found …