Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Rural Texas School Counselors Working With Students’ Mental Health After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lanessa K. Allman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of rural Texas counselors when working with students’ mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to answer questions of what school counselors describe as the mental health environment for students in rural Texas schools prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in the mental health environment of rural students. Most existing research has been focused on how COVID-19 changed school counselors’ roles and responsibilities and how the pandemic affected students’ mental health. The current study concentrated on the …

The State Of Mental Health In The Mountain West, 2023, Ayda Atici, Freddy Nie, Jesse M. Fager-Larsen, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet examines the state of mental health for both youth and adults and availability of mental health care in the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are retrieved from Mental Health America’s (MHA) 2023 report, The State of Mental Health in America.

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 …

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.

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 …

Holistic Healthcare: Bridging The Gap With Primary Mental Health Care, Peter Nyame

Non-Thesis Student Work

The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is crucial for addressing the holistic well-being of individuals, particularly in light of the interconnected nature of physical and mental health. However, prevailing gaps persist, marked by a shortage of mental health professionals, limited resources, and enduring stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Notably, the state of Maine faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to mental health care, with a substantial portion of the population lacking sufficient support. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the urgency of integrating mental health services into primary care, amplifying existing challenges and necessitating adaptive …

Unlv Mental Health Initiatives: Unifying Through Innovation And Collaboration, The Lincy Institute, Unlv Practice, Behere Nv, Unlv Department Of Psychology

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada persistently ranks at or near the bottom in the country for overall access to mental health services despite the need (Mental Health America, 2015-2023). UNLV faculty are developing initiatives to change this unacceptable situation. The Lincy Institute, in partnership with UNLV PRACTICE, BeHERE Nevada, and researchers from the Department of Psychology, offered a community forum showcasing three mental health initiatives harnessing faculty collaboration and innovation to drive overdue changes in Nevada’s mental-health landscape. Following the presentations policymakers engaged in open discussion with UNLV presenters and the audience. The three main initiatives showcased in this forum …

International Student’S Perception Of Mental Health And Well-Being, Shirin Rodriques

Capstone Research Posters

The objective of this research aims to investigate the question, “What are the perceptions of international students on mental health and well-being?” The main focus of the study is to determine the mental health perceptions of international students, including the factors that influence their mental well-being, their awareness of available resources, and their engagement in accessing such resources. The study also focuses on whether adequate resources and services are available to support these students while they are pursuing their studies in post-secondary institutions in Canada. The research used a quantitative approach by conducting an anonymous online survey using Microsoft Forms. …

International Students And Mental Health, Danisha Gnaneswaran

Capstone Research Posters

This research seeks to explore the barriers and challenges international students face in Canada. The study was conducted to understand how these barriers and challenges effect international student’s mental health and what their perceptions are about utilizing mental health and well-being services. The approach used in this research was quantitative, an online anonymous survey conducted that received in total of 30 responses. The results show that participants experience financial challenges, loneliness, and housing. Participants have financial difficulties and limited knowledge and awareness in accessing mental health and well-being services. Further improvements have been encouraged towards mental health and well-being services …

International Students And Mental Health And Wellness, Rebecca Ramos Rosas

Capstone Research Posters

Despite concerns raised by previous literature about the undertreatment of mental health issues among international students, findings from this study suggest varied experiences during the pandemic. While some participants reported challenges accessing healthcare due to pandemic restrictions, others noted improved accessibility to healthcare services, including mental health resources. Furthermore, the study explores international students' perceptions of their college or university's supportiveness in navigating the Canadian education system. Recommendations for healthcare providers to enhance accessibility to resources for college and university students include improving communication and expanding health and wellness services. Additionally, participants highlighted financial issues and the availability of healthcare …

The Complexities Of Serious Mental Illness And Homelessness : A Cognitive Resource Manual (An Occupational Therapy Perspective), Alexandra Sosa, Britta Erie, Nydia Johnson, Sydney Jones, Tina Deangelis, Edd, Ms, Otr/L, Faota

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program Capstone Presentations

Objectives:

1. Provide resources to educate clinical and non-clinical practitioners regarding the impact and intersection between functional cognition, serious mental illness (SMI), and homelessness.
2. Highlight the intersectionality of functional cognition, serious mental illness, and being unhoused on performance and behavior as it relates to the non-medical drivers of health.
3. Educate on the importance of advocacy for the unhoused population in providing access to services to better support their ability to participate in daily occupations including: management of serious mental illness, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), rest & sleep, leisure, social …

Design, Protocol And Baseline Data Of Nurturing Healthy Teachers, A Cluster Non-Randomized Controlled Trial To Improve The Health, Well-Being, And Food Security Of Preschool And Elementary School Teachers In Houston, Texas, Shreela V Sharma, Mackenzie Senn, Angela Zieba, Miao Tang, Ru-Jye Chuang, Courtney Byrd-Williams, Mike Pomeroy, Azar Gaminian, Jill Cox, Katherine French, Nalini Ranjit

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: We present the conceptual framework, design, and study measures of Nurturing Healthy Teachers, a quasi-experimental study to examine the short- and long-term effectiveness of the Nurturing Healthy Teachers (NHT) nutrition intervention on food insecurity, dietary behaviors, mental health and cardiometabolic health among preschool and elementary school teachers.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 28 elementary schools with pre-kindergarten and elementary classrooms were recruited in Houston, Texas. Nurturing Healthy Teacher intervention includes Brighter Bites, an evidence-based coordinated school health program that combines access to fresh produce and nutrition education, and Create Healthy Futures, a web-based nutrition education program that targets nutrition …

The Missing Link: The Significance Of Mental Health Screenings Post Natural Disasters: An Integrative Review, Chalita Mccormick Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following a natural disaster, the emotional and psychological demands on survivors are great. In addition to generating suffering, such as bodily injuries, natural disasters impact disaster victims’ lives in catastrophic ways, causing loss of homes, property, and jobs; food insecurities; transportation disruption; and communication difficulties. These events disrupt communities, exacerbating adversities to physical and psychological well-being. This presents a critical need for effective mental health response. Screening specific to post-disaster trauma may assist in identifying clients who require prioritized mental health care. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder are three common mental health issues that are often triggered by disasters. …

Mental Health Provider Shortage In Rural Communities, Barrow N. Tabe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the dire issue of mental health provider shortages in rural communities in the South, exploring the unique challenges faced by rural communities in the United States. Rural communities often struggle with limited access to mental health resources, resulting in disparities in care and exacerbating the burden on individuals facing mental health challenges. This study examines existing literature, highlighting the complex nature of the problem, including geographical, socioeconomic, cultural factors, and biblical perspectives that contribute to the shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities. Instrumental challenges identified include the shortage of credentialed mental professionals, lack of healthcare …

Mental Health Attitudes And Perspectives Of Arab Americans: Beliefs Associated With Stigma, Treatment, And The Origins Of Pathology, Sadie Knill, Liam Browning, Nicole Oska, George Kidess, Liza Hinchey, Arwa Saleem, Malaak Elhage, Arash Javanbakht

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose:

Arab Americans are one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. Despite elevated incidence of mental illness and diminished rates of treatment within this community, the mental health of Arab Americans, along with their attitudes towards mental health, has not received adequate study. Unique cultural interpretations of mental illness may engender stigma, exacerbating disparities in treatment. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and perspectives of Arab Americans concerning mental illness, with the goal of identifying and addressing barriers to treatment.

Methods:

Using an anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey, we assessed Arab and non-Arab participants (n = 294; …

A Systematic Review Of Digital Technology Use For The Treatment And Management Of Ptsd, Liam Browning, Arash Javanbakht, Imran Rashid

Medical Student Research Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid growth in telemental health services and investment in digital mental health technologies. Digital mental health technologies could expand access to mental health care in a time of increasing provider deficit by providing tools for expedited psychiatric symptom assessment and management. This systematic review explores the current evidence for the use of scalable digital treatment modalities, including virtual reality (VR), machine learning, wearables, mobile apps, and neurofeedback training in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD. Our findings support the current literature suggesting VR interventions are efficacious for combat-related PTSD treatment and that conclusions of studies …

Use Of Mobile Technology To Identify Behavioral Mechanisms Linked To Mental Health Outcomes In Kenya: Protocol For Development And Validation Of A Predictive Model., Willie Njoroge, Rachel Maina, Lukoye Atwoli, Elena Frank, Zhenke Wu, Anthony Ngugi, Srijan Sen, Linda Khakali, Andrew Aballa, James Orwa, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Objective: This study proposes to identify and validate weighted sensor stream signatures that predict near-term risk of a major depressive episode and future mood among healthcare workers in Kenya.

Approach: The study will deploy a mobile application (app) platform and use novel data science analytic approaches (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) to identifying predictors of mental health disorders among 500 randomly sampled healthcare workers from five healthcare facilities in Nairobi, Kenya.

Expectation: This study will lay the basis for creating agile and scalable systems for rapid diagnostics that could inform precise interventions for mitigating depression and ensure a healthy, resilient …

Selective Mutism In The Classroom, Audrey Whisman

CAFE Symposium 2024

Selective Mutism is an extreme form of anxiety where in social situations, you completely freeze. It affects around 1 child in every 5 classrooms, but is considered to be one of the most misunderstood mental health disorders. Audrey Whisman created a curriculum program and guidebook which she will use to educate school professionals and teachers about what symptoms look like and how they can best support their students.

Making Cities Mental Health Friendly For Adolescents And Young Adults, Pamela Y. Collins, Moitreyee Sinha, Tessa Concepcion, George Patton, Thaisa Way, Layla Mccay, Augustina Mensa-Kwao, Helen Herrman, Evelyne De Leeuw, Lukoye Atwoli

Brain and Mind Institute

Urban life shapes the mental health of city dwellers, and although cities provide access to health, education and economic gain, urban environments are often detrimental to mental health1,2. Increasing urbanization over the next three decades will be accompanied by a growing population of children and adolescents living in cities3. Shaping the aspects of urban life that influence youth mental health could have an enormous impact on adolescent well-being and adult trajectories4. We invited a multidisciplinary, global group of researchers, practitioners, advocates and young people to complete sequential surveys to identify and prioritize the characteristics of a mental health-friendly city for …

Editorial: The Impact Of Social Media, Gaming, And Smartphone Usage On Mental Health, Justin Thomas, Fahad Al-Beyahi, Carl Gaspar

All Works

No abstract provided.

Skills To Support Mental Health In Uncertain Times, Part 1: Being Open, Rachel Byers, Heather H. Kelley, Ty Aller, Timothy Keady

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes the skill of being open, an important component of psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility, being able to respond to uncomfortable thoughts and feelings in a flexible and values-aligned way, can help protect and improve an individual's quality of life. Openness includes learning to accept uncomfortable thoughts and sensations rather than pushing them away. The fact sheet includes exercises that research has shown can help increase openness. Two other fact sheets are part of this Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times series, including "Part 2: Cultivating Awareness," and "Part 3: Being Engaged."

Cross-Sectional And Descriptive Study On The Challenges And Awareness Of Hispanic Parents Regarding Their Adolescents’ Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jihye Kim, Robin Scott

Faculty and Research Publications

Research has shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the United States experienced mental health issues that became a significant social concern. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the majority of adolescents maintain positive emotions despite the crisis. This cross-sectional and descriptive study delves into the emotional states of adolescents during the pandemic, considering the viewpoints of both adolescents and their parents, with a specific focus on Hispanic adolescents. Survey results revealed that most adolescents reported positive and happy moods. However, a percentage of adolescents experienced worry, significant changes in feelings, and loneliness as …

Lived Experiences: Growing Up With A Seriously Mentally Ill Parent, Deborah Lindell, Elliane Irani

Faculty Scholarship

Introduction: Individuals with serious mental illness often have persistent and disruptive symptoms. These can profoundly affect their children's lives, exposing them to adverse social and psychological conditions. Such conditions can result in traumatic lived experiences during childhood, which can carry over into adulthood, influencing their self-perceptions and shaping their attitudes toward themselves and society. To gain insights into this phenomenon, this study explored the lived experiences of adults who grew up with a parent with serious mental illness and their perceptions of their lives in adulthood. Design: This study used an interpretive phenomenological design. Methods: Participants were invited to voluntarily …

Empathy, Ethics, And Empowerment: Supervising The Transpersonal Therapist, John Elfers, Patty Hlava

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This grounded theory study addressed the question What model explains the essential qualities, skills, and competencies of an effective supervisory relationship for transpersonal therapists in training? It emerged out of a recognition that current training models for supervisors were not inclusive of competencies to address the needs of therapist trainees who are oriented toward a transpersonal approach to psychotherapy. The results of 22 interviews with trainees and supervisors surfaced a fundamental tension within the supervisory relationship in the distinction among the primary responsibility of the supervisor for ensuring client welfare, and encouraging supervisees to develop their personal therapeutic orientation and …

Risk Of Depression In Persons With Alzheimer's Disease: A National Cohort Study, Casey Crump, Weiva Sieh, Barbara G Vickrey, Alexis C Edwards, Jan Sundquist, Kristina Sundquist

Journal Articles

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a risk factor and possible prodromal symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but little is known about subsequent risk of developing depression in persons with AD.

METHODS: National matched cohort study was conducted of all 129,410 persons diagnosed with AD and 390,088 with all-cause dementia during 1998-2017 in Sweden, and 3,900,880 age- and sex-matched controls without dementia, who had no prior depression. Cox regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for major depression through 2018.

RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of major depression was 13% in persons with AD and 3% in controls. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, …

The Lived Experience Of The Covid-19 Pandemic Among Mandate-Resistant Adults In Washington State, Amber N. Peterson

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

This study examined the lived experience of self-identified, mandate-resistant adults in Washington state. This study explored participants’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, from a retrospective framework by uncovering challenges, silver linings, decision-making, and self-reported mental health. Remote interviews were conducted with nine participants. Participants were between 23–31 years old, mostly male, and over half identified as Black. Through semi structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Participants described their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted significant changes in the way they lived their lives. Most notably, participants described ways in which they defied COVID-19 …

Navigating New Normals: Student Perceptions, Experiences, And Mental Health Service Utilization In Post-Pandemic Academia, Hadiza Galadima, Anne Dumadag, Cara Tonn

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

This study explores the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education, focusing on shifts in learning experiences and students’ intentions to utilize mental health services post-pandemic. Utilizing Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study assesses perceptions from a stratified random sample of college students on post-pandemic learning experiences and mental health service utilization intentions. Findings reveal a positive reception to university initiatives and a preference for ongoing virtual classes. There is an evident increase in, and varying intentions for, using mental health services, shaped by demographics, employment, and prior service utilization. Younger and female students showed …

Dose-Response Effects Of Exercise On Mental Health In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Exploration Of Genetic Moderators, Swathi Gujral, Marcia Burns, Kirk I. Erickson, Dana Rofey, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, Simon M. Laws, Belinda Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objective: (1) Examine the role of exercise intensity on mental health symptoms in a community-based sample of older adults. (2) Explore the moderating role of genetic variation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) on the effects of exercise on mental health symptoms. Method: This study is a secondary analysis of a three-arm randomized controlled trial, comparing the effects of 6 months of high-intensity aerobic training vs. moderate-intensity aerobic training vs. a no-contact control group on mental health symptoms assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and APOE 4 carrier status were …

Skills To Support Mental Health In Uncertain Times, Part 3: Being Engaged, Heather H. Kelley, Rachel Byers, Ty Aller, Timothy Keady

All Current Publications

This fact sheet is the third in a series of three about skills to improve mental health. It addresses how being engaged involves aligning your actions with your values (what you care about). This can be done by setting goals and committing to following through with the goals.