Digital Commons Network^™

Student Mental Health During And After The Coronavirus Pandemic, Olivia Harner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The educational setting serves as an influential force when considering the impacts that school can have on student mental health. Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, research revealed negative effects on mental health for a variety of populations across the globe; however, comprehensive reviews about the effect that the pandemic had on the mental health of American K-12 students are limited. Consequently, the purpose of this specialist project is to evaluate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of American students in grades K-12 through a review of literature. Utilizing PRISMA procedures, 19 articles were selected …

Division-I Student-Athletes’ Socialization Out Of Sports: The Role Of Exit Circumstances And Interpersonal Support On Wellness, Hannah J. Gertz

All Theses

Student-athletes who compete at the Division-I level typically receive much public exposure and attention during their athletic careers, often leading them to form a high athletic identity. As such, they often need help transitioning away from the athletic competitor role following their retirement. This process, known as socialization out of sport (SOS), is characterized by a loss of purpose and identity for student-athletes and can harm their overall well-being and quality of life. Establishing the empirical associations between SOS's proposed characteristics/features (e.g., the impetus of SOS, educational status, athletic identity, and sense of closure) and former student-athletes’ subsequent life experiences …

Social Workers’ Preparedness For Practice With Patients Experiencing Psychotic Disorders, Paula Crespin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study explored the preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders who present with non-affective psychosis. The present study sought to examine the perceived barriers to mental health service utilization for individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders as well as the perceived preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals with non-affective psychosis. Social workers are crucial frontline workers in the treatment and support of individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorder. This qualitative study was comprised of twelve semi-structured interviews to gauge the preparedness of social workers (N=12). Results from the thematic analysis demonstrated …

What Are The Barriers To Seeking Psychotherapy Services Across Different Racial And Ethnic Groups?, Deysee Chavez, Elisa Rodarte

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored barriers to seeking psychotherapy services across racial and ethnic groups among adults of 18 years of age or older (2) any individual who has considered, sought, or received mental health services (3) residing in Southern California. The surveys consisted of questions from the Barriers to Mental Health Services Scale Revised (BMHSS-R) sub-scales; Help Seeking, Stigma, Knowledge and Fear of Psychotherapy, Belief about Inability to Find a Psychotherapist, and Belief that Depressive Symptoms are Normal. It was hypothesized that Latino individuals face greater barriers when seeking psychotherapy services as compared to other racial groups. This study consisted of …

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 …

Occupational Therapy Services In Pediatric Mental Health, Hallie Jerome

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children and youth experiencing mental health concerns often have limited or decreased engagement in meaningful occupations. Additionally, children and youth who experience mental health concerns at an early age are more likely to experience negative health outcomes such as poor occupational engagement, academic achievement, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), maltreatment/abuse/neglect, family and peer conflict/rejection, low self-esteem, early substance use, and many others impacting their overall health and well-being. My capstone project aimed to administer occupation-based interventions in a pediatric mental health program while I advance my skills working with an interdisciplinary team. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for …

Implementation Of Mental Health Services And Curriculum For Elementary-Aged Children, Indra Flores Silva, Jason Kwan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study’s purpose was to describe elementary school teachers’perceptions about mental health services, curriculum, and their effect on the mental health of elementary-aged children. Our research addressed the question: What are elementary school teachers’ perceptions of mental healthservices and mental health curriculum and their effect on the mental health of elementary-aged children? It is crucial that we study this because many young children struggle with their mental health which can lead to poor outcomes leading into adulthood. This study utilized quantitative data on 28 participants that was collected through Qualtrics. Data was analyzed using SPSS by conducting univariate analysis. Our …

Psychology Of Athletes: Impact Of Injuries On Mental Health, Caitlin Rainey

Whittier Scholars Program

This article aims to contextualize the importance of understanding injuries in athletics and how those injuries impact mental health. With such a high prevalence of injuries in athletics, most studies analyze the physical implications on the athlete. It is vital that mental well being is studied as much as physical health throughout the injury and rehabilitation process. This study reviewed previous literature on the social impacts of team sports, psychological and social implications of injury, the impact of residual pain, and finally the process of retirement. A survey was also conducted at a small liberal arts college in Southern California …

The Components Necessary In A Clinical Day Program For A Successful Transition To Traditional School, Erica Parker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what components of academic and therapeutic clinical day programs ensure success for students with mental health diagnoses as they transition back to conventional educational settings. This study focused on the importance of developing students' capabilities to fulfill their own needs within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs through coping skills, academic skills, and ensuring those skills transition to their traditional home school setting. The research questions guiding this study were: 1. How is “successful reintegration” defined for students with mental health concerns by the students, families, teachers, and other school staff? 2. What program …

Enhancing Student-Athlete Well-Being Through Effective Leadership In College Athletics, Jake Peavey

All Student Scholarship

For many young adults, the transition from high school to college athletics can be a challenging and intimidating process. It is common knowledge that many student-athletes struggle with finding the balance between their mental health and their academic, athletic, and social responsibilities. In fact, many student-athletes feel that their commitments are greater than a full- time job when you factor in all that is expected of them (Cutler & Dwyer, 2020). Student-athlete life balance is affected by pressures such as demanding training schedules, strict dietary guidelines, expectations on performance, and many other factors that can contribute to commitments totaling over …

Stressors, Caffeine Consumption, And Mental Health Concerns Among College Students, Stacey Trejo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between mental health challenges, life balance concerns and caffeine consumption among college students. As caffeine is considered a psychoactive and cognitive enhancer that enhances physical performance, consuming an excess of caffeine can result in caffeine intoxication, which may include experiencing negative side effects.

Utilizing quantitative methods and availability sampling, 61 college students completed a self-administered online survey via Instagram and, with the assistance of professors, in classrooms. The self-administered Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) reveals that college students are experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. A majority …

Essays In Aging, Marital Stability, And Mental Health, Avigyan Sengupta

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents three chapters about understudied characteristics of the older population. As the United States and other developed countries' populations age, more dedicated research is needed to understand and implement policies to improve the welfare of this demographic group. Though there is a vast literature on various life-cycle outcomes of the elderly, gaps remain. Two such aspects have been examined here: marital stability and mental health.

Chapter 1 investigates how changes in household wealth affect the likelihood of divorce among older adults aged 50 and above in the United States. Using panel data from the Health and Retirement Study …

Hiv Testing Among High-Risk Individuals In The Us: 2022 Brfss, Alissa Lorchick

Capstone Experience

Objective

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global epidemic, and public health efforts are moderately effective to date. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine association between high-risk behavior (intravenous drug use, risky sexual behaviors) and odds of testing for HIV utilizing 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N= 445,132).

Methods

Using SAS 3.82, the age-stratified logistic regression model for exposure (high-risk behavior) and outcome (HIV testing) included covariates gender, race, income, mental health and checkup frequency.

Results

High-risk individuals had greater odds of testing compared to low-risk individuals (crude POR 2.98 [2.81 – 3.17]), with greatest odds observed among …

Prevalence Of Mental Health Issues In Division Iii Athletes, Logan Streety

Honors Theses

College athletes have always struggled with their mental health, and it has recently become more widely recognized because of their lifestyle. Between managing schoolwork, team responsibilities, and having a social life, it is extremely easy to become overwhelmed and put other things before one’s psychological health. In this study, the SUNY Cortland Women’s Basketball team was surveyed to determine if depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent in athletes at SUNY Cortland. The DASS-21 questionnaire was distributed to each of the women’s basketball athletes. This 21-question survey produced scores that determined whether they are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or stress. …

A Content Analysis Of Common Relationship Challenges Among People Who Practice Polyamory, Kalyn Su, Sophie Camilleri

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Approximately 1 out of 9 people in the U.S. have engaged in polyamory (Moors et al., 2021), a relationship type in which all involved agree to have multiple romantic and/or sexual partners. Despite the commonness of polyamory, there are many misconceptions about the polyamorous experience. However, research has yet to examine common challenges that people engaged in polyamory endure. The goal of the present qualitative study was to identify the disadvantages and stressors of polyamory in order to shed light on the unique experiences of people in these relationships. 219 adults who were currently in a polyamorous relationship were asked …

Boys Don't Cry: Dance/Movement Therapy As Effective Treatment For Men Who Adhere To Traditional Western Masculinity Ideology, Carter Turrell-Celente

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

Traditional Western masculinity ideology, which is adhered to mostly by white men (Levant & Pryor, 2020, p. 12), is the dominant construct of masculinity in the United States that influences expectations of behavior among males (American Psychological Association, 2018; Levant & Richmond, 2016). Men who adhere strictly to traditional Western masculinity ideology may find their lives negatively affected by their behavior related to socialized gender norms. Seeking help for mental health challenges goes against traditional Western masculinity ideology, as does emotional expression, which makes these men especially vulnerable to the negative effects of poor mental health. Dance/movement therapy is an …

The Time Machine To Neverland: A Multiple-Case Study Exploration Of The Impact Of The Covid-19 Lockdown On Childhood And Development, Elyse Laakso

Child Development Theses

The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown of 2020 impacted the world profoundly, both on global and individual levels. In many respects, the world returned to “normal” in the ensuing years. However, what does “normal” mean for a child whose development was interrupted by lockdown, depriving them of experiences that they would have otherwise encountered on their developmental trajectory? How might the impacts of such an interruption manifest in subsequent years? This thesis explores some such potential consequences, utilizing a multiple-case study design to explore the intersection between early childhood developmental theory and the impact of the Covid-19 …

A Comparative Analysis Of Body Modification Biases In The Mental Health Field, Lonese Ramsey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Societal norms continue to shift and challenge our thoughts and beliefs. The notion of the standards of professionalism has evolved to assimilate to the steady progression in the field of mental health. However, change is not typically readily accepted by everyone. This is evident in the noticeable differences in the experiences of people from different generations. Unquestionably, body modifications are becoming increasingly popular throughout mainstream society. This shift has invariably impacted the landscape of professionalism and beliefs and values that are held true in the mental health profession. Limited studies have been conducted to identify if any correlations exist between …

Identifying Potential Barriers To Mental Health Of Students At The University Of Tennessee, Knoxville, Anna P. Lynn

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Awareness In Adolescents And The Impact Of Social Media, Vanessa Clark

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on informing parents of the effects of social media on adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents are frequent users of social media as they are more likely to explore online content and be unaware of the potential dangers that can pose a threat to their mental health (Rapee et al. 2019). Due to social media being difficult to monitor at all times, along with advances in technology through school curriculums, we want to acknowledge its presence and usage. Social media allows the opportunity to connect with others digitally but there needs to be awareness of the potentially harmful …

Improving Mental Health And Well-Being In Elementary School Students Through Stress Management Activities, Shya Vasquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The number of students who are experiencing mental health issues is on the rise. There is a variety of reasons that contribute to the increasing numbers which include the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of support from teachers, the kinds of mental health activities that have not been incorporated into classrooms, and much more. Given this, this capstone project examines how to improve mental health and well-being of elementary school students through stress management activities through the use of literature review, interviews with two teachers, two parents, and two prospective teachers, and classroom observations. The results indicated the many benefits and different …

Program Evaluation Of School-Based Mental Health Counseling Services, Yvette Torres, Emily Ann Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of school-based mental health (SBMH) services from a mental and behavioral health program at a School District in Southern California, specifically counseling services, on academic performance and attendance for K-12 students. This study targets students from minority groups and low-income families, who often face unmet mental health needs. This research fills a gap in the literature regarding the effectiveness of SBMH counseling services on academic success by analyzing data from 151 participants (N = 151) collected via the school district’s electronic systems, focusing on program enrollment during the 2022-2023 academic year. Utilizing the pretest-posttest design, …

The Effect Of Crime On Mental Health In South Africa, Magda Tsaneva, Lauren-Kate Laplante

Economics

This paper examines the impact of district-level crime rates in South Africa on individual depression symptoms. We use panel data from the National Income Dynamics Survey collected between 2008 and 2014 and estimate an individual fixed effects regression model, thus controlling for characteristics of the individual's environment that could affect crime and mental health. We find that an increase of one standard deviation in property (violent) crime is associated with a 7.2 (8.7) percentage point increase in the probability of depression symptoms. Analysis of potential mechanisms suggests that indirect exposure to crime likely affects mental health by increasing stress rather …

Social Media Impact On Adolescent Mental Health, Jayla Owen-Lafontaine

Psychology Student Publications

This paper is about how social media has an impact on adolescents mental health. it discusses the negatives of social media on mental health as well as some positives.

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: The Hidden Issues And Entertainment Within The World Of Crime And Punishment, John Charlton, Christian Sorrells, Aaron Burney, Jonathan Yi

ENGL 1102 Showcase

An anthology diving into observing topics related to crime and punishment and determining the effect on the greater topic. Explains why people are so interested in crime, how PTSD can lead to violence and questioning how prisoners spend their time and all through provoking questions addressed in this anthology in the hope that it creates a greater understanding of crime and punishment as a whole.

Military Spouse Counselors: Exploring Mental Health, Resilience, Coping, And Burnout, Melinda Poteet Brinkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military spouses (MLSPs) are an integral part of the military family and key mental health providers in military community. This study explores the mental health, resilience, coping, and burnout of MLSP counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors (CES). This study was grounded in resilience theory, investigating relationships between mental health and burnout, mediated by resilience, and conditioned by coping. An online survey was distributed through social media and email, open to MLSP counselors/CES of all branches and components of service (N = 68). This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional correlational research designed utilized PROCESS Models 4, 58, and 59, which determined that resilience …

Special Education Teachers' Experiences Addressing Mental Health Concerns In Students With Comorbid Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Alison L. Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of special education teachers in public schools regarding addressing mental health needs in their students experiencing comorbid disabilities. The theory guiding this study was contextual organizational framework as it applies to individual special education teachers addressing comorbid mental health concerns in their students. The research addresses the central research question: What experiences within the organizational context(s) do special education teachers describe with regard to working with special education students with comorbid mental health disorders? All participants were special education teachers in either elementary or secondary schools, who …

Bridges And Barriers: Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Emerging Adults' Views On Integrating Their Sexual And Religious Identities, Rémy Roe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The existing literature highlights sexual and religious identity integration as a significant mediating factor in the relationship between religion and spirituality (R/S), and the LGBTQ population. This study explores outcomes associated with the integration of sexual and religious identities in a religiously diverse sample of seven lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) emerging adults ages 18-25. The sample included participants identifying with Buddhism (2), Christianity (2), Islam (1), Judaism (1), and Hinduism (1). Semi-structured interviews with participants identified eight key themes across their experiences: identity narratives, emerging adulthood exploration, interconnectedness of identities, evolving perspectives, social and cultural barriers, personal growth and …

Collegiate Student-Athlete Mental Health In West Virginia: An Occupational Perspective, Natalie P. Gates, Bailey A. Riggs, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Collegiate athletes must take on multiple roles while they are attending a college or university, which can negatively impact their mental health. These student-athletes must not only follow the role demands and expectations of an athlete but also of a college student, all while emerging into adulthood in the college environment. This can be overwhelming for many collegiate athletes, and they often find it difficult to balance all their responsibilities to live a satisfactory life. Therefore, a role for occupational therapy exists in this realm. A quantitative study design using survey methods was chosen in hopes of identifying and describing …

Stepping Into Mindfulness: Enhancing Mental Health For Nursing Student Athletes, Amanda A. Marek

MSN Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the impact of mindfulness practice on nursing student athletes, aiming to understand how mindfulness techniques can enhance their psychological well-being. The project investigates the intersection of mindfulness and addresses the unique challenges and stressors face by nursing student athletes. The project proposals a research study that focuses on how mindfulness can impact nursing student athletes. There is literature that shows how mindfulness can improve stress and mental disorders for nursing students and student athletes separately, but there is a lack of knowledge on how this may affect nursing students who are also student athletes. Mindfulness based …