Other Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Theology Of “Person” With A Focus On Mental Health, Gyeong Kim, Allen Jorgenson

Consensus

In this article we consider a theology of “person” from the perspective of “mental health.” We first outline how a Lutheran theology of the person takes leave from the teaching of justification, which underscores that humans in healthy relationships are shaped by hope. We then outline the problem of mental well-being in Canada, with a higher than average percentage of people with mental health problems against global averages. This is especially noted among Indigenous populations. Using a case study based on a documentary film of an Indigenous youth, we note how people with mental illnesses reflect the state of society, …

Historical And Contemporary Explorations In Neurotheology, Kate Harper

Consensus

This paper explores the field of Neurotheology. Neurotheology is a discipline that was developed in the 1980s and is thriving today; studies on the brain and meditation and/or spiritual practices are on the rise (Newberg, 2018). This paper provides a cursory look at the field and considers some of the historical foundations that played an indirect role in its development.

Processing Youth Adventure Wellness Experiences: Poetic Representations Of Youth’S Peace Bus Experiences, Ty Th Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This narrative inquiry explored how youth are processing their Peace Bus program experiences two and a half years after program completion. The purpose was to gain an understanding of (1) what program components the participants reflect on, (2) how they conceptualize their program experiences, and (3) what factors contribute to their reflection processes. This research sought to address the gap in literature where little is understood about the ongoing experiences of program participants of adventure wellness programs and the processes that lead to positive changes. As the researcher, I conducted a qualitative study using narrative inquiry and poetic representation methods. …

Are We Doing More Than We Know? Possible Mechanisms Of Response To Music Therapy, Amy Clements-Cortés, Lee Bartel

Music Faculty Publications

Due to advances in medical knowledge the population of older adults struggling with issues of aging like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and stroke is growing. There is a need for therapeutic interventions to provide adaptive strategies to sustain quality of life, decrease neurologic impairment, and maintain or slow cognitive decline and function due to degenerative neurologic diseases. Musical interventions with adults with cognitive impairments have received increased attention over the past few years, such as the value of personalized music listening in the iPod project for AD; music as a tool to decrease agitation and anxiety in dementia; …

The Hold Me Tight Program For Couples Becoming Parents: A Mixed Methods Study, Debbie Wang

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

ABSTRACT

Attachment theory has made substantial contributions to the understanding of close relationships. The purpose of this study was to inquire whether an attachment-informed psychoeducational program is a feasible and effective intervention for couples expecting their first child. The overarching question was: Is an attachment-informed relationship enhancement program, such as Hold Me Tight^® (HMT), helpful to couples in strengthening their relationship and increasing their confidence in becoming first-time parents? The research question was addressed using a mixed-methods approach.

In the first phase, the Hold Me Tight^® program developed by Dr. Sue Johnson was modified for use with couples …

Exploring Police Officers' Perceptions Of Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Teams Within A Nodal Policing Framework, Trevor Viersen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

An increasing portion of police service resources are being dedicated to interactions involving persons with mental illness (PMI). As a result, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Teams (MCT) comprised of mental health professionals have been recently implemented to assist police officers in more efficiently handling police calls for service involving PMI. The current ethnographic study used data collected through researcher ride-alongs with police officers at a mid-sized police service in Ontario to assess how police officers interact with and perceive MCTs. Results from thematic analysis indicated that officers value the skill sets possessed by MCT workers, had relatively positive perceptions towards …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Daughters/ Daughters-In-Law Providing Primary Informal Care To Their Mothers/ Mothers-In-Law With Dementia, Sarah Macfarlane

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

Objective

As the senior population in Canada rises, more middle aged residents of Canada will find themselves taking on a caregiving role, often times for a parent with dementia. This research examines the lived experiences of daughters/daughters-in-law providing primary informal care to their mothers/mothers-in-law with dementia in order to understand the motivations, effects, and transitions within caregiving relationships.

Methods

Phenomenology was the theoretical orientation used to guide this research and captured individuals’ lived experiences. Background questionnaires were administered initially, followed by one-on-one semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim upon completion for data analysis. Field notes, member checks, and triangulation …

Short-Term Effects Of Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation In Alzheimer’S Disease: An Exploratory Pilot Study, Amy Clements-Cortés, Heidi Ahonen, Michael Evans, Morris Freedman, Lee Bartel

Music Faculty Publications

This study assessed the effect of stimulating the somatosensory system of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients at three stages of their illness with 40 Hz sound. In this AB cross-over study design, 18 participants (6 mild, 6 moderate, 6 severe) each participated in 13 sessions: one intake and 12 treatment. Treatment A consisted of 40 Hz sound stimulation and Treatment B consisted of visual stimulation using DVDs, each provided twice a week over 6 weeks for a total of 6 times per treatment. Outcome measures included: St. Louis University Mental Status Test (SLUMS), Observed Emotion Rating Scale, and behavioral observation by …

Experiences Of Victimization And Health Care Access Among Non-Metropolitan Lgbtq+ Individuals, Ashley-Ann Marcotte

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals report substantial rates of violence, discrimination, and negative life events due to homophobia and transphobia and these experiences impact access to health care services and programs (Bauer et al, 2009; Grant, Mottet, Tanis, Harrison, & Keisling, 2010) These experiences result in LGBTQ+ communities needing services, programs, and social supports to provide safer spaces. Although it is well recognized that health care services are not a major determinant of health outcomes and yet use more than 60% of health spending (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2014; Muzyka, Hodgson, & Prada, 2012). As such, …

Narrow Escapes: A Feminist Deconstruction Of Anorexia Nervosa In Women, Yvonne L. Mireau

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis is a feminist deconstruction of anorexia nervosa (AN) in women. It begins with questioning the truth claims about AN established by the psychological and psychiatric fields. After an overview of the medical model literature and the feminist literature on eating problems, a critical analysis is used to deconstruct the sociocultural elements of AN. The purpose of this analysis is to critically examine the assumptions which have shaped how clinicians approach the phenomenon of AN in their practice with clients. What has been accepted as underlying psychopathology is deconstructed to reveal normative culturally constructed factors. A paradigm shift towards …