Digital Commons Network^™

Reflective Visual Journaling During Art Therapy And Counseling Internships, Sarah P. Deaver

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Visual journaling is thought to promote students' critical reflection upon their previous learning, their current experiences, and their ongoing professional growth. Research supports the value of written journals as educational tools that encourage reflection, but the potential for visual journaling to facilitate reflection has not been explored through systematic inquiry until now.

This qualitative multiple case study explored four art therapy students' and four counseling students' responses to visual journaling during their internships. They maintained their journals throughout one 15-week academic semester, and were interviewed four times over the course of the study. Data consisted of transcribed interviews and photographs …

“But Who Can I Talk To?” Psychological Services For The Parents And Children Of Apdk, Jessica Steinke

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This is a study examining the adequacy of the psychological services and support offered by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, APDK, to the children in its care and the families who utilize the centre. First and foremost this study examined the psychological effect physical disabilities have on children and their families to determine what services are necessary for these individuals. The availability of mental health services was then analyzed in the context of the need for them as expressed by children at APDK and parents of disabled children. It was discovered that very few services are available …

Vih Y Alcohol En Arica, Chile: Percepciones De Portadores Y Profesionales, Lena Sessions

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and HIV in Arica, Chile. The objectives of this investigation were to understand the demographics of HIV positive Ariqueños who consume alcohol, and understand their perceptions of alcohol consumption with respect to whether they believed they had a drinking problem, whether they believed that the consumption of alcohol facilitated their contracting HIV, and whether the consumption of alcohol affected their treatment. Although there is no literature that specifically addresses the topic of how HIV positive individuals who consume alcohol perceive their disease, former research suggests that a significant number (25-50%) of individuals …

The Effects Of Visual Media On Participants' Boundary Expectations, Joy P. Brock

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine participants' expectations of psychotherapeutic boundaries and the influence of the media in the creation of these expectations. Four hundred forty seven Old Dominion undergraduates completed an online survey consisting of five separate scales: Exposure to Cine therapy Scale, Exposure to Cinematic Boundary Infringements Scale, Boundary Expectation Scale, Past Therapy Experiences Scale, and Demographic Questionnaire. Bivariate correlations were calculated and exposure to cine therapy was found to be significantly, positively related to participants' perceptions of the frequency of various boundary infringements. A principle components analysis was also computed to examine the underlying structure …

Elder Abuse: A Policy Analysis, Cortni Davis

Undergraduate Research Conference

Elder abuse is a growing social problem in the United States. It takes on many forms, and is prevalent throughout various cultures. Elder Abuse Reporting Laws have been enacted throughout various states to prevent and intervene in elder abuse cases. California’s Financial Abuse Reporting Act of 2005 is one among many laws in the United States which was formed to help ensure social justice for the elderly citizens of America.

Living In Rural New England Amplifies The Risk Of Depression In Patients With Hiv, Siddharth H. Sheth, Paul T. Jensen, Timothy Lahey

Dartmouth Scholarship

The importance of depression as a complication of HIV infection is increasingly understood, and people living in rural areas are at increased risk for depression. However, it is not known whether living in rural areas amplifies the risk of depression in patients with HIV. We compared the prevalence of depression between rural and metropolitan HIV patients seen at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock HIV Program in a retrospective cohort study. Using the validated Rural-Urban Commuting Area Score, we categorized patients as living in small town/rural areas, micropolitan or metropolitan towns. Then, using a multivariate logistic regression model to adjust for demographic factors that …

Social Cognitive Predictors Of Diabetes Outcomes In Latinos And Whites, Diana Brown

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Investigating health care disparities in ethnic minority populations is an increasingly urgent issue as these disparities lead to higher morbidity and mortality in minorities (National Center of Health Statistics, 2000). There is clear evidence that Latino Americans, the fastest growing minority group in the United States, are more likely to be diagnosed with and experience more severe complications from type 2 diabetes than Anglo Americans. This study surveyed 38 White and 33 Latino diabetes patients from outpatient clinics in an academic medical center. Cultural values (individualism and collectivism), mental health (social support, mental health), and self-efficacy (diabetes and exercise) were …

A National Survey Of Bibliotherapy Practice In Professional Counseling, Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, P. S. Mcmillen

Library Faculty Presentations

Books have universal appeal and much to offer us:

We are wired for stories

We learn from stories

We heal with stories

The Prevalence And Determinants Of Health Risk Behaviors Among High School Students In Mexico, Nellie León

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that despite health promotion efforts, adolescents continue to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for morbidity and mortality. Alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, smoking, and risky sexual behaviors are among the behaviors that contribute to leading causes of morbidity and mortality in youth; these four behaviors were explored in this study. An observational cross-sectional design was utilized. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was utilized to assess the prevalence of the four risk behaviors among high school students in Jalisco, Mexico. Items constructed …

Developing Graduate Curriculum Faithful To Professional Training And A Christian Worldview, Claudia Grauf-Grounds, Scott Edwards, Don Macdonald, Karen Mui-Teng Quek, Tina Schermer Sellers

SPU Works

Trends in Christian higher education indicate a growing interest in professional training programs that take Christian faith commitments and values seriously. This article explores one professional graduate program with secondary accreditation that attempts to be faithful to a Christian worldview while at the same time honoring the developments within its particular discipline. In a desire to practice what we preach, several key components of an intentionally developed curriculum will be described including isomorphic accountability, self-in-relation exploration and mentoring. Some philosophical and theological foundations and pedagogical examples are offered. Finally, implications for graduate program development emphasize the need to attend to …

No Effect Of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure On Activity In Three Inbred Strains Of Mice, Chris Downing, Christina Balderrama-Durbin, Jonathan Hayes, Thomas E. Johnson, David Gilliam

SPS Faculty Publications

Aims: Prenatal exposure to alcohol can have adverse effects on the developing fetus. Two of the hallmarks of children exposed to alcohol prenatally are attention deficits and hyperactivity. While hyperactivity has been observed in rats following prenatal ethanol exposure, few studies have examined these effects in mice. The present study investigated the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on activity in mice from three inbred strains: C57BL/6 (B6), Inbred Long Sleep (ILS) and Inbred Short Sleep (ISS).

Methods: On days 7 through 18 of gestation, mice were intragastrically intubated twice daily with either 3.0 g/kg Ethanol (E) or an isocaloric amount …

Male Genital Self-Mutilation With Maggot Infestation In An Intoxicated Individual, Thomas M. Dunn, Vincent Collins, Robert M. House, Philippe Weintraub

SPS Faculty Publications

We present the case of a 55-year-old homeless male who presented with penis and scrotal maggot infestation secondary to genital self-mutilation. The patient gave a history consistent with gender identity disorder and indicated that he was intoxicated during the event. The patient had no history of psychosis. He sought medical attention only after he was no longer welcome on public transportation due to the odor emanating from this infection. Untreated gender identity disorder with alcohol dependence in this case led to a drastic behavior with significant consequences.

Calming The Mind, Healing The Body: Can Alternative Therapies Help College Students Improve Their Health?, Carolyn White Gamtso

The University Dialogue

No abstract provided.

Think Like A Mountain : The Need For Nature For Increased Mental Health, Erin M. Mclaughlin

Graduate Research Papers

Nature has been an integral part of the human life for thousands of years. Only in the most recent hundred years, societies have begun to view nature as a foreign concept outside of the normal realm of daily life. Along with this disconnect from nature, mental illness has increased in our societal populations. This paper identifies the correlation of the need for nature, the lack of connection to nature, and the significant increase in depression, ADHD, anxiety, and autism diagnoses, among others. It also identifies therapeutic techniques that incorporate and connect with nature, as well as provides a comprehensive reference …

Perceptions About The Effectiveness Of Play Therapy Among Parents, Maria Nina Joy Malasig Flores

Theses Digitization Project

This thesis will explore the perceptions about the effectiveness of play therapy among parents. This study will work with Bilingual Family Counseling Services, (BFCS) in Ontario, with their school based program. Their school based program runs throughout the Montclair and Ontario school districts and helps counsel children with behavioral problems who are from 5-12 years of age with play therapy. The issue that will be addressed in this study is to find out through the perception of the parent whether or not play therapy has been effective with their child. This study will survey parents about their child's progress throughout …

Substance Abuse Among The Aging Population: A Needs Assessment, Stephen Michael Clark

Theses Digitization Project

This needs assessment was composed of 33 clinicians' in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that work in the substance abuse field. This study was developed to test if there is a need to increase clinicians' knowledge level base when working with older adults age 65 plus with a substance abuse problem. This needs assessment looked at demographics and tested the differences between self reported knowledge and what instruments their agencies are currently using.

Identification Of Effective Outreach Methods For Mental Health Services To The Hispanic Population, Nidia Yamileth Canello

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to find effective outreach methods to the Hispanic population to empower them to seek mental health services when they need them. Hispanics seek mental health services at a lower rate than mainstream America. This community is the most rapidly growing in San Bernardino County, and lack of early intervention when necessary may have costly consequences to Hispanics and society as a whole.

Seriously Mentally Ill Clients' Perspectives On Substance Use And Treatment, Ann Laverne Jankowski

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to interview individuals with co-occurring disorders, who attend Dual Diagnosis Anonymous groups, to obtain their perspectives on the consequences and effects of substance use on their mental illness and their lives; their participation in and evaluation of treatment, and their willingness to stop, reduce, or continue to abstain from substance use.

Parental Substance Abuse Services That Promote Family Reunification Under Adoption And Safe Families Act Timelines, Omeera Qadir

Theses Digitization Project

Parents involved in the child welfare system often receive substance abuse services. However, the Adoptions and Safe Families Act (ASFA) time frames for permanency may not be addressing all of the long-term needs of families who are involved within the system. The purpose of this research study was to assess the effectiveness of substance abuse services in promoting family reunification under the ASFA timelines for parents whose children are dependents of the Juvenile Court. The primary information being analyzed was the case files of 50 families who were involved in Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Children's Services …

Barriers That Affect The Under Utilization Of Mental Health Services Among Foster Children, Haneen Sabah Alghita, Denise Nunez

Theses Digitization Project

There are many barriers that interfere with the utilization of mental health services which include instability of the foster child, county/budget restrictions, racial/ethnic inequality, delivery of service, lack of knowledge and understanding of mental health needs, inadequate training on mental health needs for children among foster parents, social worker caseload and lack of communication between Foster Care Social Worker (FCSW) and County Social Worker (CSW). The purpose of this research is to examine the various barriers that affect the under-utilization of mental health services among foster children. Participants included foster parents recruited from Riverside and San Bernardino County who are …

The Effects Of Negative Childhood Experiences On The Severity Of Mental And Substance Abuse Disorders And Recidivism, Christie Lynn Gabriel

Theses Digitization Project

Overcrowded prisons are a growing problem in the United States. Currently, California prisons are over capacity 85%. Substance abuse increases the likelihood of criminality, for half of state prisoners admitted to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their offense(s). A large portion of these individuals, once incarcerated, is also diagnosed with a mental illness. By researching dually diagnosed inmates who were participating in a 90-day in-custody treatment program, this study focuses on how negative family and school experiences become major contributors to adult mental and substance abuse disorders and criminality.

Reflective Materials And The Use Of Glitter In Art Therapy, Amber Dee Mazza

Art Therapy | Master's Theses in Print

This paper hypothesizes that glitter is an important media in art therapy. This research asked the question, what is the significance and clinical application of glitter in art therapy? Glitter is a commonly used art material and research on the subject matter is absent. The method used was survey research with quantitative and qualitative questions. Seven hundred and fifty eight members of the American Art Therapy Association completed the survey. Glitter has significant meaning in reference to Cathy Moon’s theory of materiality, and can be used to bring light to client art work.

Perceptions Of Breast Cancer Patients On Communicating Sexuality-Related Issues, Farrah Joy Oblepias

Theses Digitization Project

The research project focused on the perceptions of breast cancer patients on addressing sexuality-related issues to their health care provider. A female breast cancer survivor is likely to have low sexual functioning when experiencing change in hormonal status, problems in partner relationships, and vaginal dryness. Moreover, women who undergo a mastectomy due to breast cancer had difficulties in their self-image and their sexual relationship with men.

The Effects Of Immediate Follow-Up On Psychiartric Rehospitalization Rates, Jennifer Erin Mccreight

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an immediate post hospitalization follow-up intervention on the rehospitalization rates of consumers of public mental health services with a classical experimental design. The intervention involves reinforcing the discharge plan, providing psychoeducation, encouraging medication adherence, and triaging each discharged client for additional needs.

Predicting Juvenile Delinquency: The Nexus Of Childhood Maltreatment, Depression And Bipolar Disorder, Christopher A. Mallett, Patricia A. Stoddard Dare, Mamadou M. Seck

Social Work Faculty Publications

Background It is important to identify and provide preventative interventions for youth who are most at risk for offending behaviour, but the connection between early childhood or adolescent experiences and later delinquency adjudication is complicated. Aim To test for associations between specified mental disorders or maltreatment and later delinquency adjudication. Method Participants were a random sample of youth before the juvenile courts in two Northeast Ohio counties in the USA (n = 555) over a 4-year time frame (2003 to 2006). Results Logistic regression analysis identified a lifetime diagnosis of depression and/or bipolar disorder to be predictive of later youth …

Affective Decision-Making Predictive Of Chinese Adolescent Drinking Behaviors, Lin Xiao, Antoine Bechara, Jerry L. Grenard, Alan W. Stacy, Paula Palmer, Yonglan Wei, Yong Jia, Xiaolu Fu, C. Anderson Johnson

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

The goal of the current investigation was to address whether affective decision making would serve as a unique neuropsychological marker to predict drinking behaviors among adolescents. We conducted a longitudinal study of 181 Chinese adolescents in Chengdu city, China. In their 10th grade (ages 15–16), these adolescents were tested for their affective decision-making ability using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and working memory capacity using the Self-Ordered Pointing Test. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess academic performance and drinking behaviors. At 1-year follow-up, questionnaires were completed to assess drinking behaviors, and the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale was used to examine …

Student Stress And Academic Performance: Home Hospital Program, Carolyn B. Yucha, Susan Kowalski, Chad L. Cross

Nursing Faculty Research

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether nursing students assigned to a home hospital experience less stress and improved academic performance. Students were assigned to a home hospital clinical placement (n = 78) or a control clinical placement (n = 79). Stress was measured using the Student Nurse Stress Index (SNSI) and Spielberger’s State Anxiety Inventory. Academic performance included score on the RN CAT, a standardized mock NCLEX-RN®-type test; nursing grade point average; and first attempt pass-fail on the NCLEX-RN. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, or score …

Does A Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Program Work In A School Setting? Evaluating Training Outcome And Moderators Of Effectiveness, Tanya L. Tompkins, Jody Witt, Nadia Abraibesh

Faculty Publications

The current study sought to evaluate the suicide prevention gatekeeper training program QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) among school personnel using a non-equivalent control group design. Substantial gains were demonstrated from pre- to post-test for attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding suicide and suicide prevention. Exploratory analyses revealed the possible moderating effects of age, professional role, prior training, and recent contact with suicidal youth on QPR participants’ general knowledge, questioning, attitudes toward suicide and suicide prevention, QPR quiz scores, and self-efficacy. The need for replication using a more rigorous experimental design in the context of strong community collaboration is discussed.

The Short-Term Effectiveness Of A Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program In A College Setting With Residence Life Advisers, Tanya L. Tompkins, Jody Witt

Faculty Publications

Although the college years prove to be a vulnerable time for students and a critical period for suicide prevention, few school-based prevention strategies have been empirically evaluated. The current study examined the short-term effects of QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), a gatekeeper training program that teaches how to recognize warning signs, question suicidal intent, listen to problems, and refer for help. The 122 residence advisers (RAs) who were trained in QPR demonstrated significant post-training gains across a variety of domains relevant to suicide and suicide prevention, with the 60 completing the follow-up assessment showing sustained knowledge and appraisals into the …

Overweight Children And Adolescents: Impact On Psychological And Social Development, Kimberly K. Mcclanahan, Marlene B. Huff, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The global epidemic of childhood and adolescent overweight has become a major public health concern. Not only are these youth more likely to become obese as adults, and thus more prone to obesity-related diseases than their non overweight peers, they are also likely to suffer emotional and social effects associated with overweight. Overweight in youth has been linked to depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, negative body image, and stigma. It appears to be bi-directional in nature, with overweight sometimes predicting certain psychological effects and psychosocial issues sometimes predicting overweight. Effective assessment and treatment of psychological and mental health issues in …