Digital Commons Network^™

Breaking Barriers: Factors Contributing To Successful Employment Outcomes For Black Males With Mental Health Diagnosis And Undergoing Vocational Rehabilitation, John C. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Black males with mental health diagnoses face substantial barriers to gaining and maintaining employment. Tailored employment support services may help increase employment access, yet utilization remains low among this demographic area. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to explore the employment challenges for Black males with mental health diagnoses in the US. This quantitative study will utilize a data mining approach drawing from an ex post facto national rehabilitation services dataset. Archival data will be extracted from the Rehabilitation Service Administration 911 (RSA-911) database. Descriptive statistics will first profile the extracted sample of vocational rehabilitation clients on demographic variables. …

Navigating The Storm: Addressing Youth Mental Health In New York State Public High Schools, Sheila Mashack

Education Doctoral

The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis among its youth. This crisis is, characterized by rising suicide rates, persistent sadness, and increased psychiatric visits. Comorbid conditions further complicate this crisis. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study explores challenges faced by high school counselors and social workers. According to Bitsko et al. (2022), 88% of schools lack confidence in their capacity to provide sufficient mental health services. Key findings highlight substantial gaps in mental health service delivery, including overwhelming caseloads and insufficient resources, which impede the effectiveness of interventions.

The study recommends increasing staff diversity, ensuring equitable resource …

Quality Of Life Domains For Students Living With A Severe Disability And Their Families, Eden Withers

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Background and Purpose

From the latter half of the 20th century to now, the United States has dramatically focused its efforts on increasing life longevity and quality of life for people with disabilities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Federal legislation has taken steps to increase quality of life for people with IDD. Quality of life can be assessed through a variety of questionnaires, including the familial perspective of quality of life. Although quality of life can be assessed and it is supported by federal legislation, people with IDD broadly have yet to experience an enviable quality of …

The Effects Of The Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services Non-Indicated Intervention On Improving Documentation Notes, Leigha Thorum

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services (PDC-HS) is an assessment used in human service settings to determine effective interventions to improve employee performance. In this study, we used the PDC-HS assessment to help find a type of training that would best improve the quality of session note documentation completed by RBTs® in an autism clinical setting. The participating RBTs® all showed an increase in documentation quality during the non-indicated intervention phase. The results suggest that the PDC-HS non-indicated intervention was effective in improving RBT® performance in completing session note documentation and further research should be conducted to study the impact of …

Reactivity On Student On-Task Behavior: An Analysis Of On-Task Operational Definitions And Observer Presence On Student Behavior, Daria G. Fuell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examines student engagement during academic tasks, specifically investigating how the presence and type of observer affect student performance. The objective was to understand the influence of different observer conditions—no observer, an observer behind an observation window, a researcher in the session room, and a caregiver in the session room—on student behavior. Using a multi-element design, the study assessed three measures: active on-task behavior, passive on-task behavior, and academic work completion. The literature review identified a lack of recent research on how students respond to adult observers during academic tasks and highlighted the variability in definitions of engagement. To …

Applying Implementation Supports To Professional Development To Improve Implementation Of The Caught Being Good Game, Dylan Zimmerman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Disruptive behavior in the classroom can cause challenges for both teachers and students, creating high levels of teacher stress and preventing students from accessing academic instruction. Training on evidence-based classroom management is often resource-intensive and has inconsistent impact on teacher behavior in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of professional development on paraprofessionals' treatment fidelity of the Caught Being Good Game. We used a multiple baseline design to provide a tiered model of professional development to provide the least intensive level necessary to support implementation. Results indicate that all four teachers successfully implemented most …

Predicting Individual Hiking Trail Intensity Using Statistical Learning, Kelci Hannan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Hiking is an increasingly popular choice for people wanting to engage in recreation and physical activity. It not only offers the many benefits of exercise but also the opportunity to explore nature and to socialize. To ensure that new hikers are prepared to hike and remain safe while on the trail, knowledge of a hiking trail's difficulty is important. Trail difficulty information is sometimes available at the trailhead if the trail is well-trafficked and maintained but is nearly always available online or through a hiking-specific mobile application, such as AllTrails. Both trailhead and online sources provide only one difficulty rating …

Evaluating Social Interactions As A Byproduct Of The Good Behavior Game Within An Elementary Small Group Classroom, Emma Walton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Children with Autism exhibit significantly fewer social interaction behaviors than their neurotypical peers. Much of the research around this deficit focuses on early intervention, and specialty services such as ABA intervention. The Good Behavior Game is an interdependent group contingency that has been shown to improve academic, social and appropriate behaviors in a variety of settings. This study explored the effects of the GBG on the social interactions of elementary students within special education without specifically targeting social interactions with peers through the game's rules. This study found negative (null) results, indicating that the GBG did not affect the social …

An Examination Of Inclusion Of Secondary Students With Disabilities In One Local School District, Brandon Brown

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This survey was designed to examine the role of inclusion in a secondary school setting in one school district. The survey attempted to measure the attitudes, and opinions of general education school teachers, special education school teachers, administrators, and the parents of a student with a disability. The survey determined that most opinions agreed that students with disabilities deserved to be included in classes and extracurricular activities but what that would look like was different in all groups. Opinions even varied when looking at what the exact definition of inclusion was. Results from the survey showed opinions that teachers and …

The Iep Team: Team Members’ Perspectives Of The Decision-Making Process, Peggy A. Duffie

Special Education ETDs

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) remains a pivotal document for ensuring educational equity for students with disabilities in public education (Bateman, 2017). This qualitative interview study investigated how an IEP team supporting a student with extensive support needs navigated the decision-making process during annual IEP development. Through in-depth interviews with six out of eight team members, I explored IEP team members’ perceptions of their and others’ responsibilities and contributions to the development of an annual IEP. Qualitative coding revealed four key decision-making themes: Unspoken norms, privileging professional knowledge, avoiding conflict and responding to disagreements, and identifying your place at the …

Promoting Academic And Social Well-Being For Young Adults With Asd Towards Post-Secondary Education And Employment, Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate …

Efektivitas Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Dalam Peningkatan Quadricep Strength Pada Pasien Post Acl Rekonstruksi : Literature Review, Auvin Joe Ginting

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

This article aims to evaluate the Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise in Improving Quadriceps Strength in Patients with ACL Reconstruction. This project is a literature study in narrative form. The background for conducting this research is the high incidence of ACL tears, ranging from 78 to 81 cases per 100,000 population worldwide in a year. The most common surgical treatment provided is ACL reconstruction. Quadriceps strength reduction after 6 months post-operation reaches 20% compared to pre-operation. From the symptoms and clinical complaints of quadriceps muscle weakness, one of the interventions that can be performed is Blood Flow Restriction …

Psychosocial Impact Of Assistive Technology On Veterans With Disabilities In Higher Education, Maricela Rosales

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine the psychosocial impact of assistive technology (AT) on veterans with disabilities in higher education. A current problem is that there is a research and knowledge gap in the AT needs of student veterans with disabilities living in South Texas, as well as in the psychosocial impact that AT for everyday life activities has on the quality of life of student veterans with disabilities who live with functional limitations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the psychosocial impact variables with participants from higher education institutions via online and in-person surveys. …

Licensed Professional Counselors In Texas: The Role Of Stigma In Seeking Counseling Services, Raquel C. Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

The literature on stigma has revealed this attribute as a deterrent to seeking mental health services. This study encompassed an investigation of the impact of self-stigma and public stigma on the intentions to seek mental health services of Texas Licensed Professional Counselors. A survey was sent via email, social media platforms associated with Licensed Professional Counselors, and snowball sampling to recruit participants. The participants (N = 99) completed self-report measures about self-stigma, public stigma, social desirability characteristics, and attitudes towards seeking mental health help. The results indicated that neither self-stigma nor public stigma was a deterrent to seeking mental health …

Impact Of Dysfunctional Career Thoughts On Mental Health Among College Students Using Counselling Services, Victor Amadi Stephen, Onyinye Lois Chimodo

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

In recent years studies have revealed varying degrees of dysfunctional thoughts as related to career among young people. It is distorted cognitive processes that truncate the ability to make clear cut decisions regarding career. This conceptual article explores the impact of dysfunctional career thought on mental health among college students seeking counselling. This paper tries to understand how cognitive distortion regarding career impact mental health and means to mitigate this challenge. This study draws on expert opinions and experiential knowledge, underpinned by an extensive review of scholarly literature, peer evaluations, and document analysis in the field of advanced career. The …

Measuring Evidence Application In Routine Mental Health Settings: Testing A Coding System And Providing A Proof Of Concept, Eleanor Wu

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past 25 years, there have been increasing calls to advance the application of evidence in routine mental health settings for youth and families. Methods in the field for characterizing evidence application have played a critical role in shaping these efforts, which, to-date, have largely focused on measuring providers’ adherence to practices from evidence-based programs in treatment sessions. While this program-centric paradigm for characterizing evidence application has supported the widespread implementation of evidence-based programs in public mental health settings, it is limited in scope and applicability for characterizing all the ways that evidence may be applied across a service …

Occupational Therapy In Stroke: A Case Study Using The Bobath Frame Of Reference And Task Oriented Approach, Reza Nur Arsyi, Afifah Fadhilah Nursyam, Muhammad Luthfi, Hermito Gidion, Ayleen Alicia Kosasi, Erna Faryza Mohd Poot, Rosilah Wahab, Nur Atiqah Azman

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Stroke is a sudden neurological disorder caused by vascular injury to the brain, leading to significant functional limitations. This case study examines the use of occupational therapy interventions, specifically the Bobath and Task Oriented approaches, for a 43-year-old male with left hemiparesis to enhance independence in motorcycling. The patient experienced various limitations, including vestibular function, range of motion, muscle tone and strength, postural control, and fine motor skills. Using the Ashworth scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for assessment, occupational therapy interventions showed progress in several aspects, although the primary goal has not yet been fully achieved. This …

Terapi Latihan Pada Fase Satu Pasca Operasi Rekonstruksi Ruptur Anterior Cruciate Ligamentum Sinistra, Aunike Arum Meta Wurgani, Irawan Wibisono

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure involving the grafting of the ACL using tendon tissue. This procedure aims to restore knee stability and joint fixation following an ACL injury. Post-ACL reconstruction often leads to complications such as pain, edema, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness. The physiotherapy program in this case aims to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy interventions, including quadriceps setting, hamstring setting, straight leg raise (SLR), heel slide, ankle pumping, bridging, and prone hang exercises, in reducing edema and pain, as well as improving the range of motion and muscle strength in the knee …

Jump To Box Kombinasi Core Plank Knee To Elbow Terhadap Power Otot Tungkai, Maya Triyanita

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Leg power training is defined as a movement to get the jump in athletes doing the maximum jump smash. Badminton requires leg muscle explosive power because it is the muscle's ability to overcome loads and with a high speed of contraction. This study aims to determine differences in the effect of jump to box training, a combination of core plank knee to elbow on increasing leg power in badminton athletes. This study used an experimental design method with a pre-test and post-test design. The treatment group was given the Jump To Box Combination Core Plank Knee To Elbow exercise. The …

Supporting Clinical Mental Health Counseling Doctoral Supervisors In Supervising School Counselors-In-Training: Challenges And Strategies For Integration, Yu-Hsun Peng, Derron Hilts, Yanhong Liu

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

This conceptual article underscores the critical need for tailored supervision for school counselors-in-training (SCITs), emphasizing challenges arising from differences in training, role ambiguity, and limited understanding of pK-12 educational contexts when overseen by doctoral supervisors with clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) backgrounds. We advocate for enhanced training and support for doctoral students from CMHC backgrounds to more effectively supervise SCITs. Bridging the gap between SCITs and counselor education doctoral training, we emphasize adjustments to supervision training and implications for the supervision of school counselor trainees.

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Extending Pain Psychology Beyond The Psychologist: The Need For A Professional Clinical Identity, Tyler D. Barrett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This paper outlines the argument for establishing a commonly understood designation for allied health clinicians who specialize in psychological interventions for chronic pain. There is a growing need for clinicians with skills in psychological interventions for pain (“pain psychology”). However, there are not enough pain psychologists to meet the demand. Recent research has suggested that allied health professionals from varying disciplines can safely and effectively deliver pain psychology interventions. Clinical training in psychological interventions for pain outside of clinical psychology has been growing but remains limited. As the pool of cross-discipline clinicians with expertise in pain psychology expands, this specialization …

The Influence Of A Caregiver Support Program On Consumer Well-Being, Wallace Thomas Peake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Caregiving has been shown to be a potential burden for the well-being of caregivers. The focus of this study was a caregiver support program whose managers lacked an understanding of the efficacy of the program in enhancing the well-being of the consumers of the program. The purpose of this quantitative study was to develop and administer a consumer satisfaction survey that evaluated the efficacy of caregiver support program services from the consumer perspective. This study was grounded by the positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment model, which informed the development of the survey that was administered to the participants …

The Influence Of A Caregiver Support Program On Consumer Well-Being, Wallace Thomas Peake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Caregiving has been shown to be a potential burden for the well-being of caregivers. The focus of this study was a caregiver support program whose managers lacked an understanding of the efficacy of the program in enhancing the well-being of the consumers of the program. The purpose of this quantitative study was to develop and administer a consumer satisfaction survey that evaluated the efficacy of caregiver support program services from the consumer perspective. This study was grounded by the positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment model, which informed the development of the survey that was administered to the participants …

Decreased Risk Of Osteoporosis Incident In Subjects Receiving Chinese Herbal Medicine For Sjögren Syndrome Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study With A Nested Case-Control Analysis, Chieh-Tsung Yen, Hanoch Livneh, Hua-Lung Huang, Ming-Chi Lu, Wei-Jen Chen, Tzung-Yi Tsai

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a long-lasting inflammatory autoimmune disease that may cause diverse manifestations, particularly osteoporosis. Though usage of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) can safely manage autoimmune disease and treatment-related symptoms, the relation between CHM use and osteoporosis risk in SS persons is not yet recognized. With that in mind, this population-level nested case-control study aimed to compare the risk of osteoporosis with and without CHM use. Potential subjects aged 20–70 years, diagnosed with SS between 2001 and 2010, were retrieved from a national health claims database. Those diagnosed with osteoporosis after SS were identified and randomly matched to those …

Ua-Rg14-02 Public Affairs Office / Media And Community Relations/Publications, Archives

Archives Registers

Course catalogs, directories, various publications/booklets by title, newsletters, community programs, slides of USM, and calendars of events, Currents volumes, 1913-1999

Ua-Rg04-01 Academic Affairs / Office Of The Provost, Archives

Archives Registers

USM self-report to NEASC, policy reports, program curricula, correspondence, fellowship recipients (1965-2008)

The Policing/Mediation Nexus: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of The Journey From Police Officer To Certified Mediator, Wendell C. Wallace

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

By their very nature, policing and mediation are viewed as disparate professions. However, since the inception of policing, police officers have traditionally been involved in managing and handling conflict situations and thus, mediation type interventions have historically been an important component of police work. For the most part, police officers are untrained in mediation; however, many police officers are comfortable serving as go-between for neighbors, families, and communities in conflict using their intuition. As a result of acting as a ‘mediator’ for conflicting parties, without any formal mediation training, many former and current police officers eventually engage in mediation training …

A Counseling Student’S Experiences With Vision Impairment: A Narrative Inquiry, Jason J. Li, Susan Bray, Jody Fiorini, Philip Mullins

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article explores a female counseling student’s experience with vision impairment in a counselor education program. By using narrative inquiry, three main themes (perceptions, received supports, and challenges for a visually impaired student) and seven subthemes (perceptions of herself, perceptions of others, daily commute, attitudinal barriers, barriers to access, practicum experiences, and disability services) emerged from the analysis. Recommendations for counselor preparation and research are provided.

Faculty Search Experiences Of Assistant Professors Of Counselor Education, Gregory Hatchett

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Using an online quantitative survey, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the faculty application experiences of assistant professors of counselor education (N = 159). The counselor educators in this sample completed a median of two off-campus interviews and a median of one on-campus interview. They received a median of one offer for any faculty position and a median of one offer for an assistant professor position on the tenure-track. Assistant professors on the tenure-track differed from those not on the tenure track on the following variables: demographic and professional characteristics, application strategies, credentials/qualifications at the time …