Digital Commons Network^™

Student Mental Health Challenges Vs. The Role Of School Counselors: Addressing The Gap In Mental Health Treatment, Victoria Sic Ms, Cynthia Lizaola Ms

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines the role of academic counselors in providing mental health support for K-12 students. Using a post-positivist approach, the research explores how counselors navigate their dual responsibilities of academic guidance and mental health intervention within school settings. A literature review highlights the evolving role of school counselors, the growing mental health needs of students, and the impact of external factors—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—on their work.

The study was conducted in two Southern California counties and involved 17 experienced, primarily bilingual academic counselors recruited through snowball sampling. Data collection included in-depth interviews to investigate counselors’ roles, training, and …

Effects Of Snacking Habits On Overall Health And Cognition Of University Students, Kelly Shaw

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Title: Effects of Snacking Habits on Overall Health and Cognition of University Students

Authors: Shaw, K., Tolar-Peterson, T., & Malik, N.

Affiliation: College of Natural Sciences, Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Background and Aims: Snack consumption is increasing, and university students may be particularly susceptible to unhealthy snacking habits. Snacking patterns may affect students’ academic performance, mood, or body weight. This study assessed students’ snacking habits and its relationship with grade point average (GPA), mood, body mass index (BMI), and food insecurity.

Methods: Using an …

The Relationship Between Participation In School Based Mental Health Programs And Absenteeism, Candida Kistemann, Diane Palomares, Jodi Eddington

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research study focuses on the impact of School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) programs on student absenteeism in a school setting, highlighting the potential of these programs to promote students’ well-being and improve attendance rates. By implementing SBMH programs, schools may address mental health challenges that contribute to chronic absenteeism. Researchers used a quantitative research design, analyzing archival data to assess whether participation in an SBMH program influences school attendance. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to examine absentee rates before, during, and after SBMH participation. Findings revealed no significant overall effect; however, specific groups – elementary school students and Hispanic students …

Behavioral Factors Contributing To Initiation And Maintenance Of Adolescent Alcohol Consumption In Rats, Alexandra N. Tejada

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adolescent alcohol consumption is a prevalent and significant public health issue. This exposure to alcohol leads to an increased vulnerability to alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other cognitive deficits later in adulthood. The current study aimed to explore the behavioral and circadian factors contributing to the initiation and maintenance of alcohol consumption during adolescence in rats. We investigated whether the baseline social aggression, anxiety-like behaviors, working memory, and sleep/wake activity patterns could be predictors of adolescent ethanol intake. Male and female Long Evans rats (N=36) were tested in the following behavioral assays: social play, open field, and spontaneous alternation tasks, …

The Effects Of Aces On Substance Abuse In California: A Secondary Data Analysis Using Chis Data, Ashley J. Brounstein

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of long-term health and behavioral outcomes. Using data from 19,771 adults in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study examines the relationship between ACEs and substance use in adulthood, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping later-life health behaviors. Participants reported their ACE exposure through a 10-item ACE scale titled Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire developed by Vincent Felitti and Robert Anda. The study assesses the use of various substances, including (a) marijuana, (b) e-cigarettes, (c) CBD, (d) cigarettes, (e) alcohol, and (f) illicit drugs, measured by past …

Access To Mental Health In The Latino Community, Lindsey Corado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to explore mental health within the Latino community, highlighting the disparities in mental health service utilization and the contributing factors. The key barriers identified include stigma, economic hardships, language barriers, and lack of culturally relevant services, which have disproportionately affected Latinos' access to mental health. The research examines cause-and-effect relationships between interventions and utilization using an explanatory design. Using mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative data is collected to examine participants' knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward mental health services and their impact on service utilization. Convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling are utilized to recruit 40 participants meeting specific …

The Impact Of Family-Supportive Supervisory Behaviors On Perceptions Of Employee Work-Family Conflict, Commitment, And Engagement: A Role Congruity Theory Perspective, Rayleen Razon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Leaders play a central role in helping employees find a healthy balance between work and family responsibilities. Research has extensively examined the positive impact of family-supportive supervisory behaviors (FSSB), demonstrating that FSSB is effective in helping employees manage work-family domains. Because FSSB is a tool to aid employees, there has been limited examination of the potential negative implications for employees who receive FSSB. It is meaningful to consider how providing FSSB influences supervisory perceptions. Examining FSSB from a Role Congruity Theory perspective helps shed light on how a supervisor providing FSSB influences a favorable or unfavorable perception toward an employee …

Beyond Work-Family Conflict: Conceptualization And Measurement Of Work-Eldercare Conflict, Patrick Cullen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The number of workers with informal caregiving responsibilities continues to grow exponentially (Feinberg & Skufca, 2020), yet research on the intersection of work and eldercare is often neglected in the literature (Griggs et al., 2020). While earlier eldercare measures have typically been dichotomous, researchers have more recently begun to incorporate multidimensional measures of eldercare (Calvano, 2013). However, what has yet to be thoroughly explored is eldercare in the context of role theory, particularly interrole conflict, as existing work-family measures may be deficient in this regard. Therefore, in the present study, role theory was used to develop the Work-Eldercare Conflict Scale …

Addressing Transphobia In The Twenty-First Century: A Survey Of Teachers' Awareness And Receptiveness In California, Melissa Rachel Pflug

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transphobia is a form of discrimination against transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, genderqueer, and intersex individuals based on their gender identity. Transphobia and transphobic rhetoric result in higher rates of bullying and mental health challenges for transgender students. A significant obstacle presented in the education system for transgender students is the lack of education on interventions against transphobic bullying. This study assessed the awareness and receptiveness of K -12 teachers in California regarding the use of school-based interventions against transphobia. Using a purposive sampling method, this cross-sectional study surveyed K -12 teachers across California to determine their awareness and receptiveness levels regarding …

The Impact Of Attachment Education On Families With Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Proposed Workshop, Sabrina S. Stone-Smith

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

For young children with autism spectrum disorder, one important determinant of later social and emotional functioning is the development of a secure attachment. While there is extensive literature outlining the benefits of attachment security, there is a limited number of studies specifically examining programs intended to increase attachment security in this population. This project aims to create a four-session workshop designed to provide caregivers of children in this population with information about attachment theory and parental sensitivity in order to increase the amount of positive and emotionally validating experiences in child-caregiver interactions while reducing parental stress. Future research is necessary …

Cultural And Social Factors In Postpartum Depression: A Study Of Latina And White Mothers, Juana Gutierrez-Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Postpartum depression is a prevalent mood disorder that impacts 10-20% of women annually in the United States following childbirth. While all pregnant women are at risk of PPD, existing literature suggests that Latina mothers report PPD and seek treatment at lower rates than White mothers. Prior studies have identified risk factors and barriers that impact reporting and treatment among Latinas. The aim of this study is to investigate the interplay of race, depression, marital status, education, poverty level, and social support among White and Latina mothers. Using combined data from the 2017 and 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we …

Impact Of Opiate Crisis On Twelve Step Participants, Mackenzie Buchanan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research is an exploratory study to gain a better understanding and new perspectives of the impact of the opiate crisis and the effect it has had on twelve step participants. This study will be utilizing qualitative research to further explore the impacts. A phenomenological approach will be utilized to explore the participant’s experiences. Participants will participate in a semi-structured interview with the researcher with close-ended questions that focus on demographics and approximately eight open-ended questions that focus on the research question. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the data by following Braun and Clarke’s (2019) protocol; this researcher …

Investigating Independent And Transitional Living Programs: A Systematic Review, Alexandra Torres, Jordi E. Marquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Approximately, 20,000 youths in the United States age out of the foster care system every year. Youths are face with the heightened risks of homelessness, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges. Despite the implementation of Independent Living Programs (ILPs) and Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) created to assist foster youths through this transition, research indicates limitations in their effectiveness to address the emotional, interpersonal, and long-term effects. Present research additionally lacks the intersectional analysis to address the needs of LGBTQ+ and racial minority youths. These fundamental limitations call for more comprehensive, strength-based frameworks to improve the outcomes for transitioning foster youths. …

Beneficial Impacts Of Extended Foster Care On Young Adults Transitioning Into Independence, Latricia A. Reed

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Foster youth transitioning into adulthood face significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health struggles, and difficulty attaining higher education. Extended Foster Care (EFC) programs aim to provide additional support, stability, and resources to help these young adults successfully transition to independent living. This proposed study examines the impact of EFC on housing stability and educational attainment among foster youth aged 18–21 in California. Using secondary data from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the proposed research would employ a quantitative approach to analyze key outcomes. If completed, the study would highlight the importance of social support networks, mentorship, and policy …

How Does Discrimination In The Workforce Affect The Mental Health Of Lgbtqia+ Individuals?, Kristian C. Ruiz

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Heteronormative values of conformity to the norms of the majority group in society have fostered a workplace environment where discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals can occur easily and frequently. Members of this group often report feeling unsafe in the workplace and unable to express themselves. This unease creates a workplace that overlooks these individuals and permits discrimination to occur. Members of this vulnerable group are at high risk of experiencing mental health challenges because of the adversity that they face in their daily lives, with the workplace contributing to this issue. Qualitative interviews will be utilized for this research to gain …

Examining Spirituality/Religiousness As A Protective Factor For The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Selena M. Balderas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The school to prison pipeline (STPP) is a systemic issue that reflects the intersection of educational inequities and punitive practices disproportionately affecting society’s youth in underserved communities. The STPP funnels students out of educational environments and into the criminal justice system through the overuse of punitive practices such as suspension, expulsion, and school-based arrests. This especially affects students of color, LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities and perpetuates cycles of injustice, poverty, marginalization, and incarceration. The social control theory provides a useful framework in understanding the relationship between deviant behavior and social bonds (Stewart & Rapp, 2017). When individuals …

Does It Burn Yet?, Antonia L. Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

My photographic practice emerges from my lived experience as a biracial woman in America, serving as a critical lens through which I explore and confront societal shortcomings. This body of work navigates the complexities of race, identity, and cultural memory, particularly focusing on the lasting impacstandards on communities of color especially Black individuals. Layered and multifaceted, my photographs oscillate between sociopolitical critique and intimate portrayals of everyday Black and Brown life, capturing themes of community, love, family, and hair.

Hair, as both subject and symbol, functions as a central motif throughout my work. By documenting commonly used beauty products and …

How Personality And Work Context Contribute To The Emergence Of Star Employees: The Critical Role Of Grit, Extraversion, And Political Skill, Shira Lahav

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Although research on star employees has been around for a while, only a few studies have examined star employees' emergence. Star employees are responsible for a significant amount of organizational success. Their contribution can be seen in various areas such as organizational reputation and the attraction of talent and customers, peers’ influence in the shape of motivation, commitment, and productivity, and revenue. The positive outcomes associated with stars have driven the increased need for such employees. This research investigates the personality traits and the work context that predict stardom. Specifically, the research has three aims: a) understanding who star employees …

High School Students’ Sense Of Belonging In Math, Marie Louise Stevenson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

A student’s sense of belonging in math describes the extent to which a student feels that they are a member of their math community. It is important to study math sense of belonging because it is believed that when a student feels that they are a valued and respected part of their math community, they are more likely to exhibit higher participation and performance in their math class and take more math courses in high school and college. They also have an increased chance of pursuing a STEM career. In this study, we investigated the math sense of belonging of …

Evaluating School-Based Interventions And Programs In Treating Children Mental Health Disorders, Rozandra Yazmin Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The implementation of mental health services such as school-based interventions and programs have been well established within schools. However, it is uncertain how effective school-based interventions and programs are in treating children who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder specifically for children who are younger than 11 years old as it has not been explored. Objective: This proposed quasi-experimental study aims to determine the effectiveness of school-based mental health intervention programs in supporting and treating children (ages 6 to 11) who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder by evaluating their symptoms. Method: The proposed study would collect …

Hands On Archiving: Aid In Reorganizing The San Bernardino County Museum Archive Room And Archival Material, Ezequiel Vera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This paper documents the process and details of the History Archives Inventory Project at the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM). Most of the work of this project is done in-person and will include photographic evidence of the project, a written portion that will explain the process of the project, and secondary literature that will help explain the process of the project and its corresponding decision making. The History Archives Inventory Project is a multiple year-long project; this paper will be limited to my time working on the project while completing my Master of Arts in History at CSUSB. My time …

The Educational Imperative Of Inspect: A Trauma-Informed, Neurodivergent-Affirming Classroom Culture Framework, David A. Palmer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project introduces the INSPECT Framework, a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming classroom culture model that challenges traditional, compliance-based behavior systems in inclusive educational settings. INSPECT—an acronym for “I first, Nurturing environment, Structure, Planning, Engagement, Consistency, and Time”—provides educators with a sequential, research-informed framework for cultivating emotional safety, engagement, and regulation among students, particularly those with ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing differences, and trauma histories.

The issue being addressed is the widespread use of punitive behavior management strategies that intensify student distress and misinterpret neurologically based behaviors as defiance. Drawing from recent literature in neuroscience, trauma theory, Universal Design for Learning …

Law Enforcement Perspectives Towards Mental Health Crisis Interventions, Anna P. Silva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health crisis calls create significant challenges for law enforcement officers, who often serve as the first responders to individuals experiencing psychological distress. Research indicates that 50% of fatal encounters with law enforcement involve individuals with a mental health disorder (Fuller et al., 2015; Kindy & Elliott, 2015). Although the increasing prevalence of mental health- related calls, law enforcement officers frequently lack the specialized training and resources necessary to effectively de-escalate these situations (Cohen & Bagwell, 2023). As a result, interactions between police officers and individuals with mental illness tend to lead to criminalization, unnecessary incarceration, and even fatal outcomes. …

Diversity In Social Work Organizations, Andrea I. Corona

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive …

Mi Testimonio: The Beginning Of My Healing Journey, Maria A. Vega

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

My testimonio, presented as my dissertation, is a deep and personal reflection on my experiences as an immigrant and multilingual student. I share my story by trenzando—braiding—lived experiences, critical analysis, and relevant research on immigration and trauma, language and identity, and the links between multilingualism and academic success. Through deep reflection and analysis, I draw on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943), Giles and Johnson’s Ethnolinguistic Identity Theory (1981), and García’s (2009) translanguaging framework to explore the following questions:

1. How does the oppression of one’s linguistic and cultural practices affect identity development?
2. How does my story—my testimonio—empower the mother, …

The Impact Of Marijuana Use On Adolescent Youth, Heather J. Miller

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research investigates the impact of marijuana use on adolescent youth, focusing on its effects on school attendance, academic motivation, behavior, and conflicts with significant adults. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent among adolescents, understanding its broader consequences is critical for educators, parents, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore how marijuana use correlates with academic performance, school behavior, and interactions with adults such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and law enforcement. A survey was administered to these adult figures in the adolescents' lives, gathering data on their perceptions of the youth’s marijuana use, school attendance, disciplinary issues, …

Descriptive Statistical Examination Of Mental Health Challenges Faced By International Students, Niharika Perkari

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The mental health and well-being of international students is an increasingly important concern for universities worldwide. International students often encounter unique challenges, including cultural transitions (Ward, Furnham, & Bochner, 2001; Furnham & Bochner, 1986), academic pressure (Yeh & Inose, 2003), financial constraints and social integration difficulties (Hendrickson, Rosen, & Aune, 2011; Sawir et al., 2008; Lee & Rice, 2007) which significantly impact their mental health. This study employs descriptive statistical methods to analyze the mental health challenges faced by international students aiming to identify trends, stressors, coping mechanisms and risk factors. Some datasets comprising survey responses from international students were …

A Pipeline To Prison Or A Pathway To Promise? The Inequities Fueling The School To Prison Pipeline, Ranishia Lachelle Bailey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic review proposal would investigate the school-to-prison pipeline and examine the role of pedagogical interventions in mitigating youth involvement in the justice system. By analyzing existing literature, this proposal would study and explore how school system biases, educational frameworks, and systemic factors contribute to the perpetuation of this pipeline, with a specific focus on how educational policies and disciplinary practices impact at-risk youth. The review aims to identify effective interventions that can disrupt this cycle, including restorative justice practices, trauma-informed education, positive behavioral interventions, and culturally responsive teaching. A comprehensive search strategy should be employed across various academic databases, …

Elevándose Más Allá De La Culpa: Navigating Family Achievement Guilt And Familismo In The Academic Journeys Of Latino Male First-Generation College Students In The Inland Empire, Thomas C. Robles

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of Latino first-generation college students (FGCS) in California’s Inland Empire, focusing on family achievement guilt—the emotional tension felt when academic success surpasses that of family members. Rooted in familismo and cultural expectations, this phenomenon can lead to self-doubt, stress, and academic struggles, particularly for Latino males in community colleges. This qualitative study uses a phenomenological approach and testimonios to examine how participants navigate familial obligations, cultural expectations, and academic identities. Findings indicate that while family achievement guilt creates emotional and psychological barriers, students develop resilient coping strategies, including mentorship, peer support, and reframing education as …

Precarious Manhood: Masculinity Threats In Gay Men, Andrew S. Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Manhood is a precarious state that is both sought and easily undermined and demands continual validation from public perceptions. Previous research shows that threats to one's masculinity often coerces reactions of bravado, aggression, and sexual risk-taking behaviors in men in an attempt to reestablish their manhood. However, little empirical attention is paid to deviations of such reactions as a result of varying self-concepts of masculinity and femininity, such as in gay men. In the current study, I explored the different ways in which self-identified masculine and feminine gay men navigate the volatile state of manhood, particularly when confronted with masculinity …