Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role For Gender-Affirming Genital Surgeries: Metoidioplasty And Phalloplasty, Adam Steuer, Kaysen Walker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article explores the new surgical population of gender-affirming surgery, specifically genital surgeries of phalloplasty and metoidioplasty for transgender and gender-diverse people. There are established perioperative rehabilitation guidelines for nearly all other surgeries. A growing population of people is seeking gender-affirming health care that includes genital surgery. This article reviews the guidelines set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, Version 8, explores the occupational needs of this population, as well as provides suggestions for future versions of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, version 4, to provide more inclusive language for the unique needs …

Evaluation Of An Occupational Therapy Intervention In Prisons To Prepare Incarcerated Individuals For Successful Community Reentry, Dalenna Bellum, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, R. Curtis Bay, Angela Zhu, Jeremiah Fine, Bruce Kotter, Abbey Glenn, Rebecca L. Wolf

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Literature suggests that to reduce recidivism and facilitate successful community reintegration, incarcerated individuals need life skills training before release. This study evaluated the effectiveness of such an occupational therapy (OT) program.

Methods: We provided and evaluated a 12-session pilot OT program with incarcerated men providing life skills education for community reentry. We used forced-choice and open-ended questions with pre/post Employee Self-Assessment Tool (ESAT), assessing interpersonal, self-management, analytical skills, and skills used in an organization, and Life Skills Program Daily Surveys (LSDS) assessing participants’ perceptions of program effectiveness.

Results: Ninety-three of the residents participated; 69 completed …

Influence Of A Disrupted Practice Context On Occupational Therapists' Clinical Reasoning: A Qualitative Study, Perrine Vermeulen, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Marie-Christine Hallé, Marjorie Gingras, Anne Mingant, Manon Parisien, Annie Rochette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Clinical reasoning in occupational therapy involves integrating client factors, professional knowledge, and practice context to guide decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care contexts, potentially affecting therapists' reasoning. This study explored the factors that influenced occupational therapists' clinical reasoning during this crisis.

Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured remote interviews with 11 occupational therapists in Quebec, Canada. The 60-min interviews, realized in 2021 and 2022, were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively to identify reasoning-related themes. Deductive analysis involved coding text segments based on the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. Transcripts were coded by …

A Survey-Based Quantification Of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy, Dina Prisco, Siobhan Walsh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Imposter phenomenon is a professional issue that negatively affects health professionals’ performance and well-being. This study examined imposter phenomenon’s prevalence in occupational therapy (OT). Researchers hypothesized that imposter phenomenon is prevalent in OT, more so in underrepresented groups. The rate of imposter phenomenon throughout OT was quantified and rates between demographic groups compared.

Method: This study used an exploratory, survey-based research design. Survey sections included informed consent, demographics, and the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). The CIPS measured rates of imposterism. Analyses of variances and independent group t-tests were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Inclusion criteria …

D.A.D.S. Club: Pilot Study Outcomes Of A 5-Week Parenting Program For Fathers In Recovery From Substance Use Disorder, Oaklee Rogers, Kristin Riordan, Elaina Corbin, Shannon Forman, Kara Grace Zahariades, Andrea Clemens, Keely Mcdowell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Over 44 million adults have a substance use disorder, with approximately two million children living with a parent with this disorder. Approximately 40% to 60% of men who receive treatment have a child under 18 years of age. However, most parenting programs are developed and implemented for mothers with addiction, leaving fathers without this fundamental knowledge and skills.

Method: A pilot study using a longitudinal interventional study was conducted to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of an occupational therapy-developed program for fathers in recovery. Pre and post surveys, including the Parenting Sense of Competence, were collected from the …

Sensory Processing And Sleep In Infants And Toddlers In Health Provider Shortage Areas - A Cohort Study, Bryan M. Gee, Nicki L. Aubuchon-Endsley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study delves into the interplay between sleep quality and sensory processing in infants and toddlers in underserved rural areas in the U.S. Despite established links between these variables in typically developing children, limited research explores this relationship in communities facing elevated rates of mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

Methods: We aimed to examine the connections between sensory processing at 10, 14, and 18 months postpartum and sleep quality at 18 months in a rural and medically underserved setting. A total of 44-53 participants completed the questionnaire and survey measures at the specified time points.

Results: Utilizing the Infant …

Guidelines For Conducting Survey Research: Part 2 – Administration And Analysis, Rob Lyerla, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In the Fall 2024 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT), the letter from the editor discussed the background of survey research and introduced the readers to a guideline for conducting research with a focus on survey development and recruitment of participants (Dirette & Lyerla, 2024). In this issue, we are following up with Part 2, which focuses on administering a survey and analyzing the results. We hope you find these guidelines useful for conducting quality survey research.

Investigating Cold Homicide Cases In Michigan: Combining Systematic Research With Experiential Insight, Jaqueline Chavarria

Honors Theses

According to the Michigan State Police (2023), murder/non-negligent manslaughter, commonly known as homicide, is the “willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.” The Murder Accountability Project suggests there could be over 20,000 unsolved homicide cases in Michigan between 1965 and 2023 (2024). Despite the prevalence of unsolved cases, scholarly analysis on the topic is limited. This study examines solvability factors, also known as clearance factors, for cold homicide cases in Michigan by conducting a systematic literature review with news publications. Additionally, this study incorporates experiential insight, offering a holistic exploration of solvability factors. Using a systematic approach, 15 …

Fd&C Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red) Effects On Non-Human Animal Testing: A Systematic Review, Vilate Winfrey

Honors Theses

Artificial food dye is added to foods to enhance their color and appearance for consumers. This systematic review aims to review the literature on Red Dye No. 40 and its effects on non-human animals. Studies were included if (a) exposure to Red Dye No. 40 was the independent variable, (b) nonhuman animals were the subjects, and (c) at least one behavioral, neurological, or physiological dependent variable was reported. An article search was conducted with Scopus Elsevier. An abstract review was conducted to determine whether the articles met all inclusion criteria. The author conducted a multi-stage application of inclusion criteria to …

Who Needs More Than 1 Water Bottle? Apparently, Everyone., Jazmyn Weddig

Honors Theses

This research investigates the interplay between a good’s functional durability, and its collectability, focusing on the Stanley Quencher water bottle market as a case in point, which has recently gained widespread consumer interest. It examines the economic and psychological factors driving consumer behavior and the market dynamics associated with durable goods that become collectibles. This paper begins with a comprehensive analysis of Stanley and the history of the company to provide a better understanding of their evolving marketing strategies. This paper takes special interest in collecting behavior, planned obsolescence, market structures and economic utility to help explain consumer behavior within …

Beyond Barracks: Addressing The Psychological Impacts Of Military Housing Through Design, Malia Hunt

Interior Design Capstones

Military personnel sacrifice their lives to safeguard the country yet often return to inadequate living conditions that fail to support their needs after facing the rigors of duty. Beyond Barracks explores the impact of military housing on the mental health and well-being of service members.Prevalent concerns such as insufficient privacy, limited space, and poor facility conditions can exacerbate the physical and emotional challenges already faced by those in service, diverting their energy from service duties to unnecessary complications.

This body of research and design examines the shortcomings and successes of current military housing to provide a comprehensive overview and identify …

The Internal Flame, Bailey Robydek

Interior Design Capstones

This body of research and design explores the vital relationship between interior environments and the well- being of firefighters. Challenging the traditional assumptions about how fire station design impacts their health and recovery. Firefighters endure significant physical exertion, psychological stress, and exposure to traumatic events, yet many fire station interiors remain focused primarily on operational functionality rather than personal wellness.

This research underscores the urgent need for fire station design to transcend traditional assumptions and evolve into a model that actively supports holistic recovery. Firefighters require spaces that address the cumulative impacts of their profession, both physical and mental taxation. …

To Build A Home, Liset Diaz-Cortes

Interior Design Capstones

Multigenerational housing allows for a more compassionate and whole-hearted alternative to other forms of elder care while addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. The multigenerational housing model emphasizes dignity and comfort, while increasing the quality of life overall. It is crucial to focus on living as individuals gain years of “living in place”. Living in place provides more than just physical care—it cultivates a life enriched with meaning, purpose, and the comforting familiarity of home. This research demonstrates how individuals can thrive within the home environment, enriching quality of life and preserving independence through intergenerational support. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored …

Sensory Processing At Bethany Christian Services: Education And Implementation Of Sensory Needs For Adolescent Males Through A Trauma Responsive Lens, Tatum L. Johnson

Capstone Projects

This capstone project addressed a critical gap in sensory processing support and understanding among adolescent males with sexual behavior problems at Bethany Christian Services’ Ridgeview Residential Program. The project aimed to enhance awareness of Occupational Therapy (OT) among staff and residents, improve inter-organizational communication, support classroom sensory regulation, and promote mindfulness practices within the facility. These objectives were achieved through a range of learning activities, including “What is OT?” educational videos, OT communication binders for each resident, a training binder for incoming OT students pertaining to Bethany Christian Services, sensory kits for classroom use with corresponding educational videos, scheduled classroom …

The Impact Of Equine-Assisted Services Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Caitlyn Espinosa

Capstone Projects

The topic of this capstone project is the role of occupational therapy in Equine-Assisted Services. This field is currently dominated by physical therapy because occupational therapists report a lack of knowledge and training involving this unique treatment strategy. Another common issue for equine-assisted programs is funding because insurance often denies coverage for these unique and expensive services. Therefore, objectives for this project include development of three educational visuals, submission of three grant proposals, completion of two continuing education opportunities, and service provision. Results of this project include educational visuals on (1) the basics of Equine-Assisted Services, (2) the impact of …

Exploring The Role Of An Occupational Therapist In Driver Rehabilitation, Lauren Garling

Capstone Projects

Driver Rehabilitation is a specialized occupational therapy service designed to promote independence and mobility in the community by teaching or adapting driving for individuals with medical conditions or injuries. This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) addressed the unmet needs of Automobility Driver Rehabilitation and the field of driver rehabilitation through advanced clinical practice and education. Automobility’s website lacked adequate information and resources on their website. An aspect of this DCE was to finalize their website by adding comprehensive details on services, educational resources, articles, and a FAQ section. Additionally, medical insurance providers do not cover driver rehabilitation as a medically necessary …

Integrating Cultural Competence And Humility Into Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Education, Jade Nguyen

Capstone Projects

Background: As minority populations in the United States continue to rise, occupational therapy (OT) personnel must be equipped with the necessary skills to provide culturally responsive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. However, OT programs nationwide are lagging behind in delivering adequate cultural training to their students.

Purpose: The project aimed to develop an instructional module for promoting cultural competence and humility among OT students.

Method: The DCE involved three months of in-depth research and collaboration with diverse cultural advisors, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic and/or Latino American, and Muslim representatives, to develop a teaching module. The instructional module …

Promoting Mental Wellness In Emergency Medical Service Students, Providers, And Their Support Systems Through Occupational Therapy, Morgan Gutzman

Capstone Projects

Emergency medical service (EMS) students and providers work in high-stakes and high-stress environments with limited education on how to manage the psychological toll of the job. Research shows that EMS providers have a higher prevalence of mental health struggles and suicide than the general population, which demonstrates the strong need for awareness, education, intervention, and stigma reduction. Occupational therapy (OT) is very capable of supporting this population through mental wellness education and awareness, occupational balance, and trauma-informed self-care strategies. One goal of this capstone project was to create and disseminate multimedia resources for EMS students, providers, and their support systems. …

Addressing Caregiver Health Through Intergenerational Relationships And Occupational Therapy’S Role In Supporting Caregiver Health, Madison Cochensparger

Capstone Projects

More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one with dementia, valued at nearly $350 billion (Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 2024). This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) aimed to implement an intergenerational program focused on improving dementia caregiver health by creating meaningful relationships of many generations of caregivers through the lens of an occupational therapy (OT) student. Intergenerational programs are defined as a way to facilitate relationships with different generations to enhance their everyday value in life. Occupational therapists work with all populations, exposing individuals with tools and strategies to live a meaningful and purposeful life. Results …

Fit For Life: Improving Quality Of Life And Fall Prevention Through Group Fitness For Older Adults, Alison K. Plasman

Capstone Projects

The purpose of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to create group fitness classes for older adults to address fall prevention and quality of life. While the primary focus of this DCE was program development, pre/post testing was administered to 11 participants who engaged in regular participation of the program over the course of 6 weeks. Overall, 100% of participants noticed improvements in both their fear of falling, and quality of life following the Fit for Life program. The exercise classes were multi-disciplinary and addressed balance, cardiovascular endurance, upper body strength, lower body strength and core training. Participants reported great …

Enhancing Confidence And Co-Regulation: The Integration Of A Virtual Support Program For Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Braeleigh Mccoy

Capstone Projects

Caregivers can play a role in cultivating and developing emotional regulation skills through co-regulation. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can experience higher levels of emotional difficulties than typically developing children. These emotional difficulties can significantly impact a child’s quality of life (QOL) and the well-being of their families. Caregiver’s response to these emotional difficulties can guide them back to a regulated state and increase participation in functional activities. Occupational Therapy (OT) works at providing techniques, educational material, resources, and collaboration with caregivers to promote emotional literacy and connection. Previous research has highlighted the importance of co-regulation between caregivers and …

The Sensational Eight: Education On The Sensory System Within A Center Based Multi-Sensory Environment, Jenna Gottschalk

Capstone Projects

The sensory system plays an essential role for individuals in how they interact with their environment, engage in activities of daily living (ADLs), engage in meaningful learning, and access to higher levels of thinking. The role of occupational therapy is to promote these skills for students within the school system to promote access to their educational environment and support meaningful learning. The ACOTE concentration areas for this capstone include education on the sensory system and sensory processing disorder as well as program development through the application and obtainment for a grant to promote financial resources for Lincoln school for students …

Moderating Effect Of Fantasy Football Participation And Location On Team Identification And Nfl Fandom, Devon Hudson

Masters Theses

This study explores how fantasy football participation in varying geographic proximities to NFL teams has altered traditional fan allegiances (i.e. team loyalty or fandom) as an alternate consumer product for the game of football. After utilizing survey data to quantify concepts of fandom and team identification amongst respondents, respondent groups were sorted into various groups based on both fantasy participation and location relevant to NFL teams. A series of hypotheses describing relationships between proximity, fantasy football participation, and fan perceptions are analyzed using a series of statistical tests. No statistical significance was found when comparing strength of team identification amongst …

Divided Motherhood: Narrative Within The Domestic Vessel, Jacqueline Denaway

Masters Theses

This research explores the story of motherhood through that of art, craft, and the domestic vessel. It analyzes how the installation, Motherhood Divided, can be viewed as an exemplification of the conflicted divide inherent within contemporary motherhood. I posit this divide to be a result of the tension created between the impossibility of the current normative maternal ideal of intensive motherhood, and its contradiction to that of the private hidden realities of mothering.

The historical origin of intensive mothering is explored, along with its impact on current societal maternal standards. These concepts are juxtaposed with the art of Camille Henrot …

Alvar Aalto: Past. Present.Future, Matthew Collins

Interior Design Capstones

Alvar Aalto serves as a timeless guide for architectural and design principles. These principles are not of universal rigidness but are flexible based on the givenconditions of site, culture, and people. His traditionalmethods of sketching and drawing create a hand to mind connection to the design process. This process, much like his work, develops a mindful and thoughtful outcome of decisions. With computer technology become more increasingly apart of our lives, it is important that we not forget the human point of view rather than purely a rational mode of thinking. This capstone project address how it is possible to …

Architecture Of Union: Exploring Community-Supported Wedding Venues, Erica Keillor

Interior Design Capstones

Weddings, as deeply symbolic rituals, often rely heavily on the venue to set the tone and enhance the emotional resonance of the event Yet, the rising cost of wedding venues often excludes couples from lower-to-middle income backgrounds, creating a barrier to access for many. This design project explores the potential of a community-supported greenhouse wedding venue—a model that not only offers affordability through shared community investment but also enhances the symbolic resonance of weddings through its nature-integrated architecture. The design investigates how intentional spatial planning within a greenhouse structure can serve both the practical needs of wedding ceremonies and the …

Food, Design & Desire, Emily Harnden

Interior Design Capstones

The research presented in Food, Design, and Desire examines the impactful role of interior design in shaping the connection between humans and food, with a focus on fine dining environments. Grounded by the thesis, the ideal dining experience creates a profound connection to oneself and the environment around you. This project investigates how built environments influence diners’ emotional and physical experiences, enhancing their intimacy with food. The research addresses the interplay between space, desire, and the human relationship with culinary experiences, aiming to develop design strategies that increase customer retention and deepen the human connection to food.

This project utilizes …

Emeriti News Spring 2025, Emeriti Council

Emeriti News

No abstract provided.

The Ebony Edge: A Qualitative Exploration Of Math Success Among Black College Women, April Ruiz

Dissertations

Historically, women have been underrepresented as leaders in STEM. However, according to the National Science Foundation (2022), women accounted for a little more than half of the college-educated workforce and underrepresented minority women increased in broad science and engineering occupational categories. This promising upturn underscores the importance—if progress is to continue—of better understanding why some African American women succeed in and persist with their study of college mathematics.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Black college women attending a predominantly White institution in the Midwest, to better understand what reasons Black college women ascribe to their success in …

Upper-Level Undergraduate Pre-Healthcare Students’ Journeys To Graduation And Health Professional Graduate Programs, Holly L. Sisson

Dissertations

Despite decades of research on undergraduate student retention and persistence, only a handful of researchers, such as Dumke et al. (2018) and Stull et al. (2021), have looked specifically at pre-health students preparing for graduate health professional programs and the complex challenges these students face while trying to achieve their goals. Very little research focused on upper-level undergraduate students pursuing graduate health professional programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or similar graduate health professional programs excluding medical school. To help fill this gap, my study focused on the experiences of pre-healthcare students as they navigated their undergraduate …