Digital Commons Network^™

“It Is Tiny And It Is Everything”: Exploring The Effects Of Arts-Integrated Gardening On Experiences Of Ecological Grief Through Autoethnographic Research, Christina Kingsbury

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study explores how arts-integrated gardening affects experiences of ecological grief through autoethnography and draws on my personal experiences as a survivor of environmentally linked cancer and artist working with gardens through social practice. My research builds on two areas of emergent scholarship—investigations of ecological grief and gardens as sites for social work practice—to explore how social work may address ecological grief through arts-integrated gardening. I use a quilting autoethnography as a method of inquiry to foreground my subjective knowledge and analyze it through intersectional feminist, disability and decolonizing theories. By incorporating narrative analysis and arts-based inquiry—writing in place, poetic …

Simulating A Multi-Tier Intervention For Refugee Mental Health Using Agent-Based Modeling, Bishan Huang

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Increasing numbers of people are fleeing political violence and becoming refugees who resettle all around the world.Compared to the general population in the countries where they resettle, refugees disproportionately suffer from depression and higher trauma-related mental health symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the experiences that led to their refugee status, as well as post-migration stressors, disadvantages in multiple social determinants of health, and lack of social support. New York City has received refugees from over 50 countries and may require policy and infrastructure changes to meet refugee mental health needs, especially in face of the recent surge …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

Formation, Operation, And Maintenance Of A Community Advisory Board For Research With Lgbtq+ Parents, Aubrey Jones, Olivia S. Yinger, Rachel H. Farr, Keisa Fallin-Bennett, Sabrina Beiring, Cassi Crouse, Carolyn Greenstrom

Transforming Communities

Community-engaged research is becoming increasingly popular to promote health equity. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the formation, operation, and maintenance of a community advisory board (CAB) of LGBTQ+ parents and healthcare providers who work with LGBTQ+ parents. Method: Using Newman and colleagues outline, we describe the formation, operation, and maintenance phases of our CAB process. Inclusion criteria for CAB members is as follows, CAB members must be 18 years of age or older, live in the U.S., and (a) self-identify as LGBTQ+ and have had a child in the NICU more than five years prior to …

Counselors’ Mind-Skills And Self-Compassion During Counseling Service, Eni Rindi Antika, Mulawarman Mulawarman, Bobby Ardhian Nusantara, Tivanny Octasya, Vip Brilliant Stoic, Mirabai Bhana, Abi Fa’Izzarahman Prabawa

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of mind skills and self-compassion of school counselors in counseling services. The research method used quantitative with a cross-sectional survey research design. The instruments used in this study were mind-skills test instruments and self-compassion scales. The test on the validity and reliability of research instruments was performed using two ways. The validity of the mind-skills test instrument uses the point biserial technique because the data was dichotomous (true or false). The validity test of the self-compassion scale was carried out with the Pearson product-moment correlation point using an error level …

Strength-Based School Counseling In Addressing School Bullying Issue In Indonesia, Indy Hurun Ein, Natris Idriyani

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

As the school bullying issues rates have been increasing in the past decade, further comprehesinve actions from professionals in educarion are needed, mainly from school counselors. This paper aims to provide information and highlight key principles of strengths-based school counseling approach that would be compatible to deal with the issues. Using this contemporary approach, school counselors are highly recommended to work with other school stakeholders to create a positive environment and climate for students to prevent them from being both bullies and victims, including actions to identify students’ positive qualities, assign parents to enhance positive communications and relationships with their …

Exploring The Impact Of Self-Control, Motivation, And Resilience On Students' Self-Compassion, Diani Akmalia Apsari, Adi Atmoko, Ika Andrini Farida, Nur Eva, Augusto Da Costa, Aidah Fuadiyah

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The core purpose of Pendidikan Profesi Guru Prajabatan (PPG) is to educate prospective teachers to become professional teachers. To achieve this goal, students requires psychological abilities when facing challenges such as dense and demanding tasks based on the curriculum that must be completed in 2 semesters. This study aims to (1) test the theoretical model of regression of self-compassion, and (2) determine the contribution of self-control, motivation, and resilience to self-compassion in PPG students. This study used a causal relationship design. Data were collected with (1) Brief Self Control Scale, (2) The Academic Motivation Scale, (3) The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, …

Learning To Be An Autistic Therapist: Personal Steps Towards An Autism-Affirming Psychotherapy, Sasha D. Strong

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

How can Autistic therapists understand and support themselves, and how can this help them support their clients? In this paper, I recount my personal journey of healing and growth as an Autistic psychotherapist, 16 months after self-identification. Here is an overview of conceptual frameworks from #actuallyautistic authors, critical theory, queer theory, and social justice that I have found helpful. I also share some of the therapeutic and wellness approaches that have been important to me, including mindfulness and bodyfulness. Organic knowing has been pivotal for me in discerning between masking and aliveness, and regaining a choice around masking behaviors. This …

"Does Anyone Believe Me"?: The Traumatization Of Domestic Violence Survivors In The Criminal Justice System, Olivia Depalma

Master of Arts in Human Services

Survivors of domestic violence are often subject to chronic trauma as well as a heightened risk of injuries and mental health problems and disorders. The intention of the author is to focus on how trauma impacts a survivor’s ability to maneuver and interact with the criminal justice system (CJS). Prior studies have shown how survivor’s behaviors, usually the result of trauma, can lead to misconceived notions and beliefs in court officials and those involved in the CJS. Survivors will often face judgment, doubt, and criticism in the CJS, and this can impact their willingness to come forward, report the abuse, …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) Interventions For Group Therapy For College Students Experiencing Depression, Ty Ogren

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This group manual was created to support college students struggling with a depressive mood disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder. The instance of mental health concerns, including depression, have increased greatly over the last several years. Depression is the most common mental health concern for college students, and the rate at which they experience depressive symptoms has exceeded that of the general population. Depressive symptoms in college students can lead to many concerns like poor academic achievement, self-isolation, poor diet and nutrition, and suicidal ideation (Liu et al., 2022). This group manual aims to equip college students struggling with depression …

Six-Month Follow-Up Comparing Ait And Eft In The Reduction Of Negative Emotions Associated With A Past Memory, Gregory Brown, Kavita Batra, Emily Dorin, Andrew Han, Arianna Palermini, Robert Sottile, Sherine Khanbijian

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Statistics have shown that about sixty percent of individuals with psychiatric illness do not respond adequately to standard treatments, yet only 1% of research studies are focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for these patients (McIntyre et al., 2023). This study investigated the long-term efficacy of Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) as compared to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), specifically evaluating the durability of the resolution of emotional distress tied to a single memory six months post-treatment. The study began with 72 participants: and 51 completed a follow-up survey, resulting in a response rate of 70.8%. The sample was predominantly female (65%), …

Opportunities To Address Health Disparities In Suicidality For Sexual And Gender Minority Youth In Public Systems, Dana M. Prince, Kathleen Lewis, Peter S. Hovmand

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Making An Easy Return To School After An Extended Illness Diagnosis, Ashlyn Eads, Mary Jan Greer, Julie Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster provides information on the capstone program created at a pediatric site. This program addresses how play-based therapy can help children with an extended illness transition back into the school setting. Both the children and their caregivers need support before, during, and after the return to school. The goals of this program were to educate caregivers on how to advocate for their child for positive outcomes, provide caregivers with resources to promote successful transition to school, provide play-based strategies for children addressing handwriting, social Skills, upper body strength, education, fine Motor Skills, and provide the site and caregivers with …

Extension Agents’ Perceptions Of Community Readiness For Farm Stress And Suicide Prevention Efforts, Paula Yuma, Melissa Pearman Fenton, Lorann Stallones, Morgan Valley

Transforming Communities

The aim of the present study is to describe how Extension Agents in rural Colorado perceive their communities’ readiness to engage with farm stress and suicide prevention services and resources. Interviews were conducted with Extension Agents from five Colorado counties experiencing high suicide rates. Interview questions were based on a Community Readiness for Community Change framework, and inductive analysis was used to generate themes from the data. Results demonstrate that while prevention efforts are underway, community awareness remains low. In addition to structural barriers associated with rurality (e.g., lack of mental health providers), stigma remains a significant barrier to help-seeking. …

¿Qué Dijo El Médico?: Creating A Procedural Preparation Booklet For Spanish-Speaking Patients And Families In The Pediatric Hospital Setting, Caitlyn Bockbrader

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to demonstrate the need for and creation of a resource that supports Spanish-speaking children’s ability to cope through commonly stressful medical procedures. In developing this project, I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of preparation booklets in lessening pre-procedural anxiety, cultural considerations for the Hispanic community, and current barriers to equitable language access in healthcare settings. My final product was designed to answer the following question: How can the psychosocial outcomes of Spanish-speaking children in U.S. hospitals be improved through the use of Child Life procedural preparation materials? In answering this question, …

Transdisciplinary Collaboration Of Healthcare Professionals And The Emotional Connectedness With Working With Patients Coping With Death And Dying, Princess Nguyen, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores how an integrated approach to care for patients and families by transdisciplinary healthcare teams provides opportunities for a patient-centered care approach to support quality of life throughout one's chronic illness and at the end-of-life. Discussions and conversations about impending death or dying are often challenging and a complex task for healthcare professionals in whatever settings. While there is an understanding of aspects of collaborative care and transitions and processes to support patients and families about how to cope and communicate about death and dying, it is essential to recognize how best to support end-of-life care …

Disparities In The Pregnancy Experience: A Multi-Case Analysis, Tiffany C. Thomas, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Racial disparities in maternal healthcare continue to be a significant issue, with Black women experiencing worse outcomes compared to White women. Despite improvements in healthcare, Black women are still 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and they face higher rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and insufficient prenatal care. This paper examines the experiences of three African American women from high socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on where these negative experiences are most common throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The study uses the Pregnancy and Maternity Care Patients' Experiences Questionnaire (PreMaPEQ) to explore different stages of care, …

Benefits Of Meditation Practices In Alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Symptoms For Individuals Already In Therapy, Jeanette G. Mann, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

This study examines the impact of adding and incorporating a meditation practice into a treatment plan for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for three adult patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The cases involved included patients with persistent PTSD symptoms who had experienced limited improvement with standard therapies. Data from Electronic Health Records and clinician notes showed that adding an eight-week meditation practice enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. In all three cases, the meditation practice increased the benefits of the traditional therapy. This helped the patients have greater control over their PTSD symptoms and improve their quality …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Psychological Distress Among Family Caregivers Of Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias In Uganda, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) present growing global health challenges, especially in aging populations, such as Uganda. In Uganda, familial caregiving, predominantly undertaken by female relatives, is the primary form of support provided to patients with ADRD. Cultural stigma around dementia and limited access to support services amplify caregivers' challenges. This study examined psychological distress, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of patients with ADRD in Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 90 caregivers from three sub-counties in Wakiso, selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse experiences. Participants included caregivers aged 18 years …

Comprehensive Community Medicine, Alexander Walther

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Comprehensive Community Medicine (CCM) is a theoretical framework designed to address the complex needs of individuals with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorders (SUDs). Dual diagnosis is highly prevalent, particularly among populations experiencing homelessness, and is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare service utilization. Structural inequities, including a fractured healthcare system, exacerbate the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Research indicates that effective care for dually diagnosed individuals requires a layered approach addressing clinical, systemic, legal, and housing barriers.

The development of CCM has been informed by interviews with local stakeholders, including County EMS board …

Msw Portfolio, Dallin C. Ball

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Trauma-Informed Design In A Mental Health Setting: A Community-Based Research Case Study, Marie Spence

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study utilized a community-based research framework to explore how the Trauma-Informed Design framework can be implemented in a mental health setting. This study focused on the site of Empower Therapy Practice, a private mental health practice in the Denver Metro Area, to engage clients and staff to participate in advisory boards and inform the interior design of a new office space. To explore the application of Trauma-Informed Design, participants engaged in a variety of research activities, including an evaluative questionnaire, Photovoice, and focus group. Advisory board members identified various aspects of Trauma-Informed Design which meaningfully translate to therapeutic …

The Relationship Between Gender And Experienes Of Weight Stigma From Healthcare Providers, Isabella J. Aceituno, Shannon Sagert

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Healthcare providers are a common source of weight stigma, which is associated with lower physician trust, poorer patient outcomes, and the avoidance of healthcare services. Currently, there is a lack of consensus in research on whether women and men are equally likely to experience weight stigma from healthcare providers. The present study examined whether gender differences exist in weight stigma received from healthcare providers in childhood or adulthood, comfort seeking medical care, and healthcare avoidance. Adult participants (N = 196) reported the frequency at which they experienced stigmatizing experiences in healthcare environments in the past 12 months and during childhood …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Students’ Education In Animal-Assisted Therapy: Students’ Experience, Jessica Hill, Sophie Mensforth, Lucy Waldby, Jennifer Fleming, Teresa Quinlan, Carlie Driscoll

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Animal-assisted therapy has been gaining increased attention in occupational therapy practice and research. Yet the topic remains missing from university curricula at an international level. The aim of this study was to describe how animal-assisted therapy might be introduced to occupational therapy curricula and explore the experience of students who were able to implement their knowledge within a student-led clinic. Nine occupational therapy students engaged in individual semistructured interviews, allowing them to describe their experience participating in a student-led canine-assisted therapy clinic. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged describing the students’ experience: outside my comfort zone, …

Interprofessional Approach To Anxiety And Depression, John M. Sedrak, Benjamin Jones, Dominique Denbow, Ezra Aistrop-Gormley

CAIEP Fall Showcase 2024

A multidisciplinary approach for treating a patient from El Paso, Texas, with complex social and psychiatric challenges, including comorbid depression and anxiety. She faces limited access to resources, a sparse support system, and escalating social barriers. Environmental stressors, such as traffic pollution that exacerbates her asthma, and minimal community engagement further impact her mental health. An interprofessional care plan included mental health counseling, community outreach to enhance social support, and medical management to comprehensively address her interconnected health needs.

Who Cares For The Caregiver? Exploring Extension’S Role In Informal Caregiving Support, Mckenzie R. Tuttle, Erin L. Martinez, Aimee Fox

Journal of Extension

Family caregivers provide invaluable service by taking on the responsibility of caring for older adults in the United States. With a growing aging population, the need for family caregivers and demands on their time and resources will continue to increase. Although a variety of caregiving resources and support services exist, family caregivers often lack the awareness, time, transportation, or financial resources to connect to services. There is a critical need to address the barriers that prevent caregivers from accessing services. In this commentary, we highlight barriers and make recommendations for improving conversations, research, and practice to meet this growing problem.

Post-Pandemic Needs Of Unpaid Family And Friend Caregivers To Effectively Continue Caregiving Duties In One Northern Ontario Health Authority, Jodi Webber, Erin Mulroney, Mark Tatasciore, Brianna Smith, Patti-Jo Duggan, Louis Ferron, Hannah Albani, Bianca Feitelberg, Laura Tenhagen, Sophia Myles

Patient Experience Journal

The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the support networks for older adults and caregivers as health and social care systems were forced to dramatically change the ways patients and clients interacted with providers, services, and programs. In Northern Ontario, caregivers are older, caring in more intense situations, more likely to be caring for multiple care recipients simultaneously and less likely to be in contact with health professionals. This research sought to explore the post-pandemic needs of caregivers in a Northern Ontario health catchment to better understand the needed supports. Using a collaborative and co-design approach with caregiver advisors …

Data-Driven Cutoff Selection For The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool, Brooke Levis, Parash Mani Bhandari, Dipika Neupane, Suiqiong Fan, Ying Sun, Chen He, Yin Wu, Ankur Krishnan, Zelalem Negeri, Mahrukh Imran, Danielle B Rice, Kira E Riehm, Marleine Azar, Alexander W Levis, Jill Boruff, Pim Cuijpers, Simon Gilbody, John P A Ioannidis, Lorie A Kloda, Scott B Patten, Roy C Ziegelstein, Daphna Harel, Yemisi Takwoingi, Sarah Markham, Sultan H Alamri, Dagmar Amtmann, Bruce Arroll, Liat Ayalon, Hamid R Baradaran, Anna Beraldi, Charles N Bernstein, Arvin Bhana, Charles H Bombardier, Ryna Imma Buji, Peter Butterworth, Gregory Carter, Marcos H Chagas, Juliana C N Chan, Lai Fong Chan, Dixon Chibanda, Kerrie Clover, Aaron Conway, Yeates Conwell, Federico M Daray, Janneke M De Man-Van Ginkel, Jesse R Fann, Felix H Fischer, Sally Field, Jane R W Fisher, Daniel S S Fung, Bizu Gelaye, Leila Gholizadeh, Felicity Goodyear-Smith, Eric P Green, Catherine G Greeno, Brian J Hall, Liisa Hantsoo, Martin Härter, Leanne Hides, Stevan E Hobfoll, Simone Honikman, Thomas Hyphantis, Masatoshi Inagaki, Maria Iglesias-Gonzalez, Hong Jin Jeon, Nathalie Jetté, Mohammad E Khamseh, Kim M Kiely, Brandon A Kohrt, Yunxin Kwan, Maria Asunción Lara, Holly F Levin-Aspenson, Shen-Ing Liu, Manote Lotrakul, Sonia R Loureiro, Bernd Löwe, Nagendra P Luitel, Crick Lund, Ruth Ann Marrie, Laura Marsh, Brian P Marx, Anthony Mcguire, Sherina Mohd Sidik, Tiago N Munhoz, Kumiko Muramatsu, Juliet E M Nakku, Laura Navarrete, Flávia L Osório, Brian W Pence, Philippe Persoons, Inge Petersen, Angelo Picardi, Stephanie L Pugh, Terence J Quinn, Elmars Rancans, Sujit D Rathod, Katrin Reuter, Alasdair G Rooney, Iná S Santos, Miranda T Schram, Juwita Shaaban, Eileen H Shinn, Abbey Sidebottom, Adam Simning, Lena Spangenberg, Lesley Stafford, Sharon C Sung, Keiko Suzuki, Pei Lin Lynnette Tan, Martin Taylor-Rowan, Thach D Tran, Alyna Turner, Christina M Van Der Feltz-Cornelis, Thandi Van Heyningen, Paul A Vöhringer, Lynne I Wagner, Jian Li Wang, David Watson, Jennifer White, Mary A Whooley, Kirsty Winkley, Karen Wynter, Mitsuhiko Yamada, Qing Zhi Zeng, Yuying Zhang, Brett D Thombs, Andrea Benedetti, Depression Screening Data (Depressd) Phq Group

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

IMPORTANCE: Test accuracy studies often use small datasets to simultaneously select an optimal cutoff score that maximizes test accuracy and generate accuracy estimates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree to which using data-driven methods to simultaneously select an optimal Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) cutoff score and estimate accuracy yields (1) optimal cutoff scores that differ from the population-level optimal cutoff score and (2) biased accuracy estimates.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study used cross-sectional data from an existing individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) database on PHQ-9 screening accuracy to represent a hypothetical population. Studies in the IPDMA database compared participant PHQ-9 …

Burnout And Employee Satisfaction Of Mental Health Clinicians In Corrections, Jeremy C. Capuyon, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Approximately 1.9 million individuals are currently incarcerated within the United States. Rehabilitation and preparation for parole back into the community is common goal amongst correctional facilities. Mental health clinicians (social workers and psychologists) within the correctional facilities are providers who assist in the rehabilitation of inmates. Unfortunately, mental health clinicians in correctional facilities experience high rates of burnout and low levels of job satisfaction, resulting in an increase in turnover rates. This research project looks to investigate the impact burnout and employee satisfaction has on mental health clinicians who work in correctional settings. Furthermore, this research project compares burnout and …