Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Emotional Dysregulation In Anorexia, Grace Larson

Psychology Student Publications

An examination of the role of emotional dysregulation in the development and maintenance of Anorexia Nervosa. Discusses the overlapping factors including emotional awareness and regulation, social threat attention biases, perfectionistic personality traits, and childhood trauma.

Beyond Words: Photovoice As A Tool For Inclusive Research, Lauren Stone

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Experiential Avoidance And Acceptance-Based Therapy (Abbt), Addison Jo Quern

Psychology Student Publications

Anxiety is an incredibly common mental health concern that impacts individuals globally. Avoidance is a main feature that maintains the symptoms of anxiety but does not allow the individual to experience the distressing scenario, thus reaffirming that discomfort. This attempt to control or avoid anxiety can make the symptoms worse. Research demonstrates that avoidance can perpetuate anxiety, and stress can increase avoidance. Acceptance-based therapy (ABBT) is used to target avoidance behaviors to lessen the overall symptoms of anxiety. ABBT is a third wave of therapy that helps clients focus on the relationship they have with their thoughts and feelings, instead …

Present And Future Effects Of Parental Discipline - What's The Best Way To Parent?, Erica Morrison

Psychology Student Publications

Different parenting styles can have different and long lasting effects on one's children. How we parent can largely shape who your child will become.

The Relationship Between Childhood Adverse Experiences And Adult Depression, Alexander Owens

Psychology Student Publications

This paper explores the current understanding of the linkage between childhood trauma and depression. Before this, childhood trauma and adult depression are described. Overall, there are a few different ways these two constructs can be linked, and they are explored.

Supporting The Supporters: Reducing Stress For At Home Dementia Caregivers, Kendra Spitzer

Psychology Student Publications

Caring for individuals with dementia is associated with an increased mental strain, stress, anxiety, and depression. This paper explores mental health issues that can derive from caring for people living with dementia. Dementia is a highly progressive condition that impacts cognition and behavior, which affects both the individual and caregiver. While caregiving provides meaningful skills and a strong meaning to life, it also presents unpredictability and emotional distress. This paper highlights evidence-based supports to reduce mental health illnesses and burdens on caregivers. Supports such as social networks, digital mental health tools, mobile apps, and validation therapy are noted to be …

Sensory Processing In Early Childhood: Developmental Pathways To Emotional Regulation And Participation, Jadyn Kuppersmith

Psychology Student Publications

How sensory processing develops in early childhood and how it influences emotional regulation and participation in daily activities. Highlighting that all children respond to sensory input differently, which can affect their behavior, anxiety levels, and ability to engage in play, routines, and school. The paper also emphasizes how occupational therapy supports children by adapting environments and promoting self-regulation skills rather than trying to change the child.

Effects Of Screen Time On Childhood Development, Elizabeth Bridge

Psychology Student Publications

This science communication paper explores the psychological effects of screen time on childhood development. It emphasizes the effects on childhood intelligence, social skills, language skills, emotional regulation skills, and mental health.

Bipolar Disorder: Family Dynamics And Relationships, Ava M. Bailey

Psychology Student Publications

This paper explores the effects of bipolar disorder on family dynamics and relationships, both for individuals with the disorder and those living with them. It discusses bipolar disorder, along with its diagnosis, symptoms, and associated behaviors. Additionally, this paper analyzes the effects that bipolar disorder has on relationships, including parent-child in which the parent has bipolar disorder, parent-child in which the child has bipolar disorder, marital relationships, and interpersonal relationships in general.

Effects Of Exercise Of Cognitive Development In Young Children, Hannah Schlomann

Psychology Student Publications

This paper examines the relationship between physical activity and cognitive development in young children ages 0-5. Increased tablet time and sedentary behavior is becoming common for young children. This paper examines the effect of four categories of movement including screen based sedentary behavior, non-screen based sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate to rigorous physical activity, as well as the effects of motor ability on cognitive development.

Social Media And Its Effects On Students’ Attention Spans, Katie Greff

Psychology Student Publications

How social media effects students attention spans. Students are greatly effected because of growing digital learning environments.

Moving Towards Wellness: How Exercise Can Ease Depression And Anxiety In Young Adults, Morgan Hartze

Psychology Student Publications

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns affecting young adults, impacting mood, motivation, and daily functioning. While therapy and medication can be effective, many young adults continue to experience symptoms, highlighting the need for additional strategies. Research suggests that regular physical activity is an accessible, cost-effective way to improve mental health. Moving your body boosts the “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, while reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol. Physical activity also provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and helps establish routines that support well-being. Even brief amounts of moderate exercise, such as …

Cognitive Drunkenness: Sleep Deprivation And Cognition In College Students, Alexandra Pavek

Psychology Student Publications

Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence among college students. The purpose of the paper is to shed light on the sources of sleep loss in college students, the cognitive consequences, and the comparison to alcohol-related impairment.

The Science Of Attachment: How Early Bonds Shape Who We Become, Rani Patel

Psychology Student Publications

Attachments theories suggest the answer begins in infancy. Originally developed by John Bowlby and later supported by the “Strange Situation” attachment research conducted by Mary Ainsworth, attachment science shows that the quality of early interactions with caregivers influence how children develop trust, seek support, and manage emotions. Through years of empirical research psychologists have identified four main attachment styles, secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, later connected to relationship patterns. Modern research also highlights that attachment patterns are not permanent, supportive experiences later in life can promote growth and change.

Motive To Kill: The Link Between Childhood Trauma And Homicide, Natalie L. Scholz

Psychology Student Publications

What motivates some individuals to commit homicide and what role does childhood trauma play in increasing that risk? Psychology and neuroscience suggest that when a child experiences traumatic events it can change how they handle stress, emotional control, and how their brain develops. All these factors can lead to them acting out in more violent ways. The Adverse Childhood Experiences study shows that traumatic events during one’s childhood can have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing later in life making them more prone to act out aggressively and possibly having more criminal involvement. Exposure to trauma has been linked …

Why Doomscrolling Makes Us Feel Worse About Ourselves: A Social Comparison Perspective, Emma Kuiper

Psychology Student Publications

Doomscrolling, the act of repetitively consuming negative news and social media content, has become a common addiction among younger adults. This paper applies social comparison theory to explore why doomscrolling often diminishes individuals’ self-esteem. Social media often promotes upward comparisons by presenting a “perfect” view of others’ lives, which can trigger negative emotions and envy.

Victimization, Health, And Help Seeking In North Dakota: How Interpersonal Violence Shapes Physical And Mental Health, Tahmid Hassan Jeeshan

Graduate Research Achievement Day Posters

Interpersonal violence extends beyond physical assault to include psychological and/or emotional abuse that can produce substantial physical and mental health consequences. This study examines how multiple forms of interpersonal violence relate to health outcomes among North Dakotan women, focusing on differences between rural and non rural residents. We compare victimization patterns, physical and mental health status, and treatment seeking behaviors. We anticipate that rural victims will report more severe or chronic victimization yet face reduced access to and use of healthcare and victim services. By jointly considering violence type, rural versus non-rural status, health outcomes, and treatment seeking, this project …

A Systematic Review Identifying The Measures And Factors Relating To Faculty Research Success, Muhammad Salahuddin, Richard Hoberg, Robert Stupnisky

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Identification of the various methods of measuring faculty research success stands in need of better collection and summary. This study aimed to identify the measures and factors of faculty research success through a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Using the Boolean search, 265 studies (i.e., articles and dissertations) from four popular databases were selected for abstract screening. Thirty-six studies were selected for full-text text review, which ranged over 237,980 faculty of STEM and non-STEM areas from 29 countries. The results indicated that faculty research success is measured through several forms of academic publication including number of articles published in journals, …

Stereotypes Of Sex Workers: The Influence Of Sexuality And Modality On Perceived Warmth And Competence, Sophia Wolla

Psychology Student Publications

Sex workers remain a population vulnerable to stigma and negative health outcomes, yet little research exists on the stereotyping of sex workers (Ditmore & Florez-Arango, 2024). The present study utilized the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) to investigate perceptions of sex workers and their partners based on sexuality (e.g. heterosexual, homosexual) and modality (e.g. in-person sex work, online sex work.) There were no significant main effects for modality, sexuality, or an interaction effect observed regarding the stereotyping of sex workers. An interaction effect was observed for partner warmth; heterosexual sex workers were rated significantly warmer if their partner was an in-person …

The Role Of Ot In Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes For Primary Care Patients, Amorelle Upton

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose. Primary care settings often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. However, occupation-based and function-focused interventions remain underutilized in these settings. The purpose of this Doctoral Experiential Capstone (DEC) was to implement an Occupational Therapy Mental Health Toolkit designed to support holistic and integrative mental health care in primary care settings.

Methods. This project was guided by the ecology of human performance (EHP) model. Methods included a literature synthesis, development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and structured learning objectives, contextual needs assessment through stakeholder collaboration and site observation, and a product design, …

Supporting Reentry: An Occupation-Based Approach, Savannah B. Ullyott

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals transitioning back into the community following incarceration need holistic care to support a successful reintegration process (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2023). There are a variety of supports and barriers to successful reintegration that should be considered when guiding programming for this population, as these individuals often face many challenges when transitioning back into the community (Galletta et al., 2021). Specific supports facilitating successful transitions back into the community includes those of basic or daily needs, often related to housing, employment, transportation, social supports, food security, and access to mental and physical health services (Galletta et al., 2021; …

Supporting Inclusion: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Paraprofessional Education For Sensory Processing Difference, Jalen Taylor

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) in rural school settings often experience challenges related to sensory processing and emotional regulation, which can impact their ability to engage in classroom routines and academic activities. Paraprofessionals play a significant role in supporting these students throughout the school day, however, many report limited access to formal training, practical strategies, and clear guidance for addressing sensory and behavioral needs. These gaps can lead to inconsistent support and decreased opportunities for student participation in educational occupations and classroom activities.

Purpose: The Paraprofessional Sensory and Regulation Training Program was developed to increase paraprofessional knowledge, confidence, …

Occupational Wellness For Mother & Baby: Education For Young Mothers In Rural North Dakota, Kaelyn Talley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was for an occupational therapy doctoral student to collaborate with the staff of a maternity home in rural North Dakota. The goal of this collaboration was to provide the residents of the maternity home with education on safety and caring for their child as well as information regarding pregnancy, postpartum, and bonding with their child. This will help to support the mother in her newfound role as well as the child in their various occupations as an infant. Women face many barriers in pregnancy that may lead to them being in maternity homes. The …

Enhancing Leisure For Older Adults In Senior Living Communities, Hannah Louise Street

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Older adults living in senior living communities are at an increased risk of social isolation, depression, boredom, and decreased quality of life (Donovan & Blazer, 2020; du Toit et al., 2019). Increasing access to meaningful, person-centered leisure activities can improve life satisfaction and overall quality of life for older adults (Chang et al., 2021; Shryock & Meeks, 2020). The purpose of this project was to develop a product to increase meaningful leisure engagement amongst older adults living in senior living communities for an overall improved quality of life.

Methodology: The model of human occupation (MOHO) was utilized as the …

Early Occupational Therapy Services: Addressing Health Disparities Following Discharge From The Nicu, Ellie Maree Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background and Purpose: One out of ten infants born in the United States are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); a status that has been directly linked to ongoing infant health disparities and disabilities, requiring continued support and education following discharge (Griffith et al., 2022; National Center for Health Statistics, 2025). NICU graduates and their families work with occupational therapy to address or prevent developmental delays and ensure well-being (Craig, 2018; Riley & de Sam Lazaro 2021).

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to determine the needs of the population and context and include NICU admissions, family needs, …

Achieving Successful Occupational Performance During Transitions In Eating Disorder Treatment, Elise Kay Ramberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals with eating disorders experience challenges in occupational engagement that stem from contributing meaning, value, and purpose to occupations that support eating disorder behaviors rather than promote quality of life (Mack et al., 2023). Recovery is highly dependent on the transition between both levels of care and back into the patient’s natural environment. Occupational therapists play an essential role in supporting patients as they transition and learn to re-engage in their lives outside of their eating disorder (Mack et al., 2023). The purpose of this project was to create materials for the occupational therapist to employ with eating disorder …

Promoting Parent Well-Being And Balance During Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stays, Lauren Brooke Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience challenges that influence quality of life, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful activities, limiting their ability to nurture their infants. Currently, occupational therapists in the NICU focus on observable infant occupations including oral feeding, holding, and social interaction. Occupational therapy can support families by promoting engagement in meaningful cooccupations, encouraging balanced routines and roles, providing caregiver education, and adapting tasks or environments to meet family needs.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted prior to arrival on site to understand the needs of parents in the NICU. After the arrival on …

Supporting Occupational Competence Among American Indian/ Alaska Native Students, Adam Nadeau

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students face significant systemic barriers in higher education, resulting in the lowest enrollment and graduation rates of any student cohort (Dabdoub et al., 2025; McMillan et al., 2025). Challenges such as cultural discontinuity and a lack of supportive “counterspaces” often led to occupational alienation and deprivation (Buckingham et al., 2023; Fetter et al., 2024; McMillan et al., 2025; Reitz & Graham, 2019). There is a critical need for culturally grounded interventions that address the unique needs of these students to foster a sense of belonging (Delgado-Guerrero & Gloria, 2025; Kuchynka et al., 2025). …

Beyond Survival: Empowering Mental Health Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury, Paige Mackenzie Kozak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently experience psychosocial and cognitive challenges, including depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and identity changes which can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes and participation in daily occupations. Despite this, outpatient rehabilitation clinicians may feel underprepared to recognize and address these concerns within their scope of practice. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational onboarding program to support interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff in identifying and responding to psychosocial needs of individuals with ABI, while promoting trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to examine common psychosocial and cognitive outcomes following …

Mitigating The Effects Of Technology Use In The Classroom: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Hannah E. Ibach

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The average child spends three times the recommended time on technology, which is leading to a wide range of consequences affecting education, such as fine motor, cognitive, and social deficits (Christensen, 2021; McGough, 2021; Qi et al., 2023). Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping children be prepared for their education, yet many are not aware of the impacts of too much technology use (Srivastava, 2022). Developing strong foundational skills early in childhood is critical for setting the stage for long-term educational success. When skills are nurtured from a young age, children are better prepared to adapt …