Education Commons^™

The Role Of Fraternity/Sorority Affiliation In Supporting College Student Mental Health And Wellness, Meghan M. Grace, Amanda E. Assalone, Hannah M. Johnson, Britta L. Svoboda, J. Patrick Biddix

Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice

Mental health is a growing concern in the United States, even more exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health among youth and young adult populations has also received attention in recent years. However, prior research suggests a higher sense of social support among active members of the fraternity/sorority community is associated with lower depression levels. The extent to which fraternity/sorority involvement helps address mental health among members is theorized but not demonstrated in the research. Using large-scale data, this study examined mental health experiences and behaviors of the fraternity/ sorority community and compared results with unaffiliated students. Findings suggest …

Influence Of Racism On Minority Students' Mental Health And Academic Performance

Journal of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research

This literature review summarizes, analyzes, and evaluates a selection of 15 recent research articles regarding the influence racism has on minority students’ mental health and academic performance. All the literature used here was published between the years 2010 and 2021. Of the studies contained in this work, the majority addressed the topic of racism and how it influences student mental health, with an emphasis on minority stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma symptoms. Another portion looked at how racism influences academic performance. The literature shows that higher exposure to racism produces negative mental health, which can manifest …

Social Predictors Of Doctoral Student Mental Health And Well-Being, Feng Zhang, Kaylee Litson, David F. Feldon

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Graduate students' mental health and well-being is a prominent concern across various disciplines. However, early predictors of mental health and well-being in graduate education, specifically doctoral education, have rarely been studied. The present study evaluated both the underlying latent classification of individuals' mental well-being and predictors of those classifications. Results estimated two latent classes of students' mental health and well-being: one class with generally high levels of mental well-being and one with lower levels of mental well-being. Regression analyses showed that mentoring in the second year of doctoral study, certainty of choice in the thrid year, and both academic development …

A Comparison Of Sorority Women And Non-Sorority Women’S Alcohol Use: Perception, Rate Of Use, And Consequences, Betsy Zimmerman

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

While alcohol use and Greek Life on college campuses have often become synonymous, little is known about the rate of use or the consequences of use for sorority women specifically. Gender has been identified as a risk factor relating to substance use on college campuses; however, there is a gap in the literature concerning compounding factors that influence substance abuse, such as membership in a Greek-lettered organization. With approximately 300,000 college women involved in Greek-lettered organizations annually (NPC, 2019), little is known about the impact of alcohol use for sorority women on college adjustment. An exploration of the perception of …

Peer Mediated Instructional Strategies, Leah Pederson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this school improvement plan is to improve the climate and culture within classrooms. Mental health issues are on the rise, and affecting children at younger ages. Teachers need to have strategies in place to support the social-emotional needs of our children. When children are given the opportunity to learn how to appropriately interact with one another, the hope is that it transfers to the outside world. The goal of this school improvement plan is to also create a more student-centered atmosphere in classrooms where children are learning from one another at all times both socially and academically.

Playground Improvement Plan, Joan Ketelsen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Physical activity is important to the growth and development of children of all ages. The purpose of this paper is to use what we know about physical activity and the connection between social development, cognitive development and overall health to physical activity to improve the current opportunities for physical activity in school age children. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) mastery level of students will be used to implement this improvement plan as well as incorporating more physical activity opportunities in the school day to promote more movement and less sedentary time in the school day on a regular basis and to …

Creating An Effective Social-Emotional Learning Program At The High School Level: A School Improvement Plan, Kassie Bercik

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan details the importance of creating an effective social and emotional learning (SEL) program for high school students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current mental health crisis among teenagers. Current research points to SEL programs for improvement in nearly all areas for students, whether it be academic achievement, attitude and behavior, resilience, or overall connectedness with peers; furthermore, research also indicates decreases in student aggression and emotional distress. With those findings in mind, this plan was created to focus on the improvement of two specific SEL skills: social awareness and relationship skills. The …

The Effects Of A Growth Mindset On Student Learning, Achievement, And Mental Health, Emily Cahill

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper analyzed research on the impact of a growth mindset on student learning, achievement, and mental health. This topic was explored through research regarding the impact of growth and fixed mindsets, what shapes students’ mindsets, and the impact of mindsets on mental health. Research has examined the impact of growth mindset interventions on students and has determined that these interventions improve academic success and increase task importance and interest in students. Additional research discussed a correlation between mindset and mental health and stated that children who believe their intelligence is malleable may feel the same about their emotions, and …

Teacher Flexibility And The New Normal, Sheila Mulder

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"The pandemic revealed the strong need for caring for the whole person and implementing informed teaching practices and principles."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­adapting to change in education from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation.

https://inallthings.org/teacher-flexibility-and-the-new-normal/

Creating Inclusive Differentiated Classrooms For English Language Learners, Jenifer Geisler

Graduate Teacher Education

There are many English language learner (ELL) students in United States schools. These students have varying needs and abilities, yet they legally and ethically have the right to an equal education. The purpose of this research was to find ways to best meet the needs of ELL students in inclusive classrooms. Research of fifteen studies related to this important topic have been analyzed and synthesized in order to better understand what schools and educators could do to meet the needs of ELL students. These studies included information on ELL family systems and mental health. The research continued with studies related …

Prayers And Mindfulness In Relation To Mental Health Among First-Generation Immigrant And Refugee Muslim Women In The Usa: An Exploratory Study, Karisse A. Callender, Lee Za Ong, Enaya Othman

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The goal of our study was to explore how first-generation immigrant/refugee Muslim women experience prayer and mindfulness in relation to their mental health. Participants were nine women from an urban city in the Midwestern USA. The women completed a structured demographic survey and a virtual semi-structured interview in a focus group. Using qualitative thematic analysis, we obtained four overarching themes from the data: (a) Prayer helps to build community, (b) Prayer promotes wellbeing, (c) Prayer increases faith, and (d) Prayer encourages intentional awareness. The findings demonstrate that prayer involves awareness and has a strong influence on the mental health of …

Changes In Cognitive Control Following A Novel Resilience-Focused Nursing Educational Program: An Exploratory Study, Shannon Dames, Wendy Young, Olave Krigolson, Kelly Zhang, Lincoln Stoller, Robyn Bartle

Quality Advancement in Nursing Education - Avancées en formation infirmière

Patient care is currently challenged by various factors including stress and nurse fatigue that can negatively impact nurses’ health and patient safety. Emotional exhaustion and burnout among nurses are at an all-time high. Canadian nurses are reporting clinical rates of depression, anxiety, and panic at disproportionately higher rates than other public safety personnel. Innovative educational programs are desperately needed to mitigate stress and relieve distress, which will ultimately promote a healthier and more productive workforce. Little is known about the effectiveness of research informed cognitive control education within a community of practice (COP) to help nurses and nursing students process …

The Relationship Between Grit And Growth Mindset In Professional Athletic Training Students, Haleigh M. Gray, Ryan Moran, Danae Delfin

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: The demands of athletic training students are substantial between academic and clinical responsibilities creating problems with commitment and retention. Grit and growth mindset have been associated with academic achievement and success; however, little research has assessed the presence of grit and growth mindset within athletic training students. Therefor the purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in grit and growth mindset between athletic training students and non-athletic training students majoring in general health sciences and to assess the relationship between grit and growth mindset in both athletic training students and non-athletic training students. Methods: A cross-sectional study …

Impacts On Elementary School Students Related To Covid-19 And The Role Of Social-Emotional Learning In Children’S Mental Health, Amanda Davis

Education | Master's Theses

Research has shown that schools provide an ideal universal location for preventing behavioral issues and supporting students’ mental health (Ball et al., 2016; Daunic, et al., 2021; Maras et al., 2015). A large body of research has also connected students’ social-emotional skills and their attainment of academic success (Cook et al., 2018; Durlak et al., 2011). With this research and the gaining popularity of SEL, more SEL programs are being created, implemented, and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to understand some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young students' mental health and how teachers have responded …

Influencing Well-Being: A Study Of Childhood Risk Factors As Predictive Indicators For Future Mental Health Difficulties, Jennifer Sahr

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Previous literature demonstrates common childhood characteristics of adults with mental health problems and children with internalizing and externalizing behavior challenges (Fatori et al., 2013; Jaffee et al., 2002; Koegel et al., 1995; Morrissey et al., 2014). Still, little research exists having associated school-based internalizing and externalizing behavior screening scores with the risk factors described in the literature (i.e., low socioeconomic status, office discipline referrals, homelessness, low academic achievement, low attendance rates, and ethnicity- and gender-based issues). This quantitative correlational study aimed to estimate the predictive value the childhood risk factors had on the results of the Student Risk Screening Scale …

Addressing Systemic Inequities: A Psychoeducational Group For Advocating For African Americans, Jaree' Barnwell

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This paper will discuss and describe the development of an open psychoeducational group that will empower people of the community through education to advocate for African American/Black people within institutions that may perpetuate barriers. Acknowledging that one in four people struggle with mental health issues, it is imperative to consider an appropriate treatment modality that destigmatizes mental health and equips participants with information. This group is especially relevant as one in three African Americans, who struggle with mental health concerns, will never receive the appropriate care comparatively afforded to white populations. This thesis will concisely discuss the education system, the …

Wellbeing @ Work: The Holistic Development Of On-Campus Student Employees, Matthew Mciver

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

In this action research project, I sought to learn how on-campus student employment affects students’ academic success, their leadership development, and their mental health. This project worked with current student employees in the Campus Recreation department at the University of San Diego (USD) to learn both how day-to-day responsibilities and commitments affect a students’ ability to succeed academically, and how it relates to their mental health. The project also sought to help depict whether the department’s student development system successfully or unsuccessfully develops students’ transferable and leadership skills. Participants completed a survey and participated in a one-on-one interview to share …

Exploring The Mental Health And Burnout Among Educators, Kelsey Van't Zelfde

Master of Education Program Theses

This study examined the internal and external factors that contribute to stress and burnout among teachers in a group of denominational schools located in the United States. Thirty-one educators from these schools participated in a short survey to examine their personal experience with these factors and to identify areas of concern. These educators had varying years of experience. The participants were surveyed about their teaching careers and the results indicate that negative factors such as job satisfaction, workload, classroom management, lack of appreciation and support, and lack of self-care can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of teachers …

Accessibility Of Mental Health Resources In Schools, Zitlaly Lizeth Cruz-Roman, Vianney Consepcion Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine parents’ and staff’s perception of the accessibility and awareness of mental health resources in school. Mental health resources are made available in school settings; however, not all families and students are aware of the resources being provided. To address the accessibility of mental health resources, research needs to take place to understand why these resources are not being utilized. Individuals’ mental health will improve by creating awareness of the resources since they will be aware of the resources and use them based on their needs. The research project utilized quantitative research methods and descriptive research …

Parents' Experiences Of Children With A Rare Disease Attending A Mainstream School: Australia, Mandie Foster, Esther Adama, Diana Arabiat, Kevin Runions, Rena Vithiatharan, Maggie Zgambo, Ashleigh Lin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

To explore the perceptions of parents who had a child or adolescent (6-18 years) diagnosed with a rare disease who attended a mainstream school in Western Australia.

Design and methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 41 parents of children with a rare disease. Here we report the findings of 14 open-ended questions on their experience of illness-related factors and impact on school-related social activities, such as sports, school camps and leadership roles whilst their child with a rare disease attended a mainstream school in Australia. Responses were analysed using an inductive thematic content approach.

Results:

We identified …

Journaling As A Social-Emotional Teaching Practice To Promote Adolescent Mental Health, Mackenzie Robertson

Honors Projects

Given the current state of education in the United States, there has been an influx in the number of adolescents diagnosed with a mental illness or have experienced struggles with their mental health. Because of this, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies have been introduced further into adolescent education to bolster the skills students learned in their youths. To assist in the promotion of the five SEL competencies, different journaling strategies can be introduced to impact adolescent mental health positively and continue to practice SEL for life beyond high school. The purpose of this research is to introduce these strategies to pre-service …

An Examination Of Mental Health In First-Year College Students, Emily Jolin Luettke

Masters Theses

Research shows that first-year college students are likely to struggle with their transition into a higher education institution, which can lead to an influx of various mental health issues. This project explores factors that impact the adjustment to college as well as examines barriers that individuals face that keep them from seeking professional help. As mental health issues are on the rise, especially with the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to have conversations with students on mental health. The goal is to educate students in an effort to reduce mental health stigma and share information about resources …

Managing Mental Health Risks On Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Faculty Development Approach, Katherine A. Hoffswell

Culminating Experience Projects

Over the past several decades, the increase in college students participating in study abroad programming has coincided with the increase in students reporting issues with their mental health. Faculty directors who lead short-term study abroad trips are responsible for creating a safe environment that supports student health, wellbeing, and learning while abroad. However, literature suggests that many faculty directors feel unprepared to address issues with student mental health as they facilitate their programs. This project seeks to improve faculty director competency and confidence regarding mental health risk management abroad through the creation and implementation of a virtual professional development series. …

Evaluating A Relationship Education Program With Incarcerated Adults, Terra L. Jackson, Francesca Adler-Baeder, Leah Burke, Silvia Vilches

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Research indicates healthy family relationships can reduce recidivism. More effort has been placed towards providing family life programming in prisons to promote healthy individual and relational functioning, yet only a handful of studies have evaluated and provided insight on relationship education (RE) for incarcerated adults. This study contributes to this emerging effort and examines changes following participation in a RE program, using a sample of 461 incarcerated men and women. Findings indicate significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms and conflict resolution skills. Additional tests of moderation of change by gender, relationship status, and child age revealed a greater change …

Disrupting Monolithic Representations Of Lgbtq+ Youth: Moving Toward Intersectionality, Matthew S. Jeffries, Ashley S. Boyd, Janine Julianna Darragh

Research on Diversity in Youth Literature

No abstract provided.

Student Well-Being In Middle Schools: The Impact Of Mental Health On Young Adolescents, Tamaya M. Varnedoe

Honors College Theses

Adolescence is a crucial period for emotional and physical development. It is important to acknowledge the physical and emotional changes to an individual’s mental well-being as it can affect their social and emotional habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the role mental health plays in the academic success of young adolescents by exploring Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) programs within middle schools. Through this research, the research seeks to determine the best practices teachers and counselors recommend to adequately support middle school students.

Student Intentions To Engage Instructors In Mental Health-Related Conversations: An Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Allie White, Hannah Ball, Sara Labelle

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Objective

Considering that college students experience mental health issues and college counseling centers are overwhelmed, this study identifies instructors as a potential mental health resource for students. This study utilizes the theory of planned behavior to investigate the relationship between students’ attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms, perceived behavioral control, and their intentions to engage their instructors in mental health conversations.

Participants

Participants were 311 undergraduate students at a small, private university in Southern California.

Methods

Participants were recruited through a Communication subject pool and completed an online survey about engaging instructors in these conversations.

Results

Results of a regression analysis …

Infographic: Principal Health And Wellbeing, Dominique Russell

Teacher infographics

The annual Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2021 data show school leaders continue to experience negative health and wellbeing. In this infographic, we explore the survey results for various aspects of health and wellbeing.

Understanding Boundary Turbulence And Privacy Rules From The Receiver’S Perspective In Mental Illness Disclosures, Ian Maltas

Honors Theses

The present study aims to address a gap in current research focusing on relational outcomes of mental illness disclosures by studying the perspective of people who listen to the disclosures (called “receivers”). This study uses Communication Privacy Management Theory to analyze the process of disclosure, and its main research focus is on motivations for disseminating private information, and how that impacts relationships and privacy rules between co-owners of information. A thematic analysis was conducted to answer this inquiry, and a data conference was held to determine relevant themes in the data. The present study finds that people chose to tell …

Implementing Nutrition Education During Advisory Periods To Decrease Obesity And Increase Students’ Social Emotional Well-Being, Matthew Niemeier

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Childhood obesity rates are at an all time high, and mental health issues are rising every day. Recently, Carl Sandburg High School has seen a steady increase of the number of students’ with high Body Mass Index (BMI) and mental health struggles. This school improvement plan addresses the impact and role the school environment can have in decreasing students’ BMI and increasing students’ quality of life. The plan contains information on developing a nutrition education intervention program, as well as making changes to the school breakfast and lunch program and the food choices it provides students.