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Integrating Behavioral Health Practice Approaches And Occupational Therapy: Curricular Considerations, Kaylynn M. Garrison, Susan C. Burwash

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy programs preparing occupational therapists to work in the field need to enhance students' education surrounding mental/behavioral health (MH/BH) needs. Thus, a curricular approach is needed that not only includes OT conceptual practice models but also those practice approaches used in MH/BH care. Creating educational experiences that include knowledge from inside and outside OT establishes theoretical foundations that better equip students entering practice to address mental health needs of their clients. Further, educators can assist students to appraise the fit between specific practice approaches and OT practice. A review of current MH/BH literature found three common practice approaches used …

Exploring Career Pathways Of The Occupational Therapy Afwc Role: A Review Of Push, Pull, And Stay Factors, Kimberley Persons, Patricia Laverdure, Elizabeth Lequieu, Elizabeth D. Deiuliis

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWCs) are essential to occupational therapy (OT) education, yet little is known about the career pathways, retention, and attrition associated with this role. With increasing faculty turnover, understanding the factors that influence AFWC career decisions is critical. This mixed-methods study surveyed 187 OT educators across the US, including current, former, and never-serving AFWCs. A researcher-designed Qualtrics survey gathered demographic, quantitative, and open-ended qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Respondents reported psychological (e.g., burnout, satisfaction), job (e.g., mentoring, administrative burden), organizational (e.g., support, workload), and leadership/team (e.g., recognition, collaboration) factors …

Optimizing Academic Success For Otd Students: A Lassi-Based Pre/Posttest Study On Intervention Effectiveness, Mica Rutschke, Dailen Castillo, Lauren Peyton

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Graduate students frequently experience heightened anxiety that can interfere with academic performance, well-being, and persistence in graduate programs. This pilot study explored the effectiveness of a targeted academic intervention for Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students using the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) as a pre/post assessment tool. Ten first-year OTD students completed the LASSI at program entry and again after participating in a faculty-led intervention focused on growth mindset and anxiety management strategies. The intervention included a lunch-hour educational session on evidence-based techniques, such as mindfulness, test-taking skills, cognitive reframing, and stress regulation. Faculty advisors also used individualized LASSI …

School-Based Executive Function Guideline (Sb-Efg): A Practice Guideline For Executive Function Assessment And Intervention In School-Based Practice, Ida Koraitem, Amanda Sarafian, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Executive functioning (EF) is comprised of various cognitive skills, such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, which monitor and guide goal-directed behavior and set a foundation on which healthy development may occur. Although the impact of EF skills on school participation has increasingly been recognized over the years, there are limited occupational therapy models that help occupational therapists integrate EF intervention into school-based practice. Children with limitations in EF have unique needs and challenges that impact school participation; therefore, it is imperative that occupational therapists address EF in school-based practice. This author- developed practice guideline discusses essential elements …

The Empower Model: A Framework For Fostering Neurodivergent Occupational Participation And Supporting Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy Practice, Bryden Carlson-Giving

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Neurodivergent occupations are ways of embodying life and experiencing the world that speak true to their neurotype; they are vivid, complex, and need to be fostered by the occupational therapy profession. Though the neurodiversity movement is garnering increased attention in the profession, the medical model of disability remains the dominating lens influencing occupational therapy services. Neuronormativity remains the ideal form of participation, which can lead to occupational therapists manifesting occupational marginalization with their neurodivergent clients. To date, there is a lack of practical frameworks supporting occupational therapists in integrating neurodiversity-affirming and anti-ableist principles into everyday occupational therapy practice. This paper …

Interventions For Lgbtq+ Youth: A Scoping Review To Support Occupational Therapy Practice In The United States, Ricardo D. Ramirez, Iris Nosek, Alexandrea Guiritan, Annalise Valente, Francinne Fotopoulos, Jennifer Westrick

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Youth in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other dissident genders and sexualities (LGBTQ+) community face extensive health disparities and dynamic political landscapes. Occupational therapy (OT) has potential to support LGBTQ+ youth; however, there is limited guidance for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants seeking to implement evidence-based interventions with this population. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to examine interventions within the scope of OT to support LGBTQ+ youth.

Method: We used Arksey and O'Malley’s framework to guide this scoping review and searched five databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Using …

Autism And Air Travel, Joceline Rodriguez, Riley Rynders, Mckenzie Guth, Divya Sood

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Autistic children frequently encounter several difficulties during travel, especially in airport environments. This research study aimed to investigate the perceptions of parents of autistic children, as well as airport and airline staff, regarding the support available and barriers these children encounter during air travel.

Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used, involving data collection through interviews with two distinct groups of participants: airport and airline staff (n = 4) and caregivers of autistic children (n = 5).

Results: Caregiver participants shared that having access to quiet spaces, sensory rooms, and more readily available information on accommodation …

Group Occupational Therapy Sessions Using Hippotherapy: Growth Of Resilience And Leadership In Youth Facing Adversity, Marra I. Robert, Julie Jacob, Gerry Conti, Laura Alegre

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Youth experiencing adversity face significant challenges and are more likely to experience mental health concerns, low self-confidence, and difficulty with leadership skills, impacting their future occupational potential. This study examined the impact of using hippotherapy in a group occupational therapy intervention on the resilience, mental health, and leadership of youth facing adversity.

Method: Twenty-one youth experiencing adversity participated in a 10-week group occupational therapy intervention. Using a single-group pretest/posttest mixed-methods design, the Resilience Scale for Children and Adolescents (RSCA) was administered pr and postintervention alongside structured interviews.

Results: Quantitative results indicated statistically significant improvements in emotional …

Experiences Of Parents Of Children Diagnosed With Eating Disorders, Elizabeth C. Larson Traver, Crystal C. Barchacky

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Eating disorders are diagnoses found throughout the world regardless of race, gender, and age. Recovery for these diagnoses are typically demanding and on-going, leading parents and caregivers of those diagnosed to face substantial stress throughout the process. While many treatments use caregivers as agents of change, these are established with the client in mind and do little to aid the families through their own stress and decline in well-being.

Method: This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 10 caregivers during their children's recovery through in-depth interviews regarding that time of their lives. Participants were recruited via …

Promoting The Well-Being Of Refugee Students Through A Kawa-Guided Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Mixed-Methods Study, Suzanne Brederson, Heidi Baist, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Refugee students newly enrolled in U.S. schools encounter academic, socialization, and mental health challenges because of trauma, language barriers, and cultural differences. Many have had limited or interrupted access to formal education in their home country. This study aimed to gain the perspectives of refugee students on their lived experiences and explore the impact of an occupational therapy intervention guided by the Kawa model on the well-being of this student population.

Methods: The researchers employed a convergent mixed-methods design. Refugee students (n = 8) created Kawa models, which provided rich, qualitative data. Participants completed pre and posttest surveys. Quantitative …

Quality Of Life And Religiosity Of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy With Sequential Tumor Bed Boost: A Pilot Study, Efrosyni Kypraiou, Ioannis Koukourakis, Andromachi Kougioumtzopoulou, Kalliopi Platoni, Marina Chalkia, Kyveli Zourari, Efstathios Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos Kelekis, Anna Zygogianni, Vassilis Kouloulias

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Quality of life (QoL) is an important parameter that should be taken into account when assessing treatment efficacy in cancer patients. The FAST-FORWARD radiotherapy (RT) regimen (5-day schedule) for early-stage breast cancer has been reported by both physicians and patients to be associated with toxicity comparable to that of longer schedules. However, the impact of the addition of a tumor bed boost to ultrahypofractionated RT on patient QoL has not been extensively reported to date.

Materials and methods: QoL was assessed before and after RT and again 3 months later in 24 patients with early-stage breast cancer who underwent …

Turkish Translation, Cultural Adaptation, And Validation Of The Patient-Reported Villalta Scale For The Diagnosis Of Postthrombotic Syndrome In Patients With Vascular Behçet Disease ​, Tuğçe Kübra Güneş, Murat Karabacak, Mehmet Umut Çapar, Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) constitutes 70% of all vascular findings related to Behçet disease (BD). Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of DVT that develops due to chronic venous insufficiency and decreases the patient’s quality of life. The physician-reported Villalta scale is a widely used and validated diagnostic tool for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of PTS. However, the necessity of physical examination by a physician burdens the clinician during routine practice. For that reason, a patient-reported Villalta scale was developed and validated. This study aimed to translate the patient-reported Villalta scale into Turkish and validate …

Effects Of A Virtual Reality-Based Nature Video Intervention On Sleep Quality And Mental Well-Being In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial ​, Hati̇ce Yağci Karamanli, Nuray Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep quality and mental health are negatively affected in many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from patients with MS who presented to a hospital in Türkiye. The study was completed by 21 participants in the experimental group and 22 participants in the control group. Participants in the experimental group watched nature videos using VR headsets for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) …

Posture And Musculoskeletal Symptom Burden, But Not Daily Step Count, Are Independently Associated With Physical Quality Of Life In Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Abdurrahman İskender, Ahmet Usta, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Office work is characterized by prolonged sitting and may be accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms and reduced well-being. This study examined associations of step-based and self-reported physical activity, clinical posture, attitudes toward sports, smartphone addiction, and musculoskeletal symptom burden in office workers with the four domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 44 desk-based office workers at a public institution. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale. Physical activity was assessed via 7-day average daily step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); posture …

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Systemic Inflammation Is Associated With Depression-Like Behavior And Increased Hippocampal Epha4 Expression ​, Senem Esi̇n Yavaş, Özkan Yavaş, Ayşe Akbaş, Seda Işiklar, Semi̇ha Ersoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Depression is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder with a complex etiology and a higher burden in women. The inflammation hypothesis, initially proposed based on parallels between depression and sickness behavior, has gained increasing support from accumulating evidence. EphA4, a regulator of synaptic plasticity, is highly expressed in the hippocampus and functions as a negative modulator of neuroplasticity.

Materials and methods: Hippocampal EphA4 expression was investigated in female Wistar rats subjected to lipopolysaccharide-induced acute systemic inflammation. Acute systemic inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (5 mg/ kg). Depression-like behaviors were assessed using the open-field test and tail-suspension test, while …

Psychological Distress Among Dental Students: A Comparative Study Of Preclinical And Clinical Stages ​, Ömer Faruk Sari, Eli̇f Albayrak, Muhammed Hi̇lmi̇ Büyükçavuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Understanding the degree of psychological stress experienced by dental students, together with the contributing factors, is important for reducing the adverse effects of stress and improving student well-being. Accordingly, the present study examined psychological distress levels among dental students and compared psychological distress across different academic years.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included all undergraduate students enrolled in a single 5-year dental faculty in Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) survey was administered to the students and 399 dentistry students filled out the survey completely.

Results: Statistically significant differences in K10 scores …

Psychological Therapy In The Management Of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Pragatheeswari R, Kavitha M, Sarumathi T, Niveditha B, Barkavi Panchatcharam, Pavithra D, Samu Fathima A I, Vigneshwaran J

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapy in the management of temperomandibular disorders compared to other treatment modalities.

Methodology: Studies were selected according to PICO criteria, considering the RDC/TMD as a reference, improvement of pain and psychological parameters were the primary outcomes. Data search was mainly carried out through electronic search in several renowned databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar. The publications collected were published between 2010 and 2024. Randomized clinical trials that compared the efficacy of psychological treatment modality with other conservative treatment modalities were screened and evaluated. A total of 5 …

Measuring And Understanding Geographic Inequities In Physician Distribution In The Philippines: A Multi-Method Study Protocol, Veincent Christian F. Pepito, Ryan Gabriel C. Molen, Julius R. Migriño Jr, Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding, Anne Rose D. Payumo, Hazel Ivy M. Jeremias, Karl R. Ubial, William C. Tiu, Manuel M. Dayrit

ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI)

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines faces physician shortages, exacerbated by their propensity to practise in urban centres. Despite government placement programmes, recruitment and retention of physicians in many areas throughout the country remain difficult. This study aims to: (1) describe the distribution of general physicians and board-certified specialist physicians and (2) identify the individual, work environment, local environment, national environment and international environment factors that may influence physicians to establish their practice in areas with below-optimal physician-to-population ratios in the Philippines. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: To describe the distribution of general physicians and board-certified specialist physicians, we will map Philippine Health Insurance Corporation …

Exploring Graduate Students’ Perspectives Of Clinical Supervision In Speech-Language Pathology: A Qualitative Study Of Facilitators And Barriers, Andrew J. Clare, Joyce Maring

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This qualitative study explored second-year graduate students’ perceptions of clinical supervision practices in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), focusing on how specific aspects of the supervisory approach were experienced by students as either barriers or facilitators to their learning during clinical practicum experiences. Twenty graduate students from a single SLP program, each with experience in at least seven clinical practica, participated in semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to examine the patterns in the students’ experiences. Two mirrored sets of themes emerged, reflecting the dual importance of relational and pedagogical aspects of supervision. Facilitators included supportive relationships and effective …

The Human Side Of Healing: A Qualitative Study Of The Holistic Benefits When Integrating Dog Training Into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Recovery, Michelle J. Nordstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent among Servicemembers and veterans. Many of those with PTSD also struggle with moral injury and co-occurring health complications. This combination results in poor outcomes with current evidence-based practices. However, a series of recent studies examined the efficacy of a service dog training program (SDTP) which demonstrated improvements in symptoms.

Methods: A privatized archival dataset of redacted transcripts was used. The interviews were collected during a broader mixed methods study and maintained for a phenomenological, thematic analysis. There were 119 transcripts from 84 of the original 117 participants who engaged …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Digital Burnout Among Liberty University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shaira Neupane

Masters Theses

Background: Digital burnout, characterized by chronic psychological and physiological fatigue from persistent digital engagement, is an emerging public health concern among university students. It is conceptually related to but distinct from academic burnout, and few U.S. studies have examined both constructs together using validated instruments.

Objective: To describe digital burnout among Liberty University students, identify its sociodemographic and behavioral correlates, assess its relationship with academic burnout, and evaluate student awareness of campus digital-wellness resources.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 336 Liberty University students during Summer 2026 using the Digital Burnout Scale (DBS) and the Academic Burnout Scale (ABS). Hierarchical linear …

Beyond Screening In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Domain-Standardized, Measure-Flexible Framework For Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment, Etiane Navarro

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder in which cognitive, behavioral, language, and social-cognitive changes may occur across clinical phenotypes, including the ALS-frontotemporal spectrum. Neuropsychological assessment is important for characterizing nonmotor manifestations and identifying changes relevant to autonomy, everyday functioning, and clinical management. This systematic review examined literature identified through APA PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and supplementary searching to characterize neuropsychological domains, measures, phenotype-related findings, and disease-specific limitations relevant to comprehensive assessment. Two hundred records underwent title and abstract screening, 150 reports were reviewed in full text, and 61 resources were retained for synthesis. ALS-specific screening instruments, including …

Building Resilience: The Role Of Extension In Enhancing Mental Health And Well-Being Through Preventive Approaches, Lakshmi Mahadevan

Journal of Extension

In 2023, 58.7 million U.S. adults experienced a mental illness, yet nearly half did not receive treatment (SAMHSA, 2023). Building Resilience is a single-session, evidence-informed program delivered through Cooperative Extension to address mental well-being using practical, nonclinical strategies. Grounded in Antonovsky's (1979) Sense of Coherence framework, the program centers on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress management within each participant's lived experience. Evaluation data from 347 participants showed high satisfaction, with 88% planning to apply strategies and 77% anticipating improved well-being. A 2-hour facilitator training supports national scalability, positioning Extension as a key partner in resilience-based mental health promotion.

Clinic White Paper: Usd Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic, Nicholas Boyd, Lauren Bruaski

Community Engagement

California is home to over 1.8 million veterans and 18,000 National Guard members, representing one of the largest military-connected populations in the United States. Despite substantial demand, over 50% of veterans experiencing mental health symptoms do not seek treatment, while those seeking care within federal systems frequently face significant wait times. This academic white paper evaluates the operational framework, clinical effectiveness, and workforce expansion model of the University of San Diego (USD) Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic – Veterans Initiative. Utilizing a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth model paired with a tiered supervision structure, the clinic provides evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) at no cost …

Pre-Procedural State Anxiety In Patients Scheduled For Colonoscopy, Zahraa Kareem Mansoor Al-Saady, Mohammed Hakim Shamran Al-Hchaim

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Anxiety is a common issue among patients undergoing invasive medical procedures such as colonoscopy because of concerns regarding the procedure itself and its possible results. High levels of anxiety can negatively affect patient readiness and cooperation during the examination, thereby influencing the quality and outcome of the procedure.

Study objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of pre-procedural anxiety among patients scheduled for colonoscopy and examine the association between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and anxiety levels.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from patients undergoing colonoscopy. A validated and comprehensive questionnaire tailored for individuals …

Role Of Perceived Control Over Falls In Older Adults, Kanjanaporn Tantrongphak, Kanthee Anantapong, Duangporn Suriyaamarit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Falls among older adults constitute a significant public health challenge, often leading to severe physical injuries, reduced independence, and a diminished quality of life. Perceived control, a critical psychological construct, plays a significant role in sustaining physical health, cognitive function, and overall life satisfaction and is strongly associated with positive health outcomes. This review aims to examine the role of perceived control in fall risk among older adults. Concern about falling (CaF) is a prevalent psychological factor that influences fall risk by impacting behaviors linked to physical activity, balance, and adaptive responses. Perceived control theory provides a framework for understanding …

Editorial: Innovations In Dementia Policies And Services, Walter D. Dawson, Alison J. Canty, Joaquín Migeot, Laura O'Philbin, Sherril B. Gelmon

Institute on Aging Publications

There is an increasing global consensus that dementia is a significant public health issue (Chapman et al., 2006; Jackson et al., 2023; World Health Organization, 2017). As the global population ages and the number of people living with dementia increases, dementia will continue to grow in salience (Nichols, E., and GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators, 2022). The complexities associated with dementia require innovative approaches to the provision of care and support as well as to the design of service systems at local and national levels across the globe that can truly meet the unique needs of people living with dementia …

Investigating The Effect Of Oral Probiotic Capsules On Postpartum Sleep Quality In Primiparous Women: A Triple-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial, Maryam Rastegar, Nahid Jahani Shoorab, Roshanak Salari, Sedigheh Rastaghi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Quality of sleep is an important indicator of health. Sleep disturbance and daytime fatigue is one of the most common problems in the postpartum period. Early postpartum (first 4 weeks) is when sleep is most disturbed. The gut microbiota may affect sleep quality and affect host health through the production of metabolites and compounds. This study aimed to determine the effect of oral probiotic capsule on the quality of sleep after delivery in primiparous women. Method: This triple-blind randomised controlled trial study was conducted in August to November 2023 with eligible primiparous women who gave birth at Health Centers …

Intouch Week Of October 12, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• $10 Million Department of Defense Award Fuels Effort to Advance Civilian and Military Tactical Medicine and Prolonged Casualty Care
• Advancing Knowledge, One Publication at a Time
• NYMC Expands Emergency Preparedness Training to More Than 300 Yonkers Public School Staff
• New Automated Staining Systems Enhance Histopathology and Imaging Core
• Graduate Student Leaders Step Forward to Shape the Year Ahead
• SMHW Hosts Together in Wellness Fair
• Strengthening GME Leadership Through Shared Learning
• Minimally Invasive Procedure Halves Risk of Recurrent Brain Bleeds

Multiple Insights Into Affective Sentience, Jon Mallatt, Todd E. Feinberg

Animal Sentience

We discuss some of the many valuable insights into affective sentience from Birch’s The Edge of Sentience, such as its eight criteria for determining which entities have sentience (e.g., emotions) and its insights into the difficulty of testing whether an Artificial Intelligence system has attained sentience. We add our own perspectives on why the eight criteria are valid, on the difficulty of using behavioral trade-offs to determine whether an animal has sentience, and why evolutionary theory says consciousness is not an epiphenomenon.