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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 …

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 …

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 …

Baby-Life Balance: Occupational Therapy Strategies To Support The Transition To Motherhood, Morgan Muriel Harshman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The postpartum period is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and occupational changes that can disrupt daily functioning, routines, and role transition into motherhood (Albanese et al., 2020; Baker et al., 2024). These changes impact a mother’s ability to engage in meaningful daily activities, including self-care, infant care, and participation in family and community roles. Despite these challenges, postpartum care often emphasizes infant health, leaving gaps in support for maternal occupational performance, routine development, and environmental adaptation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023; World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these needs through its …

Enhancing Leisure Opportunities For People With Disabilities In Rural Communities, Joslyn Mary Nordmark

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote access to leisure opportunities for people with disabilities in rural areas. The author addressed unmet needs among this population considering personal, occupational, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The goal was to develop a product that provided opportunities regardless of abilities to promote leisure exploration and participation, social engagement, and life skill development for people with disabilities

Methods. The author conducted a needs assessment through a literature review following the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), collaborations with site staff, and an on-site observation and environmental analysis. Data was examined to identify …

Increasing Leisure Exploration In Older Adults As They Age, Jackie Middendorf

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: As individuals age, it is common for them to experience deficits that impact how and where they age (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Nakahara & Yokoi, 2024; Park et al., 2021; Rimland et al., 2016; Szanton et al., 2016). These deficits commonly impact functional mobility and their ability to complete self-cares, leading to them having to leave their homes or receive services (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Feller & Baker, 2022; Lindquist et al., 2021; Mayo et al., 2021; Spang et al., 2024). Along with deficits with functional mobility and self-cares, older adults experience decreases in their social engagement and leisure …

Rebuilding Participation: Trauma-Informed Support For At-Risk Teens, Emily A. Funk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Over half of our youth population have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) before they reach adulthood (Madigan et al., 2025). ACEs are major factors in increasing a child’s chances of making risky lifestyle choices that negatively affect their physical, emotional, and mental health (Atchison & Suarez, 2021; Felitti et al., 1998). Dysregulation, irrational behaviors, poor academic achievements, high levels of stress, and feeling a loss of purpose are some of the challenges that at-risk youth face (Atchison & Suarez, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a toolkit that contains indirect occupational …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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; …

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 …

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 …

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). …

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, …

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, …

Gamifying Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Student Engagement And Outcomes, Payton Alise Baumann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Occupational therapy students face high rates of burnout and attrition during graduate education due to mental health challenges, reliance on passive learning strategies, and non-learner-centered curricula. These barriers limit active learning and reduce practical readiness for independent practice. Gamification has been shown to enhance engagement and application of knowledge; however, its adoption is limited by time constraints, attitudinal barriers, and lack of implementation guidance.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop practical, evidence-based faculty training resources and gamified learning activities to incorporate gamification into occupational therapy curricula for the promotion of student well-being, engagement, and professional readiness. …

The Effect Of Sensory Processing And Integration On Engagement In Occupations For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders, Ashley Schindele

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the person is unable to process and respond to sensory information (Guardado & Sergeant, 2023). Children who are lacking sensory integration skills may have more behavior problems due to their inability to regulate their responses (Guardado & Sergeant, 2023; Pfeiffer et al., 2013). Children with SPD may have abnormal sensitivities in any or all the sensory systems which may cause the child to not participate in their occupations (Guardado & Sergeant, 2023; Parham & Mailloux, 2020).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide parents/caregivers a handout that thoroughly …

Holistic Occupational Therapy Approach In Addressing Women’S Health Needs & Access To Care, Lilja Jurva

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: As women across the lifespan experience complex physical, emotional, and occupational challenges related to maternal transitions, mental health needs, chronic conditions, and rural healthcare disparities, occupational therapy is uniquely equipped to address the complex challenges. Services have been proven to be directly correlated to lower incidence of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, excessive gestational weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hypersensitive disorders, and higher incidence of vaginal delivery. A clear gap for maternal support services was identified in the Grand Forks community through literature review, interviews, and community engagement, leading to the development of NoDak Therapy and Wellness. …

The Missing Link: Psychosocial Integration In Neuro Ot Care, Emily Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Over 1 in 3 people are affected by neurological conditions, making it the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide (World Health Organization, 2024). Patients are often referred to inpatient rehabilitation to increase independence and functional recovery. There is a need to address psychosocial factors within this setting thus, The Missing Link: Integrating Psychosocial Factors into Neuro OT was created.

Methodology : The capstone is guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), which emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the person and their environment and its influence on psychosocial factors, personal identity, and competence. A comprehensive needs review was …

Harvesting Health: Cultivating Skills For Wellness In Agricultural Workers, Katie Renee Quinley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The nature of agricultural work is physically demanding and associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury due to repetitive movements, heavy lifting, awkward postures, and prolonged physical labor. Despite the importance of agriculture as a meaningful occupation and major contributor to the workforce, limited resources address the unique physical demands of agricultural labor. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a video-based educational resource to promote safety and continued occupational participation in agricultural workers. Additionally, the project aims to assist therapy professionals in implementing ergonomic and task modifications through an accompanying resource guide.

Methodology: A literature …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Prevention Of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (Suid), Natalie Ryan Mcfarren

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Each year, 3,700 infants die from SUID; this equates to about ten infants per day. SUID is an umbrella term that covers three separate subcategories: suffocation and strangulation in bed, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and unknown (Cribs for Kids, 2026). Suffocation and strangulation in bed is the only subcategory that is 100% preventable with safe sleep practices, while the risk of SIDS can be decreased by adhering to safe sleep guidelines. While the prevalence of SUID has decreased since the 1992 Back to Sleep campaign, current data indicate a plateau, if not a slight increase, in SUID cases …

From Play To Pressure: Understanding Early Sports Specialization Through An Occupational Lens, Kiley Jade Washnieski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Youth sport participation plays a significant role in the daily lives of children ages 6-12 (Lee et al., 2018). Participation in organized sports can offer numerous benefits; however, the expectations surrounding youth sports have evolved over time. Increased emphasis on early specialization has intensified training demands and performance pressures placed on youth athletes during critical developmental years (Brenner et al., 2019). Although occupational therapy is well positioned to address both the physical and psychosocial demands of youth sport participation, the profession’s role within this context remains underexplored (Bulan et al., 2025).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was …

Empowering Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Informed Educational Program For Dementia Care In Rural Communities, Maria Lynn Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Hospitalization presents significant risks for individuals with dementia, including increased behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), delirium, functional decline, and reduced occupational engagement (Boltz et al., 2023; Teichmann et al., 2019; Zwingmann et al., 2020). Acute care environments are often overstimulating, unfamiliar, and task-oriented, which can exacerbate cognitive impairment and contribute to caregiver distress. Despite strong evidence supporting nonpharmacological, occupation-based interventions, structured engagement opportunities are rarely integrated into acute care workflows (Burgdorf et al., 2023; Faeder et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop occupation-based dementia activities for use during hospitalization while equipping formal and informal caregivers with …

Quality Of Life Of Individuals Residing In Senior Living Facilities, Meagan R. Danda

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Formal caregivers play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs which contribute to overall health and well-being (Spilsbury et al., 2024). Due to these responsibilities, caregivers need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical duties with confidence. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a product that increases caregiver confidence by providing caregivers with occupational therapy informed education. By enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and skill set, this product may contribute to a supportive environment that fosters resident engagement in meaningful occupations and promotes improved quality of life (QoL) …

Cultivating Connections: Empowering Agricultural Community Members Through Collaborative Care, Kearyn E. Nelsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Agriculture and mental health – two words not typically used in the same sentence; however, considering the rate of suicide among those working in the agriculture profession is significantly higher than the general population, the need for both awareness and action is critically important. Despite a lack of research specific to occupational therapy and the agricultural population, occupational therapists on an interprofessional healthcare team are uniquely positioned to serve this population. Interprofessional collaboration is essential when serving agricultural community members, whose needs involve a complexity of physical, mental, social, and environmental factors, each impacting the overall health and well-being …

Pathways To Participation: Enhancing Inclusion For Individuals With Idd, Katie Koxlien

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to experience barriers to meaningful community participation despite policies promoting inclusive community-based services (Friedman, 2017). Sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, and overstimulating environments frequently limit engagement and increase anxiety or behavioral responses when appropriate supports are not present (Bagatell et al., 2022; Dean et al., 2018; Tint et al., 2017). Research indicates that inclusion requires intentional programming that incorporates structured supports, consistent routines, and opportunities for meaningful engagement (Edwards et al., 2021; Hall, 2016).

Methods: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a week long sensory exploration camp for …

Optimizing Healthy Aging: A Preventative Approach To Support Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Jada Welke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Healthy aging is a complex and multidimensional process influenced by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, environmental, and lifestyle factors across the lifespan. Increasing evidence from researchers suggests that many health care systems continue to rely on reactive models that address decline only after functional limitations emerge. Preventive interventions initiated in midlife have the potential to significantly influence long-term health outcomes, independence, well-being, and quality of life. As a result, there is growing recognition that multidimensional, proactive screening and intervention should begin earlier, before age-related conditions become clinically significant.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address this need through …

Introduction Of Occupational Therapy Into A Suburban Supportive Housing Organization, Madeline Kuntz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Abstract: Unhoused individuals experience compounded barriers beyond housing access and are often underserved within occupational therapy practice. This doctoral capstone project partnered with a nonprofit residential program to develop a research-informed onboarding manual grounded in the holistic occupational therapy framework, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO, O’Brien, 2017). The manual was designed to clarify expectations of the supportive housing program, address diverse resident needs, and promote independence as the organization expands. Development was informed by a comprehensive literature review and informal needs assessment of the organization, identifying anticipatory barriers and supports commonly experienced prior to program entry. Key areas of need …