Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Breaking The Silence: Family Conversations On Suicide, Alexa Diaz

Student Works

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth in the United States. Suicide remains to be a stigmatized topic. There is a necessary need for families to openly communicate about suicide as well as knowing what measures they need to take to prevent them from occurring. Providing a child with a secure attachment and an authoritative parenting style decreases the likelihood of suicidal ideation as well as engaging in suicide-related behaviors (Diamond et al., 2022). Media exposure may serve as a resource for parents to enhance their knowledge on mental health literacy (Abesinghe et al., 2023; Cingel et …

Suicide And Sermons: Perceptions Of Pastors And Congregant Members Regarding Suicide, Hope W. Callahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The ongoing global crisis of suicide underscores the imperative for effective prevention measures addressing the mental health struggles of individuals, offering hope, and facilitating access to essential services. Research is vast when considering suicide in general; however, the gap in research lies in understanding the perceptions of pastors and congregant members regarding the topic. Pastors, by integrating the topic of suicide into their sermons, can play a crucial role in prevention through messages of hope and encouragement. This approach fosters open dialogue and reduces stigma within congregations. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain a deeper understanding …

Exploring Arab Americans’ Preferences Towards Telemedicine As A Mental Health Treatment, George G. Kidess, Liam Browning, Nicole Oska, Liza Hinchey, Arwa Saleem, Sadie Knill, Malaak Elhage, Arash Javanbakht

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Arab Americans—a large minority group in the United States—experience higher rates of mental illness and relatively lower rates of treatment compared to the general population. While some factors leading to this disparity have been proposed, data in the literature remains lacking. This study aims to explore Arab-American mental health perspectives with regards to their preferences towards telemental health as a treatment option.

Methods

Responses were collected through an anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey from both Arab and non-Arab participants (n=294, ages 18+). Participants’ perceptions towards telemental health and mental illness stigma were assessed, performing comparisons between Arabs and non-Arabs, as …

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; …

Investigating Arab American Perspectives On Barriers To Mental Health Treatment, Arwa Saleem, Liam Browning, Nicole Oska, George Kidess, Liza Hinchey, Sadie Knill, Malaak Elhage, Arash Javanbakht

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: Compared to the general population, Arab Americans experience higher rates of mental illness and lower rates of mental health treatment. While some causes of this discrepancy have been suggested, there are many gaps in the literature since Arab Americans are not recognized as an ethnic group in the United States. This study aims to analyze Arab-Americans’ outlook on mental health by identifying and addressing the barriers to receiving mental health treatment.

Methods: An anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey was conducted and responses were collected from Arab and non-Arab participants (n=294, ages 18+). The participants’ viewpoints on barriers between Arabs and …

Male Collegiate Student-Athletes Masculinity And Attitudes Toward Mental Health Seeking, Jennifer L. Mayette

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

The mental health and well-being of college student-athletes has recently come to the attention of the general public with the increase in current and past athletes speaking out about the stressors they faced during their collegiate careers. With this increase in attention, higher education institutions and larger athletic associations have turned towards research to identify factors that are contributing to the struggles of student-athletes. One factor that has consistently been identified as a barrier for athletes seeking help for mental health concerns is stigma. For male student-athletes in particular, perception of the stigma associated with receiving psychological help due to …

Diagnosed By Dr. Hollywood: The Media’S On-Screen Depictions Of Mental Illness & Scripting The Public’S Perceptions, Grace Salloum

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

In this study, the primary goal is to observe how media portrayals of mental illnesses can influence society’s perceptions of mental illness, notably when an individual’s knowledge largely hinges on these portrayals. Stigmas shape the attitudes of others towards individuals with mental illnesses. Stigmas refer to the devaluing of attributes rejected by society, and are characterized by status loss, stereotyping, and discrimination. They are sustained through framing effects and attribution. Framing is often used in the media’s presentation of mental health to sensationalize the experience or to generate alarm toward the afflicted. This study includes an analysis of movies and …

The Reported Experience And Stigma Of Mental Health Among African American Clergy, Valentina Stubbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The utilization of mental health treatment in the Black community has been diminished in comparison to other ethnic groups (Avent, Cashwell, & Brown-Jeffy, 2015). Members of the Black Church may have been socialized to seek help from their spiritual leader as opposed to mental health professionals. A transcendental phenomenological qualitative study (Moustakas, 1994) was used to gain an understanding of how twelve (5 male and 7 female) Black clergy experience mental health and the stigma relating to mental health. The participants completed a survey and a semi-structured interview with the researcher and described their experience with mental health issues personally …

Promoting Mental Treatment In The Arab World, Aya Emam Hassanein

Masters Theses

This study investigates why mental health has been neglected in the Arab world and what strategies could be used to promote it and break the stigma associated with mental disorders. The literature review reveals that the most prominent barriers preventing mental treatment in the Arab world are cultural stigma, poverty, illiteracy, false beliefs regarding the causation of the illness, conflicts in countries, and a scarcity of mental health services and research. The review also discusses the most common mental illnesses in the Arab world and how the culture affects the process of treatment. Additionally, it discusses the possible solutions proposed …

A Quantitative Examination Of The Relationship Between Workplace Environment, Religion, And The Stigma Of Mental Health On Openness To Mental Health Services, Cooper Ann Hove

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals within the workplace experience stressors that can negatively impact their health long term if not effectively managed. The level of stress within the workplace environment, religious beliefs, and mental health stigma may affect employees differently in their openness to receive mental health services. Research lacks data to understand the gap between employees struggling with mental health and unused, available resources in organizations. Most current research focuses on implementing mental health interventions, with the highest number of studies focusing on police officers' and nurses' experiences. This study was a quantitative, correlational study to gather participants with prior work experience of …

The Perception Of Stigma As A Barrier To Help-Seeking Among Immigrant Populations, Zuha Qadeer

Honors Theses

Immigrants receive mental health services less than their U.S.-born counterparts, even after accounting for the lower rate of mental health difficulties often found among these populations. Stigma is one such barrier that is significant in reducing mental health service utilization among immigrant populations. This study explores how immigrants perceive stigma as a barrier to seeking help for trauma-related mental health concerns. Using qualitative data from a study on an adaptation of Written Exposure Therapy in Latinx immigrants (Andrews et. al, 2022), I examined the role of stigma in participants’ perceived barriers to care and their proposed strategies for reducing them. …

Project Avatar: Utilizing The Power Of Social-Media To Share Stories Of Hope, Elizabeth Cremins

Honors Theses

Addiction affects everyone and the stigma around addiction and its’ recovery makes it exponentially harder for individuals to heal. Today, adolescents are exposed to drugs, alcohol, and related substances from younger ages than ever before and the age of first consumption of these substances is continually decreasing. Further, social media makes it easier than ever for these young people to see substance-related content. Most teens and young adults today check their social media daily—if not hourly. Due to the young age of first exposure to substances coupled with the near-constant exposure that social media provides, addiction is an ever-present problem …

Shame, Stigma, And Callousness: A Moderated Mediation Study Of Sex Offender Empathy Strength, Robert M. Ferow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Callous, lacking sympathy, heartless, and cold are but a few synonyms for people that demonstrate a deficit in empathy. Psychologists, criminologists, and sociologists have tried to explain this phenomenon of callousness, or lack of empathy found in criminals for hundreds of years. Issues of definitions of empathy, personality disorders, character flaws, and even neurobiological issues have been studied in their relation to empathy. Theories of criminology have been presented to explain the reasons for lack of empathy. However, as of yet, no conclusive findings demonstrate the order or function in loss of empathy strength. This study will endeavor to describe …

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury And Real-Life Self-Disclosure Among Internet Users, Matthew Tanner

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore several unknown issues regarding disclosure of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among users of social media. NSSI is a category of behaviors that cause intentional harm to the body without the intent to commit suicide. However, individuals who self-injure may unintentionally risk serious and even life-threatening harm. Moreover, the stigma and resultant shame associated with NSSI discourage reporting and thus complicate research into the behavior. This study examined the factors involved in individuals’ decisions to disclose NSSI. The current study uses primarily descriptive statistics from an internet-based survey to explore the following questions: (a) …

Self-Disclosure Of Mental Illness In The College Classroom: The Role Of Stigma And Avoidance, Christopher Gjesfjeld, Jeffrey Kahn

Faculty Publications - Social Work

Many college students identify having a mental health condition, yet students may be ambivalent about self-disclosing their mental health. While stigma and self-disclosure have been examined in research, personal factors may also impact self-disclosure behaviors. The present study examined 150 U.S. college students with a self-identified mental health condition. Research aimed to predict classmate self-disclosure by stigma, avoidance beliefs, and the interaction of these variables. Multiple regression analysis found a significant interaction effect, whereby stigma was negatively associated with self-disclosure only under conditions of low avoidance. Implications suggest that self-disclosure interventions target stigma and avoidance beliefs to encourage greater self-disclosure.

Survey For Caregivers Of People With Autism Spectrum In Chile: Access To Health And Education Services, Satisfaction, Quality Of Life And Stigma [Encuesta Para Cuidadores De Personas Del Espectro Autista En Chile. Acceso A Servicios De Salud Y Educación, Satisfacción, Calidad De Vida Y Estigma], Ricardo Garcia, Matías Irarrázaval, Isabel Lopez, Sofia Riesle, Marci Cabezas Gonzalez, Andrea Moyano, Gabriela Garrido, Daniel Valdez, Cristiane S. De Paula, Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

People on the Autism Spectrum (AS) face multiple health, education, social, and economic problems. There is limited available information in Chile. \

Objective: To describe the access and satisfaction with health and education services, family and economic impact, stigma, and quality of life of people with AS and their families in Chile.

Subjects and Method: Parents/caregivers of AS persons completed the Caregiver Needs Survey, developed by Autism Speaks, which includes demographic information, characteristics of AS persons (previously published), use of health and education services, parents/caregivers' perceptions of satisfaction, impact, stigma, and quality of life.

Results: 291 caregivers (86% mothers) of …

Ethical Hiv Research With Transgender And Non-Binary Communities In The United States, Augustus Klien, Sarit Golub

Publications and Research

Introduction: Because transgender individuals experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection, this population is an increasing focus of epidemiological and implementation science research to combat the epidemic. However, study participants, providers and other advocates have become increasingly concerned about research practices that may alienate, objectify, exploit or even re-traumatize the communities they are designed to benefit. This commentary explores the common pitfalls of HIV research with transgender communities and provides a potential framework for ethical, community-engaged research practice.

Discussion: We review some of the critical challenges to HIV research with transgender and non-binary communities that limit the potential for such …

“I’M Not Just A Sex Robot”: Perceptions Of Stigma In Online Sex Workers, Clover Stutz

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate online sex workers’ perceptions of stigma. Due to the increase in OnlyFans creators associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, these creators’ perceptions of stigma were of particular interest. Fifteen participants were interviewed, and themes were developed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified, corresponding with findings regarding societal, interpersonal, and internalized stigma: ‘Persistent Judgement,’ ‘Strengthened and Severed Ties,’ and ‘Levels of Shame.’ Much of these findings echoed past research, but participants experienced unique manifestations of stigma as well—notably, participants reported navigating strict censorship on social media and often faced the misconception that …

Recognizing And Disrupting Stigma In Implementation Of Hiv Prevention And Care: A Call To Research And Action, Sarit A. Golub, Rachel A. Fikslin

Publications and Research

Introduction: There is robust evidence that stigma negatively impacts both people living with HIV and those who might benefit from HIV prevention interventions. Within healthcare settings, research on HIV stigma has focused on intra-personal processes (i.e. knowledge or internalization of community-level stigma that might limit clients’ engagement in care) or inter-personal processes (i.e. stigmatized interactions with service providers). Intersectional approaches to stigma call us to examine the ways that intersecting systems of power and oppression produce stigma not only at the individual and interpersonal levels, but also within healthcare service delivery systems. This commentary argues for the importance of analysing …

Future Orientation Among Children Affected By Parental Hiv In China: An Exploratory Analysis Of Complex Interactions, Heather L. Mcdaniel, Sayward Harrison, Amanda Fairchild, Xiaoming Li

Faculty Publications

We utilized an exploratory analytic approach to examine predictors of children's future beliefs, an internal asset associated with resilience among children affected by HIV, with emphasis on complex interactions among multisystem factors. Children (N = 1221) affected by parental HIV in China reported on psychosocial functioning, as well as internal, familial, and community resilience assets. Exploratory data analysis was conducted using a binary segmentation program. Six binary splits on predictors accounted for 22.78% of the variance in future expectation, suggesting interactions between children's perceived control of their future, loneliness, caregiver trust, and social support. Four binary splits accounted for …

Healthcare Access, Satisfaction, And Health‑Related Quality Of Life Among Children And Adults With Rare Diseases, Amanda Hemmesch, Kathleen Bogart, Erica Barnes, Thomas Blissenbach, Arthur Beisang, Patti Engel, Chloe Barnes Advisory Council On Rare Diseases

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Research in a variety of countries indicates that healthcare access and health-related quality of life are challenged among people with a variety of rare diseases (RDs). However, there has been little systematic research on the experiences of children and adults with RDs in the American healthcare system that identifies commonalities across RDs. This research aimed to: (1) Describe demographics, disease characteristics, diagnostic experiences, access to healthcare, knowledge about RDs, support from healthcare professionals, and patient satisfaction among people with RDs and their caregivers; (2) examine predictors of patient satisfaction among adults with RDs; (3) compare health-related quality of life …

Shifting Weight Attitudes? A Look At Stigma And Implicit Bias, Carolyn H. Decicco, Sarah L. Capen-Becerra, Sophie K. Louis

Psychology Presentations

The goal of the current study is to investigate students’ perceptions of controllability and biases against individuals who smoke and individuals who present as ‘overweight’ in the workplace. Participants (N = 69) were randomly assigned to read an article describing either weight-based (n = 35) or smoking-based discrimination in the workplace (n = 34). Participants were tasked with writing open-ended responses to the articles. Participants in the smoking group were more likely to endorse (n = 16; 47.1%) discriminatory workplace practices than those in the weight group (n = 4; 11.4%), who showed more conflicted justification responses (weight n = …

A Resilience-Based Intervention To Mitigate The Effect Of Hiv-Related Stigma: Protocol For A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial, Xiaoming Li, Shan Qiao, Xueying Yang, Sayward Harrison, Cheuk Chi Tam, Zhiyong Shen, Yuejiao Zhou

Faculty Publications

Background: Despite decades of global efforts to tackle HIV-related stigma, previous interventions designed to reduce stigma have had limited effects that were typically in the small- to-moderate range. The knowledge gaps and challenges for combating HIV-related stigma are rooted both in the complexity of the stigma and in the limitations of current conceptualizations of stigma reduction efforts. Recent research has shown the promise of resilience-based approaches that focus on the development of strengths, competencies, resources, and capacities of people living with HIV (PLWH) and their key supporting systems (e.g., family members and healthcare providers) to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the …

Causal Attribution, Personal Responsibility, And Regret In Lung Cancer Survivors, Justin Ulland, Anthony Cortez-Morales, Kevin R. Criswell

2022 Symposium

Introduction: Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer for males and females and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Ninety percent of lung cancer cases are associated with a smoking history. Less is known about (a) how lung cancer survivors with and without smoking histories attribute their cancer to secondhand smoke and (b) how those attributions may be associated with personal responsibility, regret, and stigma from medical staff/professionals. This secondary data analytic study examined 196 lung cancer survivors.

Method: Paper surveys included (a) whether secondhand smoking caused their cancer, (b) whether they perceived control …

How Positive And Negative Emotions Are Regulated By And Associated With Stigma In University Students With And Without Mental And Physical Chronic Health Conditions, Katherine Crisp, Zlata Krisyuk, Kevin R. Criswell

2022 Symposium

Introduction: Over one-third of undergraduate students report having at least one mental or physical chronic health condition (CHC). Stigma is associated with undesirable emotion/mood, worse quality of life, and diminished academic performance. Less is known about (a) whether emotional experiences may be regulated differently between students with and without CHCs and (b) whether negative and positive emotion regulation are differentially associated with stigma awareness and internalized stigma in students with CHCs. The present study examines cross-sectional survey data from Fall 2020 quarter.

Method: Students without CHCs (n = 51) and students with CHCs (n = 150) …

Commending Rather Than Condemning: Moral Elevation And Stigma For Male Veterans With Military Sexual Trauma, Gracie Staley, Ana Clara Vieira Zaidan, Lucas G. Childers, Ray Daniel, Sean A. Lauderdale, Adam P. Mcguire

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Using an experimental study, we examined the link between state moral elevation and stigmatic beliefs surrounding male veterans with military sexual trauma (MST).

Methods

Undergraduate students were presented with a video or written narrative of a male veteran self-disclosing how they struggled with and overcame MST (n = 292). Participants completed measures regarding trait and demographic characteristics at baseline, then measures immediately after the disclosure stimulus to assess immediate elevation and stigma-related reactions.

Results

Results suggest state-level elevation in response to a veteran self-disclosing their experience with MST was negatively correlated with harmful stigmatic beliefs about MST. A …

Disrupting Social Order: Proposed Mechanisms To Altering Societal Perceptions On The Outcomes Of Trauma In Veterans Diagnosed With Ptsd, Clairiz Nel

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

The lives of individuals are affected by the narrative created by the majority. This societal narrative is oftentimes distorted, reflecting the attitudes showcased in the media, resulting in the alienation of certain populations. Veterans diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one such group and the focus of this activist essay. Despite the grievous sacrifices made in the name of honor, freedom, and national security, American veterans continue to wage a war closer to home as they struggle to reintegrate into society. The portrayal of war experiences in traditional media (i.e. News networks) and productions media (i.e. cinema) propagates stigmatization …

It Takes Two: Professional Interconnections And Potential Collaborations Between Small-Town Family Attorneys And Couple/Family Therapists, Wendy Lenk Mcclary

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

Attorneys who specialize in family practice may experience significant rates of mood disorders and substance reliance. Law schools typically do not provide supportive coursework or mentoring to help students learn to manage their feelings and those of crisis-impacted clients. Lawyers may well consider that understanding emotional needs and providing emotional support does not fall within their codes of practice. Societal stigma may prevent family attorneys and their clients from seeking therapy. Small-town attorneys may be particularly vulnerable to professional stress and safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of family attorneys practicing …

The Impact Of Hiv-Related Stigma On The Racial/Ethnic Disparities Across The Hiv Care Continuum Among Adults Living With Hiv In Florida, Derrick James Forney

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Florida currently has one of the highest rates of new HIV infections in the U.S. As of 2019, Black and Hispanic HIV-positive individuals in Florida were significantly less likely to receive HIV care, remain in care, and achieve viral suppression than white HIV-positive individuals. Several studies have linked HIV-related stigma to poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined the impact of distinct HIV-related stigma subtypes on linkage to care, retention in care, and viral suppression among PLWH in Florida and if these associations differed across race/ethnicity.

Methods: Data from the 2015-2017 Florida Medical Monitoring Project …

A Room With A View: Experiences Of Moms Off Meth Using Heuristic Inquiry, Joey Leigh Gude

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Methamphetamine related consequences continue to darken many families and communities. Multiple service provider types are often overburdened in dealing with the reality of methamphetamine misuse (Brownstein et al., 2012). This research explored the impact of the methamphetamine epidemic with a specific focus on mothers with methamphetamine addiction. Mothers present with a myriad of challenges, and inadequate contextual information exists to address these challenges (Alexander et al., 2018; Bathish et al., 2017; Cunningham & Finlay, 2013). This qualitative heuristic inquiry sought to illuminate experiences of methamphetamine addiction in mothers. The qualitative research questions sought to give a voice to the lived …