Digital Commons Network^™

The Alliance For Camp Health Announces The Addition Of A Chief Strategy And Engagement Officer, John Hamilton

CompassPoint

No abstract provided.

Food Insecurity And Mental Health Among High School Students: Evidence From National And Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data, Nigel C. James, Asef Raiyan Hoque, Jada Pedersen, Huong Doan, Liam Hayes, Leah Suggs

Health Studies Faculty Publications

Background

Youth mental health problems are rising nationally. Virginia ranks among the lowest states in youth mental health access and has concentrated pockets of food insecurity (FI), underscoring the urgency of policy responses. FI is a known risk factor, yet surveillance often relies on single-item measures. We introduce a multidimensional Food Insecurity Index (FII) to examine associations with adolescent mental health.

Methods

We analyzed 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data from Virginia (n = 1866) and the United States (n = 10,724). The FII combined five indicators capturing acute scarcity and chronic dietary compromise. Survey-weighted logistic regression …

Echándole Ganas: Pláticas Of Belonging + Resistance In Art + Design, Itzanya Bravo

Masters Theses

This thesis centers the experiences of Mexican American students, alumni, faculty, and community-based artists navigating art and design higher education in the United States. Grounded in the question ¿Dónde está la gente latina?—where are the Latino people?—this research examines how representation and culturally sustaining practices shape Mexican American students' sense of belonging and creative agency in a country with systems built on white supremacy

Using pláticas as the primary methodology—a relational, conversational approach rooted in community and storytelling traditions—alongside autohistoria-teoría and Chicana Feminist Epistemology, this study draws on eight in-depth pláticas with Mexican American creatives across art + design higher …

Improving Enrollment, Transfer, And Discharge Workflows In Integrated Behavioral Health And Primary Care Settings, Matthew Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Heart Initiative January 2025-December 2025, Gabriela Murza, Ashley Yaugher

All Current Publications

This report reviews the Health, Extension, Advocacy, Research, Teaching (HEART) Initiative programming and impacts for 2025. This USU Extension initiative transitioned from a programmatic initiative addressing the opioid epidemic in the most affected counties to a statewide prevention and workforce development model, with programs focused on prevention and education, stigma and harm reduction, strengthening community ties, and resilience building. The programs and resources expand access to evidence-based health and wellness resources, promote community engagement, and support statewide education efforts.

Supporting Staff Social-Emotional Learning Through An After-School Program, Alexis Monique Molina

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupational therapy- informed social-emotional learning (SEL) training program for after-school staff at the Hollywood Recreation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The project addressed a critical gap in the skills and competence of staff needed to manage emotional and behavioral challenges in community-based youth programs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, adult learning theory, and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, the fourteen-week program incorporated weekly lessons to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational competence among staff. Through interactive lessons, reflection promotion, and feedback surveys, participants engaged …

Determining Agricultural Literacy Proficiency Of Extension Professionals And Primary Volunteers In Mississippi, Molly Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The development of agricultural literacy is a lifelong process, moving from gaining agricultural knowledge to communicating with others to applying to societal issues, and extends beyond the formal classroom. The Mississippi State University Extension Service has the ability to reach various audiences through educational programming, making them a potential catalyst for change in increasing agricultural literacy across the state. The study aims to determine the agricultural literacy levels of Extension professionals and primary volunteers in Mississippi and the factors potentially influencing these levels. Twenty-nine Extension professionals and eleven primary volunteers completed a survey of demographic questions and the Judd-Murray Agricultural …

Phenomenological Variant Of Ecological Systems Theory (Pvest): Implications For Early Childhood Education, Kathryn L. Fletcher, Qunishia N. Carter

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

The current article provides an introduction for researchers and educators in the field of early childhood education to Spencer’s Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems theory (Spencer’s PVEST; Spencer et al., 1997; Spencer, 2006). Spencer has expanded the importance of context with her position that children experience contexts differently, particularly children from marginalized groups (Spencer et al., 1997; Spencer, 2006). Two main goals for this article are: 1) introduce Spencer’s PVEST to the field of early childhood education; and 2) apply components of this theory to young children’s self-awareness. The overarching aim of this paper is to argue that Spencer’s PVEST …

Examining The Development Of Resilience Through Youth Sports, Mae Grigsby

Graduate Teacher Education

Research has indicated that resilience was an essential skill necessary for facing life’s adversities. The completion of 15 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, and The United States determined that sports provided numerous benefits in childhood and into adulthood. Based on this research, sports offered a stable, supportive environment with positive interpersonal relationships that fostered resilience and supported youth when faced with setbacks, giving them skills they would use well into their futures. With a growing number of youths impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), protective factors such as resilience …

Preliminary Results Of An Interview Study To Assess Services For Lgbtq+ Youth And Families In Box Elder County, Utah, Maureen Boyle, Manuel Quijas Ornelas, Jamielyn Gibson, Jayme Walters, Dorothy Wallis

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

This qualitative study is part of a larger community assessment project to understand the health and social support service needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families in Box Elder County, Utah. Assessment research was designed in response to community concerns about limited availability of LGBTQ+ specific services in the rural county and a critical need to address suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth as a health disparity population. The project consists of an online survey and interview study facilitated by the Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute in collaboration with a panel of community partners and two graduate classes in the …

2026 Utah Conference On Community Engagement Program, Utah State University, Erin Jensen

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

Conference Program

Discipline Or Damage? How Corporal Punishment Affects The Psychological Wellbeing Of Children In The School Setting, Umulkheir Mahamud Sharif Ali

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Corporal punishment continues to be used in many homes and schools despite research linking it to negative psychological outcomes in children. Previous studies, primarily focused on home settings, have associated corporal punishment with increased anxiety, depression, aggression, and emotional distress. However, less research has examined how these outcomes appear within school environments, where discipline occurs in more structured institutional settings. This thesis investigates how corporal punishment in schools affects students psychologically, emotionally, and academically through a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from psychology, education, and public health. The findings show that many of the mental health outcomes associated with corporal …

Msw Professional Portfolio, Sierra Trivaye Singer

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Master Of Social Work Portfolio - Rooted In Relationship: A Journey Toward Integrated, Justice-Oriented Social Work Practice, Elisabeth Noel Marshall

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio represents my professional development throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Grounded in systems and ecological perspectives, trauma-informed practice, and the Just Practice framework, this work demonstrates the integration of clinical, mezzo, and macro social work practice across diverse settings, including therapeutic residential care, collegiate wellbeing, assisted living, and substance use treatment.

Through direct practice experiences, policy analysis, program evaluation, advocacy, and community engagement, this portfolio highlights the development of competencies aligned with the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Particular emphasis is placed on relationship-centered practice, justice-oriented advocacy, …

Dropping Into The Expressive Art Therapy: A Community Engagement Arts Based Project, Sydney C. Smith, Meg Chang

Expressive Therapies Theses

This community engagement capstone explores how expressive arts practices (EXAP) may complement surf-based programming by supporting reflection, empathy, and meaning-making among participants. Research has demonstrated that surf therapy can promote emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection through embodied engagement with the ocean and supportive community environments. Integrating expressive arts practices within surf-based programs may extend these benefits by providing opportunities for reflection, creative expression, and interpersonal exchange. Grounded in expressive arts therapy (EXAT) theory and arts-based research (ABR) paradigms, this project examines how creative expression can support relational and emotional experiences within surf therapy settings. Using an arts-informed community engagement …

Exploring Child Trafficking Survivors' Experiences: Support, Revictimization, And Justice Institutions, Max Lubin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Effective Resilience Of African American Adolescent Mothers In Urban Communities, Charlene Spicer-Harmon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Youth-Based Mentorship Programs And The Development Of Social Capital, Toby C. Lumley

Honors Projects

Diverse communities often face complex challenges related to integration and collective action across different social, economic, and ethnic groups. Formal youth mentorship programs can be important institutions for addressing these challenges. This research examines how these programs act as intentional sites for cultivating social networks and relational trust necessary for successful civic engagement. Research for this project heavily relies on social capital theory explained through the lens of Robert Putnam. There will be special emphasis on the immediate community of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, Virginia, due to its diverse population and rural-urban intersections. Through interviews with various directors of local youth-based mentorship …

Implementing Narrative Family Art Therapy To Address Trauma And Conflict Resolution, Haley Elizabeth Watson

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study explored the implementation of principles and approaches from a complementary framework of narrative therapy, art therapy and family therapy using a trauma-informed approach with clients and their families receiving in-home therapy (IHT) services. Existing research demonstrates that narrative approaches and techniques support clients to identify alternative perspectives to their reality to promote a more empowering narrative. The intention of this research was to identify themes and possible areas of exploration for future research about how trauma-informed narrative family art therapy may be a suitable and beneficial framework for addressing conflict within the family system and healing from traumatic …

Building Inclusive Communities: Addressing Bullying And Supporting Lgbtq+ Youth In Monterey County, Mayra Luna

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Bullying among LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey County is a significant public health concern, contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Rainbow Connection, a program within Monterey County’s Child and Adolescent System of Care, works to improve school climate and promote inclusive environments through partnerships and community engagement. This capstone project implemented an anti-bullying event in Salinas, a prominent town in Monterey County. Pink Shirt Day event is to raise awareness of bullying prevention and promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The project included collaboration with community partners, distribution of anti-bullying educational materials, and engagement with youth, families, and school members. …

Cultivating Connection: A Culturally Responsive Mental Wellbeing Curriculum For Latine Youth In Santa Cruz County, Suzzy Landeros

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Latine adolescents experience high rates of stress, depression, and stigma surrounding mental health, in part due to limited access to culturally responsive support and safe spaces for connection. The purpose of this internship project was to develop and implement a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, mental wellbeing curriculum to address barriers related to stigma, limited culturally responsive support, and disconnection, while supporting emotional awareness, connection, and use of grounding strategies among youth. The project was implemented through United Way Santa Cruz County in partnership with Watsonville High School and Soquel High School and served high school-aged youth. Development of the curriculum included …

Digital Outreach For Environmental Equity: Bridging The Nature Gap In Castroville, California Through Social Media, Phoebe C. Deacon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many low-income residents of Castroville are not spending enough time in nature, causing negative impacts on both physical and mental health. Ventana Wildlife Society provides programs including after-school programs, Single Day Adventures, and summer camps for youth and families in Monterey County, particularly those from underserved communities. This project focused on the Castroville program. Castroville is a low-income, agricultural, isolated pocket of Monterey County, one of the communities where Ventana allocates its resources. This project implemented an outreach and educational intervention through use of social media by updating the Instagram page for Ventana’s North County Outdoor Program and posting …

Expanding Nature Access For Underserved Communities, Natalie Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too few children in Soledad have regular access and connection to outdoor spaces, leading to increased stress and fewer opportunities for positive mental health outcomes. This capstone project was implemented at Ventana Wildlife Society through the Nature Coach Pilot Program, promoting mental health through individualized outdoor plans throughout Monterey County. The program primarily serves underserved communities with limited access to local parks and outdoor resources, while also being open to the general public. The purpose of this project was to support the implementation of the Nature Coach Pilot Program by increasing awareness of accessible green spaces and encouraging engagement in …

The Portrayal Of Caseworker Turnover In New York State Foster Care Assessment Documents, Shelby S. Cover-Lapomarede

Student Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines how caseworker turnover is portrayed in New York State foster care assessment documents published between 2014 and 2024. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis (QCA) approach informed by Margrit Schreier’s methodology, this study evaluates publicly available government reports, assessment documents, policy documents, and audit reports to identify how turnover is represented, what causes are highlighted, and what consequences are downplayed. The data reveals that turnover is often framed as an administrative issue rather than a workplace welfare crisis with extensive emotional and relational impacts on caseworkers, children, and families. Burnout, heavy caseloads, inadequate mental health care, low pay, …

"Death Without A Funeral", Holly Prince

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

Faith Leaders’ Guide To Adolescent Protection, Population Council, Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (Zingo), Faith Mother Bodies

Adolescents and Young People

No abstract provided.

Youth Programs Social Media Awareness Campaign, Noelia Fernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness often lack awareness of available support services, limiting their ability to access needed resources. This capstone project was completed at Community Action Board’s Youth Homeless Response Team (YHRT), a program that provides outreach, case management, and support services to youth in Santa Cruz County. The project focused on youth and young adults who engage with or could benefit from YHRT services. The purpose of the project was to increase awareness and engagement through a targeted social media awareness campaign. Implementation included planning and designing youth-friendly content, developing promotional materials, and collecting both quantitative …

Cultura Y Confianza: Strengthening Culturally Competent Outreach To Support Women’S Mental Health In Watsonville, Sarra L. Huerta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Women in Watsonville experience ongoing mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, while facing barriers to accessing culturally responsive support. This capstone project was completed at Growing Greatness, a community-based organization that provides outdoor and wellness programming for youth and families in Watsonville, California. The project focused on improving outreach to better engage women, particularly Latina women, who may experience barriers related to stigma, language, and trust. The intervention involved developing a four-module bilingual curriculum designed to strengthen culturally competent outreach practices among staff, volunteers, and interns. The purpose of the project was to create more accessible, community-centered messaging …

Advanced Integrated Practice: Holding Complexity With Integrity, Brittany Heather Mattfeld

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio presents an integrated approach to social work practice that holds systems-level analysis alongside relational, client-centered engagement. Drawing from graduate coursework, residential youth work, and applied program development, it examines how policy, power, and institutional structures shape lived experience within child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This work challenges the assumption that systems operate neutrally, highlighting how practices such as “voluntary” services may be experienced as coercive in application. Across core competencies—ethical practice, trauma-informed engagement, assessment and intervention, policy practice, research-informed practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration—the portfolio emphasizes that meaningful change occurs not only through structural reform, but through …

Exploring Resilience Factors And Interventions Among Transition-Age Youth Facing Homelessness, Sandy Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study will explore the resilience factors and interventions that promote positive outcomes among transition-age youth (18–24 years old) experiencing homelessness in Southern California. Youth homelessness is a critical issue linked to systemic barriers and limited resources. This research will address the gap in understanding how resilience mechanisms enable youth to overcome challenges and navigate support systems. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 20 participants located in San Diego County to examine their coping strategies, social networks, and experiences with interventions. Thematic analysis will be used to identify key resilience factors, barriers, and facilitators, providing insights …