Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Tackling The Complexities Of The Obesity Pandemic Among The Bame Population In The Uk Through Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: A Narrative Review, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Alan Rhodes, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Jennifer Teke, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity's multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application …

The Theory Of Mattering: Implications For Adolescent Depression And Suicidal Ideation, Josie Lucretia Bryan

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies have suggested that mattering may influence both self-esteem and depression, and the perception of not mattering can lead to suicide ideation, attempts, or completion. When young people perceive they matter to those in their social environment, that sense of mattering can act as a protective factor. Existing research supports the notion that mattering is salient to adolescent development and, importantly, potentially malleable which could make it a prevention/intervention factor. The current study endeavored to identify contributing factors to adolescent perceived mattering and to test the Theory of Mattering in an adolescent population when predicting mental health outcomes. A …

Eating Through Trauma, Thea R. Jordan

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

Ever skipped a meal because you didn't feel hungry? This is likely because the body was not in a state of rest and digest. When our bodies are overloaded with cortisol (stress hormones), and adrenaline we are not able to effectively digest food, leaving us in a heightened state that is deeply disruptive to the nervous system.

Avoiding situations where you will be eating or skipping meals altogether is a simple protection mechanism that the body uses in the event it needs to fight or flight. When the body has been conditioned to be hypervigilant in the event of a …

Capstone Project: The Spirit Of Play, Brooke W. Spencer

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

Play is a powerful tool for self-care for people of all ages, yet most adults don’t use it enough. To help others cultivate more play in their lives, I created a blog called The Spirit of Play Blog. In the blog I discuss the importance of play and ways it can be incorporated into life. The blog also provided readers with a chance to reflect on play in their own lives and challenged them to play more and in new ways.

Ride The Wave (The Wave Of Recovery): Leisure Time Activities, Donald R. Martin Sr.

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

Ride the Wave (The Wave of Recovery) Leisure Time Activities is the title of a leisure time activities booklet that was created by Donnie Martin in partnership with Recovery in Motion (RIM, non-profit organization), as a resource to help reduce occurrences of addiction relapses in the Twin Falls community. The hope is that more recovering addicts will be successful in their recovery and transition into a recovery lifestyle becoming productive members of the Twin Falls community. The leisure time activities booklet is being distributed and edified to recovering addicts in recovery support groups by RIM support group facilitators and by …

Stress Management Podcast Capstone Project, Jessica A. Thomas

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

The Stress Management Podcast Capstone Project sought to answer the question of how I might raise awareness about integrating holistic mental health services into my health coaching practice. This relevant topic centered on developing an innovative solution by drawing together two opposing perspectives from public health opinions and holistic health mindset. Launching a podcast proved to be a creative means for offering value to all stakeholders involved. Listeners received free holistic stress support, community and mental health professionals gained additional tools for their clients, while I established myself as an expert on mental health coaching. Exercising emotional intelligence regarding the …

Reaching Out Handbook, Boise State University

Rebuilding the Launchpad: Serving Students During Covid Resource Library

The Reaching Out Handbook has been created for the purpose of providing you with information about Counseling Services, about other campus resources, and how to most effectively assist individuals in distress.

Our goal is to help you recognize some of the symptoms of individual distress, as well as provide some specific options for intervention and for referral to campus resources. We are available to assist you with problem situations and to consult with you on whether to intervene with a particular individual and when to refer.

Guidelines are offered but each individual will need to consider what is appropriate in …

A Quality Improvement Pilot To Reduce Caregiver Burden In Caregivers Of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (Hsct) Patients In A Hsct Program In The Northwest, Jody Acheson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an intensive and complex treatment for certain blood cancers. Caregivers are required for patients receiving this treatment. Caregivers frequently experience caregiver burden. Providing an intervention to alleviate caregiver burden can positively impact patient and caregiver health outcomes.

Project Design: The following was the project design: 1) review the literature to understand the best practices to prevent caregiver burden for caregivers of patients undergoing HSCT, 2) development a pilot quality improvement program based on the evidence, 3) implementation of the pilot, and 4) obtaining feedback from facilitators and participants to optimize intervention for ongoing …

Beyond The Food Pantry: Supporting #Realcollege Students During Covid-19, Sara Goldrick-Rab

Rebuilding the Launchpad: Serving Students During Covid Resource Library

Colleges and universities across the United States and around the world are scrambling to keep their students, faculty, and staff healthy, safe, and educated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As experts on the daily crises that derail #RealCollege students and prevent them from completing their degrees our team at the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice offers the following considerations and resources to support your work.

#Realcollege During The Pandemic: New Evidence On Basic Needs Insecurity And Student Well-Being, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Vanessa Coca, Gregory Kienzl, Carrie R. Welton, Sonja Dahl, Sarah Magnelia, Sarah Magnelia

Rebuilding the Launchpad: Serving Students During Covid Resource Library

In March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic struck American higher education. Colleges closed campuses, students lost jobs, and emergency resources failed to meet the demands caused by the crisis. This report examines the pandemic’s impact on students, from their basic needs security to their well-being, as indicated by employment status, academic engagement, and mental health.

The Efficacy Of A Brief, School-Based Bystander Bullying Intervention On High School Student Alcohol Use, April D. Watts, Diana M. Doumas, Aida Midgett

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

We examined the efficacy of a brief, bystander bullying intervention on reducing alcohol use among high school students (n = 61). As hypothesized, high-risk drinkers in the intervention group reported reduced drinking compared to control students at a 30-day follow-up.

Effects Of Acute Physical Activity On Nih Toolbox-Measured Cognitive Functions Among Children In Authentic Education Settings, H. G. Calvert, J. M. Barcelona, D. Melville, L. Turner

University Author Recognition Bibliography: 2019

Introduction: Identifying a dose of physical activity (PA) that can improve cognitive function in children has important implications for school-day PA recommendations. Researchers and educators have interest in this link as it relates to both health and academic performance. This study examined the dose-response relationship between PA and improvement in cognition in a sample of fifth and sixth grade students.

Methods: Participants (n = 156) from eight classes each completed two of four different cognitive assessments on an iPad, both before and after exposure to one of four randomized, 10-min PA conditions (sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous). Conditions …

The Impact Of A Brief, Bullying Bystander Intervention On Internalizing Symptoms: Is Gender A Moderator Of Intervention Effects?, Diana M. Doumas, Aida Midgett, April D. Watts

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a brief, bystander bullying intervention on reducing internalizing symptoms among students (N = 65). Although witnessing bullying is associated with mental health risks, the majority of research on bystander interventions focuses on the impact of these programs on school-wide bullying reduction rather than improved emotional outcomes for those trained to intervene. Results indicated high school students trained in a brief, bystander bullying intervention reported greater decreases in internalizing symptoms from baseline to a 3-month follow-up compared to students in a control group. Further, gender moderated intervention effects such that …

Continuing Education In Motivational Interviewing For Addiction Counselors: Reducing The Research‐To‐Practice Gap, Diana M. Doumas, Raissa M. Miller, Susan Esp

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The researchers evaluated the effectiveness of continuing education training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) for addiction counselors. Participants reported a significant increase in counseling self-efficacy and 86.8% reported increasing MI use in their practice. Only 3.9%, however, participated in post-training consultation.

Age Of Drinking Initiation As A Mediator Of The Relationship Between Sensation Seeking And Heavy Drinking Among High School Seniors, Diana M. Doumas, Rob Turrisi, Raissa Miller, Susan Esp, Brian Flay

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Sensation seeking has been identified as a significant risk factor for adolescent alcohol use. Little is known, however, about the process by which sensation seeking impacts heavy alcohol use. The current study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among sensation seeking, age of drinking initiation, and heavy alcohol use in a sample of high school seniors (N = 221). Results supporting age of drinking initiation as a mediator of the relationship between sensation seeking and heavy alcohol use. Implications include providing personality-targeted prevention to adolescents who display sensation seeking traits to delay drinking initiation among these …

Reducing Alcohol-Related Consequences Among High School Seniors: Efficacy Of A Brief, Web-Based Intervention, Diana M. Doumas, Susan Esp

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The authors examined the efficacy of a brief, web-based personalized feedback intervention on reducing alcohol-related consequences among high school seniors (N = 105) using a group-randomized controlled design. Results of repeated measures mixed-models analyses indicated significant intervention effects over time for alcohol-related consequences at 30-day and 6-month follow-up assessments. Drinking risk-status moderated intervention effects such that results were only significant for high-risk drinkers (i.e., students reporting initiation of heavy episodic drinking at baseline).

The Effects Of Students’ Perceptions Of Teachers’ Anti-Bullying Behavior On Bullying Vicimization: Is Sense Of School Belonging A Mediator?, Diana M. Doumas, Aida Midgett

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study evaluated the influence of students’ perceptions of teachers’ anti-bullying behavior and sense of school belonging on bullying victimization among elementary school students (N = 110). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a mediational model in which we hypothesized sense of school belonging would mediate the relationship between students’ perceptions of teacher behavior and bullying victimization. Results supported the mediational model, indicating students’ perceptions of teachers’ anti-bullying behavior was positively related to sense of school belonging, which in turn was related to lower levels of bullying victimization. Findings highlight the importance of teachers in fostering a …

Experiences Of Middle School Counselors Learning And Applying Principles Of Neuroscience, Raissa Miller, Laura Gallo, Lauren Moore

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Adolescence is a critical period of development during which time individuals’ brains experience increased neuroplasticity and structural reorganization (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013; Bava & Tapert, 2010; Casey, Getz, & Galvan, 2008). Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change in response to new learning and environmental influences (Siegel, 2012). A number of factors influence an individual’s brain development and associated changes in affect, cognition, and behavior, including genetic predispositions, early childhood experiences, and temperament (Steinberg, 2014). For example, adolescents who have a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a set of toxic experiences such as abuse or having a caretaker …

Re-Thinking Bullying Interventions For High School Students: A Qualitative Study, Aida Midgett, Diana M. Doumas, April Johnston, Rhiannon Trull, Raissa Miller

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this study was to obtain feedback to inform a modification of a brief, school-based bullying intervention originally developed for elementary and middle school students to be age appropriate for the high school level. We investigated the in-depth, inner experiences of high school students randomly selected to participate in a brief, bystander bullying intervention program. Thorough qualitative analysis, we found students spoke about (a) the complexity of bullying in high school, (b) cyberbullying and increased potential consequences related to social media, (c) the normalization and minimization of bullying, (d) lack of adult support, (e) an appreciation for the …

Linking Molar Organizational Climate And Strategic Implementation Climate To Clinicians’ Use Of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Techniques: Cross-Sectional And Lagged Analyses From A 2-Year Observational Study, Nathaniel J. Williams, Mark G. Ehrhart, Gregory A. Aarons, Steven C. Marcus, Rinad S. Beidas

Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Behavioral health organizations are characterized by multiple organizational climates, including molar climate, which encompasses clinicians’ shared perceptions of how the work environment impacts their personal well-being, and strategic implementation climate, which includes clinicians’ shared perceptions of the extent to which evidence-based practice implementation is expected, supported, and rewarded by the organization. Theory suggests these climates have joint, cross-level effects on clinicians’ implementation of evidence-based practice and that these effects may be long term (i.e., up to 2 years); however, no empirical studies have tested these relationships. We hypothesize that molar climate moderates implementation climate’s concurrent and long-term relationships with …

Exploring The Career Satisfaction Of Counselor Educators, Regina R. Moro, Rebecca Scherer

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this article, the authors report counselor educators’ career satisfaction through a descriptive analysis. Seventy-five counselor educators from all across the United States completed an online demographic questionnaire and four self-report instruments related to career satisfaction in general, work environment, and mentorship experiences. The results indicate that counselor educators report satisfaction with most aspects of the job, but report dissatisfaction with pay/promotion and mentorship. This is important for consideration for current and future counselor educators, due to the amount of time and cost associated with obtaining a doctoral degree. The researchers discuss and suggest future research recommendations.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation Of The “Aged-Up” Stac Bullying Bystander Intervention For High School Students, April D. Johnston, Aida Midgett, Diana M. Doumas, Steve Moody

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This mixed methods study assessed the appropriateness of an “aged-up,” brief bullying bystander intervention (STAC) and explored the lived experiences of high school students trained in the program. Quantitative results included an increase in knowledge and confidence to intervene in bullying situations, awareness of bullying, and use of the STAC strategies. Utilizing the consensual qualitative research methodology, we found students spoke about (a) increased awareness of bullying situations, leading to a heightened sense of responsibility to act; (b) a sense of empowerment to take action, resulting in positive feelings; (c) fears related to intervening in bullying situations; and (d) the …

Counselor Allegiance And Client Expectancy In Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: A 12-Month Qualitative Follow-Up, Thomas A. Field, Eric T. Beeson, Laura K. Jones, Raissa Miller

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article presents summative findings from a 12-month multiphase mixed-methods pilot study examining counselor and client perceptions of neuroscience-informed cognitive-behavior therapy (nCBT) following clinical application. Results from the first 6 months of the study indicated that the counselor's and client's beliefs about the credibility and effectiveness of nCBT (i.e., expectancy) remained stable from pretreatment to 6 months into treatment. The fourth phase of data collection at the 12-month interval followed an explanatory sequential process whereby the qualitative data were connected to earlier merged quantitative data to better understand initial findings from the first 6 months of the study. Results indicate …

The Impact Of Brief Intervention Workshops On Addiction Provider Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices, Diana M. Doumas, Susan Esp, Raissa Miller

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study evaluated the impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) workshops on post-training knowledge, skills, negative attitudes, and interest in implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs). Participants (N = 70) were primarily mental health counselor (41.4%), social workers (20.0%), substance abuse counselors (15.7%), school counselors (5.7%) and nursing professionals (4.3%) who selected the one or two day workshop for continuing education credit. Participants attended either a Basic MI training workshop (one day) or a Basic MI training plus an Advanced MI/SBIRT training workshop (two day) to assess if exposure to two EBPs would improve …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing The Efficacy Of A Brief Online Alcohol Intervention For High School Seniors, Diana M. Doumas, Susan Esp, Brian Flay, Laura Bond

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the efficacy of a brief, web-based personalized feedback intervention (the eCHECKUP TO GO) on alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among high school seniors. Method: Participants (N = 221) were high school seniors randomized by class period to either a brief, web-based personalized feedback intervention (the eCHECKUP TO GO) or an assessment-only control group. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and at a 6-week follow-up. Results: Students participating in the eCHECKUP TO GO intervention reported a significant reduction in weekly drinking quantity, peak drinking quantity, and frequency of …

Establishing School Counselors As Leaders In Bullying Curriculum Delivery: Evaluation Of A Brief, School-Wide Bystander Intervention, Aida Midgett, Diana M. Doumas, April D. Johnston

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The authors evaluated a brief, school-wide bystander bullying intervention (STAC) designed to establish school counselors as leaders in curriculum delivery. Elementary school students trained in the program reported an increase in perceived knowledge and confidence to act as “defenders,” utilizing the STAC strategies when they observed bullying, and a decrease in bullying victimization and perpetration at a 4-month follow-up. We discuss implications for school counselors.

Alcohol Use And Drinking Motives Among Sanctioned And Non-Sanctioned Students, Diana M. Doumas

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examined differences in the relationship of drinking motives to drinking behavior among sanctioned and non-sanctioned first year students (N = 298). Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated for both sanctioned and non-sanctioned students, alcohol use was predicted by social and enhancement motives and alcohol-related consequences were predicted by social, enhancement, and coping motives. Additionally, high levels of conformity motives predicted alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences for sanctioned students only. Counseling implications are discussed.

Substance Use And Bullying Victimization Among Middle And High School Students: Is Positive School Climate A Protective Factor?, Diana M. Doumas, Aida Midgett, April D. Johnston

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examined the relationship between substance use, bullying victimization, and school climate among middle and high school students (N = 498). Bullying victimization predicted substance use, particularly among high schools students. Additionally, among high school students, victims with positive perceptions of school climate reported less illicit drug use.

The Phenomenological Experience Of Student Advocates Trained As “Defenders” To Stop School Bullying, Aida Midgett, Steven J. Moody, Blaine Reilly, Sarah Lyter

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

We investigated lived experiences of student-advocates trained in a brief, bystander bullying intervention program to stop bullying as “defenders.” Personal values, taking perceived risks, implementing bullying intervention strategies, and positive sense of self were core themes with a textural-structural description helping define student’ experiences. Implications and future research are discussed.

Addictions Content Published In Counseling Journals: A 10-Year Content Analysis To Inform Research And Practice, Edward Wahesh, S. Elizabeth Likis-Werle, Regina R. Moro

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This content analysis includes 210 articles that focused on addictions topics published between January 2005 and December 2014 in the journals of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and ACA member divisions. Results include the types of addictions content and behaviors studied as well as the populations and data analytic techniques used in the addictions research articles. Whereas most articles discussed addictions counseling techniques, addictions issues among non-clinical populations, and professional practice issues, fewer articles addressed clients in treatment, utilized clinical populations, or analyzed intervention outcomes. Implications for addictive behaviors …