Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating Family, Culture, And Well-Being: A Qualitative Study Of First-Generation Adult Children Of Middle Eastern Immigrants In The United States, Ramona Amely

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of first-generation adult children of Middle Eastern immigrant parents/caregivers living in the United States. This was a phenomenological study with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants (N=10) were interviewed via Zoom, and transcripts were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). The results included four themes: (1) Migration Contact and Cultural Formation, (2) Bicultural Identity Development, (3) Family System Adaptation, and (4) Emotional Socialization and Psychological Impact. This study highlights how first-generation adult children of Middle Eastern immigrants navigate complex, interwoven processes of bicultural identity development, family adaptation, and emotional socialization shaped …

The Lived Experience Of Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Jessica Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of narcissistic abuse survivors through a grounded theory approach to generate a model that can assist people in recognizing patterns and traits of narcissistically abusive relationships. Guided by relational-cultural theory, this study further seeks to examine the ways narcissistic abuse damages relational connections and to highlight elements of healthy, growth-fostering relationships. The population of focus included self-selected narcissistic abuse survivors who are adults over the age of 18 (N = 8). The results indicated three themes, each with additional subthemes, which include: (a) early behavior – performative displays and …

How To Reduce Inpatient Violence: A Theory Synthesis From Four Models, Arthur Walker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Working in an inpatient setting inherently involves an increased risk of violence. This violence can affect both staff and patients alike and can lead to psychological trauma, serious bodily injury, and even death. To mitigate this risk, many models for preventing inpatient violence have been proposed for hospitals to implement. However, the evidence for the efficacy of these methods is inconsistent, and the theoretical underpinnings are varied and slim. This dissertation seeks to improve these models by re-examining the theoretical structures for common themes of four models for inpatient violence reduction and proposing additional recommendations informed by this synthesis. First, …

Bi+ Cismale Experiences With Straight Cismale Friends, Taylor M. Hardock

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Minority Stress Theory (2006) posits that individuals with a marginalized sexual identity have unique challenges and stressors. Bisexual+, or bi+, individuals have particular stressors related to not holding a monosexual identity, including specific mental health challenges. Research has shown that friendship can have many positive benefits on individuals, though the literature looking at friendship among bi+ identifying people is very limited. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of friendship between bi+ and straight cis men, especially as they may relate to minority stress and experiences of resilience and community belongingness. A thematic analysis was utilized to understand the personal experiences …

Beyond The Rabbit Hole: Dmt, Death, And The Hereafter, Abby Molina

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores a proposed relationship between death and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) within the context of contemporary clinical psychology and the current psychedelic renaissance. Building on Rick Strassman’s hypothesis that DMT may be released at the moment of death and Imants Barušs’ conceptualization of death as an altered state of consciousness, this project examines the phenomenological similarities between DMT-induced experiences (psychedelic “trips”) and near-death experiences (NDEs). Through review of neurobiological research, psychedelic-assisted therapy literature, religious and cultural ceremonial practices, and documented DMT trip and NDE reports, this work evaluates the plausibility that endogenous DMT contributes to altered states of consciousness observed …

Cross-Domain Identity Development In Bipoc Autistic Adults: A Grounded Theory Study, Ginnylyne Mariano Guisadio

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Racial and autistic identity development both involve navigating stigma, seeking community, and contending with dominant frameworks that constrain authentic self-expression, yet existing research has not examined how these processes interact for individuals holding both identities. These interactions unfold within structural conditions such as diagnostic disparities, culturally specific ableism, and racialized consequences of visible autistic expression, which shape how identity development proceeds for BIPOC autistic adults. This study investigated whether and how the core identity processes of exploration and commitment proceeded for this population. Nine BIPOC autistic adults participated in written interviews analyzed through constructivist grounded theory, with identity status theory …

Improving Continuity Of Care In A Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative., Irene Maranga

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Missed appointments, also known as ‘no-shows,’ disrupt continuity of care in psychiatric outpatient settings, leading to treatment delays, symptom exacerbation, and increased risk of hospitalization. This project was implemented at an outpatient psychiatric clinic where approximately 4 of 14 patients missed scheduled appointments daily, with no systematic follow-up protocol. A quality improvement initiative designed to re-engage patients after missed appointments through follow-up phone calls was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework over two cycles from August through September 2026. Patients who missed appointments received a follow-up phone call within 24 hours. Cycle 1 included one call attempt per …

Racial Bias In Collateral Report Of Adhd Symptom Endorsement, Teresa Mejia

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed mental health condition among children in the United States. However, prevalence rates in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD are unequal across populations. Specifically, the literature has demonstrated consistent variability in symptom endorsements and diagnosis dependent on a child’s demographic factors (i.e., race, gender, age). A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the diagnostic criteria be met in at least two aspects of a child's life, usually the school and home environments. As such, teacher reports are commonly used in the assessment of ADHD for children and adolescents. Given the challenges in obtaining …

Flourishing In Hong Kong: An Analysis Of Wellbeing-Related Outcomes In The Global Flourishing Study, Lanxi Huang, Xu, Maggie Yue Zhao, Hanchao Hou, Aaron Jarden, Tim Lomas, Brendan Case, R. Noah Padgett, Ying Chen, Richard G. Cowden, Byron R. Johnson, Tyler J. Vanderweele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Using population-based data from Hong Kong (N = 3,012) drawn from Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study, this study examines the distribution of multidimensional flourishing and explores sociodemographic variation across psychological, social, physical, and economic domains. Overall, respondents reported relatively strong happiness and life satisfaction and financial wellbeing, alongside less favourable social connectedness. Patterns of flourishing varied across age, gender, education, employment, and religious affiliation, highlighting meaningful heterogeneity within the population. Early older adults tended to show more favourable wellbeing profiles, whereas younger adults and nonreligious individuals displayed comparatively lower scores across several domains. Educational attainment and employment status …

Exploring The Mental Health Experiences Of Working Mothers Beyond The Postpartum Period: A Qualitative Study, Katie A. Bennett

Honors Theses and Capstones

Even as symptoms and concerns may persist or intensify with evolving parenting demands, maternal mental health beyond the postpartum period remains under-researched, especially in mothers who are employed and raising children simultaneously. This phenomenological study investigated the nuanced lived experiences of working mothers and their mental health. This study utilized convenience sampling to recruit 10 participants via Facebook groups. Each participant took part in a semi-structured interview which was audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, revealing 5 core themes: emotional strain and sensory overstimulation; stress during transitions between work and parenting roles; employment …

Mental Health Impacts Of Anti-Trans Stigma On Transgender People In Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sav Zwickl, Sasha Bailey, Rin Chan, Shalem Y. Leemaqz, Joel Murray, Stevie Lane, Foster Skewis, Julian Grace, Eli Ward-Smith, Tomi Ruggles, Ada S. Cheung

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Anti-trans stigma has escalated globally, yet there is limited empirical evidence examining its mental health impacts on trans populations.

Methods: In a May 2024 mixed-methods cross-sectional online survey, trans people aged ≥16 years living in Australia reported the frequency of seven anti-trans stigma experiences in the previous month, including exposure to anti-trans remarks in the news media or online; personal experience of online bullying, harassment or threats; having thought about, seen or heard about anti-trans rhetoric by Australian politicians and high-profile individuals; or anti-trans rallies; or police violence; or international anti-trans legislation and violence. Generalized linear models examined associations …

The Influence Of Self-Compassion On The Mental Health And Well-Being Of Women Experiencing Infertility: A Systematic Review, Shwikar Othman, Mitra Javanmard, Lauren Roberts, Lisa Conlon, Mary Steen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Infertility can cause significant distress to women, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. This systematic review examined the influence of self-compassion interventions on mental health and well-being among women experiencing infertility. The review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following PRISMA guideline. Databases searched included Medline, Embase, Ovid nursing database, Emcare, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2024. Quality assessment was conducted using JBI critical appraisal tools. Title and abstract screening was conducted by three reviewers, and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, …

Prenatal Exposure To Nicotine And Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Reem Sharaf-Alddin, May Salama, Denise Mckinney, George Saade, Qi Zhang

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Purpose: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common mental health complication of childbirth, and has short-term and long-term consequences for mother, child, and the entire family. PPD is a function of several factors. Prenatal exposure to nicotine (PEN) by Active Tobacco Smoking (ATS), Secondhand Smoking (SHS), or Electronic Nicotine Products (ENPs) is a major potential risk factor. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize and evaluate all evidence regarding the association between PEN and PPD.

Methods: We searched the following databases, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CINHAL, for studies published between Jan.1st ,2000&Sep.19th ,2024, with the outcome PPD. Studies …

Educational Attainment And Symptom Improvement In Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Longitudinal Cohort Analysis Across Treatment Modalities, Marjorie Harrison, Giselli Scaini Msc, Phd, Aspen Viamontes

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Examining The Physiological Stress-Reducing Effects Of Virtual Nature Exposure And Slow Breathing, Jesse Benefiel

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In a time of excess stress, it is essential to examine accessible stress-reduction methods. Research has demonstrated that virtual nature exposure and slow breathing can independently reduce stress, but the literature is lacking with regard to their combined effects. The present study aimed to replicate independent effects of breathing and nature on stress and to test for potential effects, including whether their combination would produce an interaction effect. Using a 2 Environment (Natural v. Control) by 2 Breathing (Slow v. Normal) between-subjects design, 63 participants completed a modified color-word Stroop task to induce stress and were then exposed to either …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …

Magnifying Mental Health In The Perinatal Population: A Systematic Review, Kasey E. Arnold, Alyssa M. Maki

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Pregnant individuals often experience significant anxiety, which can negatively affect both pregnancy and fetal outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving interventions, primarily focusing on the labor period. The PICOT question is: In perinatal patients, do non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, compared to pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, have a greater impact on ease of delivery and overall mental health during pregnancy and the perinatal period? PRISMA (2020) guidelines were used with inclusion criteria of human subjects, English language, and published within the last six years. Databases included PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Twenty-three studies were analyzed to examine …

Perceptions, Expectations, And Attitudes About Adolescent Telepsychiatry Among Indian American Family Caregivers, Udayvir Jalf

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Adolescent mental health concerns have risen sharply in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in mental health care access, with telehealth having become a central mode of care delivery. With adolescent telehealth, caregiver involvement has shown to improve treatment adherence and outcomes. Little is known, however, about how Indian American caregivers experience and navigate their adolescent’s virtual mental health care. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions, expectations, and attitudes of Indian American family caregivers regarding adolescent telepsychiatry and caregivers’ involvement. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Indian American caregivers of adolescents who completed at …

The Role Of Resistance Training In Managing Menopause-Related Changes, Alyson K. Strauss

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Resistance training serves as a critical non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating the physiological and psychological declines associated with the menopausal transition. This natural biological phase, marked by declining estrogen levels, typically leads to accelerated bone mineral density loss, sarcopenia, metabolic regulation disturbance, and heightened mood disturbances. To evaluate the efficacy of targeted exercise interventions, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. From an initial pool of 60 relevant articles, 13 studies met the specific inclusion criteria, focusing on structured resistance training protocols for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal cohorts.

The synthesis of these studies indicates that resistance training is a highly …

The Impact Of Substance Abuse Problems And Serious Mental Illness/Serious Emotional Distress On Post-Discharge Residential Status Among Clients With Behavioral And Cognitive Disorders: Evidence From Samhsa Mh-Cld Data, Eden Moges, Norma Rochez, William Peycha, Aditya Chakraborty

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and cognitive disorders can undermine housing stability, a key determinant of mental health recovery, with persistent disparities across demographic and socioeconomic groups. This study examined the associations of substance abuse problems (SAP) and serious mental illness/serious emotional distress (SMISED) with residential status at discharge from mental health facilities.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the utilized data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, whereas univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between the covariates and the residential outcome, adjusting for a variety of …

The Moderating Role Of Social And Emotional Support In The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Mental Health Across Racial Groups: The Need For Investing In Social Capital, Syeda S. Jesmin, Aditya Chakraborty

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

The sustained impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on mental health outcomes in adulthood is well documented in the literature. ACE survivors may be especially vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes if they have limited or no social support. This study examined the moderating role of social support on the association of ACEs and mental health across different racial groups.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 14,327). The nine ACE questions about traumatic events in childhood were used to create ACE scores. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate comparisons. Both stratified …

Stress And Reward Interactions In Substance Use Disorder: An Evolutionary Mismatch Framework, Nicholas L. Castrucci

Honors Theses and Capstones

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health concern characterized by compulsive substance use despite adverse consequences. While contemporary models emphasize biological, psychological, and environmental contributors, stress- and reward-related systems are often examined in isolation. This review integrates these systems within an evolutionary mismatch framework to examine how chronic stress exposure and repeated substance use increase vulnerability to addiction. Stress and reward systems are evolutionarily conserved but may become chronically dysregulated under modern conditions characterized by persistent psychosocial stressors and highly potent rewarding stimuli. This is associated with converging neuroadaptations across stress and reward circuitry, resulting in altered affective …

Social Support As An Effect Modifier Of The Assocation Between Drug-Use Related Stigma And History Of Substance Use During Pregnancy Among Women Who Use Unprescribed Opioids In New York City: A Cross-Sectional Study, Isabelle C. Lynch

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Substance use and misuse among women who are pregnant is a growing public health concern in the United States. Overdose deaths are now a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women, and neonatal abstinence syndrome rates have increased to 23 per 1000 births. A barrier addressing substance use among these women is social stigma, which in part is driven by punitive drug policies that criminalize substance use during pregnancy and societal gender roles and norms surrounding women’s substance use. Social support, including emotional, instrumental, and informational support, can serve to mitigate the negative impacts of stigma on health …

The Interplay Between Loneliness, Cortisol, And Nk Cell Function: The Role Of Cortisol In Nk Cell Dysfunction, Abhinav Saurabh, Yvonne Baumer, Laurel G. Mendelsohn, Elizabeth M. Aquino Peterson, Dana Sadler, Shirley J. Lopez De Leon, Ayushi Dave, Andrew S. Baez, Lola R. Ortiz-Whittingham, Mario A. Pita, Manuel A. Cintron, Hannatu A. Tarfa, Sandy T. Reynolds, Shelby R. Hicks, Sonal Sharda, J. Eleanor Seo, Maria Lopez-Ocasio, Pradeep K. Dagur, Skyler A. Kuhn, Neelam R. Redekar, James F. Troendle, Ayanna L. Wells, Marie Marah, Katherine J. Tolentino, Michael J. Corley, Alika K. Maunakea, Lynnette K. Nieman, Marcus R. Andrews, Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Chronic psychosocial stressors contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors, particularly in under-resourced communities. Psychosocial stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to sustained cortisol action on immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are altered in distribution and function in cardio-metabolic diseases; however, pathways linking cortisol as a marker of chronic stress to NK cell dysfunction remain understudied. We recruited 186 African American women from the Step It Up Community-Engaged, Digital Health Physical Activity Intervention study and collected cortisol, NK cell measures, and psychosocial stress measures using validated questionnaires, including chronic stress and loneliness. Plasma cortisol levels were …

The Effects Of Abused Drugs On Ferroptosis Pathways: Potential Therapeutic Targets For Substance Use Disorders, Tamara Bouchard, Brooke Russell, Liam Liyang Guo, Tina Nguyen, Yan Cheng, Yan Y. Sanders, Ming-Lei Guo

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain major public health concerns worldwide, particularly in developed countries. SUDs are characterized by persistent neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction in the brain. Despite decades of extensive investigation, the detailed mechanisms underlying SUDs remain elusive. Ferroptosis is a highly regulated cell death process deeply affected by iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant systems. It has been implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic stroke. Recently, emerging evidence has highlighted the role of ferroptosis in drug-induced pathological changes. Various types of abused …

Bibliometric Analysis: Publish Or Perish And Vosviewer For Research Trends On Online Violence (2023–2025), Indriyana Rachmawati, Widya Juwita Sari, Sesya Dias Mumpuni

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Cases of online violence have become increasingly widespread since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which individuals began to grow dependent on the digital world. The digital realm has become a fundamental aspect of human life, bringing with it new forms of online violence. Online violence such as threats, hate speech, harassment, and bullying has emerged as a new weapon to control, isolate, and even torment affected victims. However, only a small body of literature has explored the changing nature of online violence following COVID-19. This study aims to review the literature on patterns of online violence post-pandemic, focusing …

Role-Playing For Rehabilitation: Enhancing Empathy Among Juveniles In Correctional Facilities, Nina Permatasari, Muhammad Arsyad, Muhammad Andri Setiawan, Hendro Yulius Suryo Putro, Muhammad Fajar Riva’I, Wiwik Widyanti

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study examines the effectiveness of role-playing-based counseling services in enhancing empathy among children at Juvenile Rehabilitation Center Class I Martapura. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilized a one-group pre-test post-test experimental design to measure changes in empathy levels before and after the intervention. A total of 32 children participated in the study. Data were collected using two instruments: the Empathy Scale and the Role-Playing Engagement Questionnaire. The intervention consisted of structured role-playing sessions designed to improve both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Data analysis using paired sample t-tests revealed a statistically significant increase in empathy scores, with …

Integrating Islamic-Based Behavioral Activation With Buya Hamka's Tazkiyatun Nafs To Reduce Social Media-Induced Anxiety Among University Students, Dosi Juliawati, Hengki Yandri, Farid Imam Kholidin, Rasmita Rasmita, Daflaini Daflaini, Yatti Fidya

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The pervasive use of social media has led to a growing concern regarding social media-induced anxiety among university students. This study aims to integrate Islamic-based Behavioral Activation with the concept of Tazkiyatun Nafs, defined as the purification of the soul or self-purification, as proposed by Buya Hamka, to reduce this anxiety among university students. The method employed is a Single-Subject Experimental Design involving three participants from IAIN Kerinci, all of whom exhibited the highest scores of social media anxiety. Data were collected using the Social Media Anxiety Scale (SMAS) and analyzed through visual data analysis. The results indicate that all …

Harmonizing Hope: An Idea Of Music Therapy Interventions For Schizophrenia, Dominikus David Biondi Situmorang

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Schizophrenia is typified by a wide range of symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, cognitive decline, and social disengagement. Even with improvements in pharmaceutical and psychosocial therapy, many people with schizophrenia still require supplementary treatment methods due to their chronic symptoms and functional limitations. Utilizing music's therapeutic capacity to address a variety of symptoms and enhance general well-being, music therapy has emerged as a possible supplementary intervention for schizophrenia. In this study, the author used a literature review with a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT); this research is a summary of the best available evidence regarding the focused aims. This CAT looks …

The Role Of Self-Management Techniques For Reducing Gadget Addiction: Empowering Students Toward Healthier Digital Habit, Dian Ari Widyastuti, Lucky Resta Widias Putri

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of individual counseling using self-management techniques in reducing gadget addiction among students. The research employed an experimental approach with a single-subject design (SSD). One participant, a student from Yogyakarta, Indonesia was selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using observation guidelines and a gadget addiction scale. Data analysis in single-subject research emphasizes individual data, and therefore, this study utilized visual analysis through graphical representations. The results of the visual analysis indicated a reduction in gadget addiction, as demonstrated by the A-B-A design graph. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that individual …