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Exploring The Effects Of Mindful Nature Walks On College Student Anxiety, Grace Young

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Individuals pursuing a degree in higher education face challenges that lead to greater levels of anxiety than that of the general U.S. adult population. This disparity, further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a need for higher education institutions to search for ways to address this spike in student anxiety and other mental health concerns. This mixed-methods study explored mindful nature walks as a low-cost and easily accessible way for college students to reduce levels of experienced anxiety. Using validated quantitative measures, this study examined the impact of three weekly, consecutive 30-minute mindful nature walks on state and general anxiety …

A Randomized Trial Of Two Remote Health Care Delivery Models On The Uptake Of Genetic Testing And Impact On Patient-Reported Psychological Outcomes In Families With Pancreatic Cancer: The Genetic Education, Risk Assessment, And Testing (Generate) Study, Nicolette J Rodriguez, C Sloane Furniss, Matthew B Yurgelun, Chinedu Ukaegbu, Pamela E Constantinou, Ileana Fortes, Alyson Caruso, Alison N Schwartz, Jill E Stopfer, Meghan Underhill-Blazey, Barbara Kenner, Scott H Nelson, Sydney Okumura, Alicia Y Zhou, Tara B Coffin, Hajime Uno, Miki Horiguchi, Allyson J Ocean, Florencia Mcallister, Andrew M Lowy, Alison P Klein, Lisa Madlensky, Gloria M Petersen, Judy E Garber, Scott M Lippman, Michael G Goggins, Anirban Maitra, Sapna Syngal

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background & aims: Genetic testing uptake for cancer susceptibility in family members of patients with cancer is suboptimal. Among relatives of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), The GENetic Education, Risk Assessment, and TEsting (GENERATE) study evaluated 2 online genetic education/testing delivery models and their impact on patient-reported psychological outcomes.

Methods: Eligible participants had ≥1 first-degree relative with PDAC, or ≥1 first-/second-degree relative with PDAC with a known pathogenic germline variant in 1 of 13 PDAC predisposition genes. Participants were randomized by family, between May 8, 2019, and June 1, 2021. Arm 1 participants underwent a remote interactive telemedicine session …

Navigating Mental Health During Covid-19: Considerations Of Childhood Adversity, Pandemic Stress, And Loneliness, Linnea Rose Swanson

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The purpose of this dissertation study was twofold. First, to determine if the addition of bullying victimization to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire (Felitti et al., 1998) would result in a stronger measure of childhood adversity; second to examine the interaction between ACEs, pandemic stress, loneliness, and internalizing symptoms in a sample of young adults living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. ACEs are linked to negative outcomes in adulthood including mental health problems, stress, and loneliness. During the pandemic, increased levels of stress and loneliness were associated with higher rates of internalizing disorders among young adults. …

Alcohol Use Disorder: Behaviors And Comorbidities In Recovery, Ryann Schochet

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The purpose of this study was to determine the connection between length of sobriety, for people with alcohol use disorder, and their experience with related disorders and traits. Impulsivity, compulsions, obsessions, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and neuroticism have all been researched in relation with the development of alcohol use disorder and drinking behaviors. This study strived to determine the presence of these symptoms and behaviors within one’s recovery, and their effect on one’s overall sobriety. This study compared self-reported symptoms of Alcoholics Anonymous members to their current length of sobriety and past relapses. Symptoms of Attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Obsessive Compulsive …

Parent-Led Cognitive Behavioral Teletherapy For Anxiety In Autistic Youth: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Levels Of Therapist Support, Andrew G Guzick, Sophie C Schneider, Minjee Kook, Julia Rose Iacono, Saira A Weinzimmer, Troy Quast, Sean M Olsen, Killian Rainey Hughes, Emily Jellinek-Russo, Amanda Perozo Garcia, Abigail Candelari, Leandra N Berry, Robin P Goin-Kochel, Wayne K Goodman, Eric A Storch

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficient, promising form of therapy that may be well suited for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, though to date it has been minimally tested. In this study, 87 autistic youth (7 to 13 years old) with anxiety disorders and their parents were randomized to two forms of parent-led CBT in which parents led their child through a guided CBT workbook across 12 weeks: one with low therapist contact (four 30-minute telehealth calls), and one with standard therapist contact (ten 60-minute telehealth calls). Anxiety, functional impairment, and autism features significantly declined across therapy, without …

Examining The Relationship Between Anxiety Severity And Autism-Related Challenges During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Children With Autism, Madeleine N Fuselier, Andrew G Guzick, Jafar Bakhshaie, Jeffrey J Wood, Philip C Kendall, Connor M Kerns, Brent J Small, Wayne K Goodman, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE: Using data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children with autism and co-occurring anxiety, this study examined the relationship between autism features and anxiety symptoms throughout CBT.

METHODS: Two multilevel mediation analyses were run which examined the mediating role of changes in anxiety for changes in two core features of autism, (a) repetitive and restrictive behaviors (RRBs) and (b) social communication/interaction impairments, between pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS: Indirect effects between time and autism characteristics were significant for both models, indicating that as anxiety changes, so do RRBs and social communication/interaction as the outcomes respectively. …

Family Accommodation In Children And Adolescents With Misophonia, Eric A Storch, Andrew G Guzick, Johann D'Souza, Jane Clinger, Daphne Ayton, Minjee Kook, Conor Rork, Eleanor E Smith, Isabel A Draper, Nasim Khalfe, Catherine E Rast, Nicholas Murphy, Marijn Lijfijjt, Wayne K Goodman, Matti Cervin

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Family accommodation (e.g., reassurance, modifying routines, assisting avoidance) has not been explored among youth with misophonia but may have important clinical and intervention implications. We examined family accommodation in 102 children and adolescents with interview-confirmed misophonia and compared its frequency and content to family accommodation in 95 children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Findings showed that family accommodation was ubiquitous in pediatric misophonia and may be even more frequent than in youth with anxiety disorders. Assisting the child, participating in misophonia-related behaviors, and modifying family routines were endorsed by more than 70% of parents of children with misophonia. Further, compared …

A New Approach To Balance Dental Fear And Anxiety By Using Bachtm Flower Therapy, Irina Maria Gheorghiu, Alexandru Andrei Iliescu, Stana Paunica, Marina Giurgiu, Brandusa Mocanu, George Alexandru Popescu, Anca Silvia Dumitriu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Treatments in dentistry currently consist of an interdisciplinary approach, including (but not necessarily limited to) the holistic perspective. The different fields of allopathic and complementary medicine are used together to ensure not only a high-quality restorative treatment, but also to provide patients with psychological and emotional support. This perspective also applies to dental anxiety, which consists of complex (emotional, vegetative and psychomotor) manifestations. One of the most well-known complementary therapies for reducing dental fear and anxiety is BachTM Flower Therapy. Even if the mechanism of action of this therapy is not yet scientifically documented, notable results have been and continue …

The Effectiveness Of Weighted Blankets As A Sleep Promoting Behavior: A Quasi -Experimental Study, Irish Amalia, Sali R. Asih, Inge U. Wiswanti, Ina Saraswati

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Sleep is crucial to the overall well-being of individuals. Sleep deficiency can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including more severe insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Improving sleep quality is often emphasized through sleep hygiene. An emerging nonpharmacological intervention is the use of weighted blankets, which apply deep-pressure stimulation to promote feelings of relaxation, comfort, and security similar to a gentle hug. This study explored the effects of weighted blankets on sleep quality and symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Thirty participants (M = 33 years, SD = 9.13) used weighted blankets for 14 nights. They completed the …

Investigation Of The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Anxiety Levels And Career Satisfaction Of Dentistry Students, Furkan Kır, Ata Batuhan Bayrak, Mediha Büyükgöze-Dindar

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety levels and career satisfaction of dentistry students. Methods: A total of 220 dentistry students were included in the study. A questionnaire was mailed to dentistry students at Trakya University between June 2021 and January 2022. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to evaluate anxiety levels. Data were analyzed, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean BAI scores of the participants were 14.6 ± 13.6. The anxiety levels of the females were significantly higher than the males (p = 0.004). There was a significant relationship …

Nurse Suicide: Examining Depression And Anxiety In Critical Care Settings, Arianna Bernardine Barata

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, yet the demanding work environment often exposes them to stressors, leading to the development of depression and anxiety. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) (2021), 50.8% of nurses have stress, 74% have anxiety, 70.8% have depression, and 79.1% have at least one of them. Burnout, understaffing, COVID fatigue, alarm fatigue, patient ratios, and disrupted sleep patterns are some of the stressors nurses contend with in every shift. While some nurses may cope and overcome these challenges, many face more severe issues, such as suicide. Nurse suicide is an issue that has …

Incorporation Of Mindfulness Application Use In Doctoral Nurse Anesthesia Curricula For Mitigation Of Stress And Anxiety In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Kerrie Rodgers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The nurse anesthesia specialty is highly stressful, with educational training being no exception. High didactic demands and intensive clinical experiences are placed on student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), increasing stress and anxiety in their personal and professional lives. High levels of psychological distress can lead to inadvertent consequences in students’ mental, emotional, and physical health and can contribute to illness, burnout, substance use, and compromise in patient safety. Some degree of stress is necessary for motivation to succeed and perform at high levels, and encountering stress while enrolled in a doctoral nurse anesthesia program is expected and unavoidable. A search …

The Mental And Physical Health Of College Students, Cole Palmer, Tiffany Strickland, Nolan Moore, Salvatore Moore, Juan Martinez

ENGL 1102 Showcase

The physical and mental health of college students has been a big topic in recent years, and it is the one that we have chosen. Our inspiration for choosing this topic came from being college students and getting a firsthand view of this issue. Since we are college students, who are navigating the difficulties of higher education daily, we see the issues of mental and physical health in ourselves and among our peers. Exploring the interconnectedness of societal attitudes, nutrition, and physical health regarding mental health is the inspiration for these topics as well. Each individual topic in this paper …

The Effects Of A Guided Mindful Walk On Mental Health In University Students, Ashley V. Burdick, Sarah M. Camhi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 590-601, 2024. College campuses in the United States are experiencing high levels of mental distress without adequate psychological resources to address the need. In addition, the majority of university students do not meet the physical activity guidelines for mental and physical health. Effective and time efficient resources are needed to address poor mental health and low physical activity among university students on college campuses. Mindful walking may be a promising solution. The purpose was to 1) measure change in mental health and 2) estimate physical activity from participation in a guided mindful walk in …

The Influence Of Prayer On Anxiety In Black Males: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Robin Houston Stitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prayer is a primary indicator that Christians use to infuse meaning into their lives and navigate life's difficulties. Acquiring the capacity to cope with anxious feelings through spiritual disciplines, practices, and rituals can assist in anxiety relief. The literature indicates that the church has always served as a refuge when life-altering events occur. According to I Corinthians 12:13, the church is one body of believers, unified for a common purpose. Anxiety is defined as a state of distress caused by a perceived social threat. The purpose of this study in Pastoral Care and Counseling was to ascertain why studies have …

Impact Of Parental Spirituality On Child Depression, Anxiety, And Ptsd After A Surgical Procedure, Ashlee M. Schendel

Honors Thesis

Higher levels of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) have been associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (Lucchetti, Koenig, & Lucchetti, 2021; Braam & Koenig, 2019). While it is unknown why the relationship exists, it may be a result of the social support obtained from attending a place of worship (Gwin et al., 2020). The relationship between anxiety and R/S is far more mixed, with studies having found both positive and negative correlations (Lucchetti, Koenig, & Lucchetti, 2021). It is theorized spirituality may be used to cope with anxiety both negatively (e.g., God hates me) and positively (e.g., God wants to …

The Effects Of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure On Kappa Opioid Receptor Expression Across Development In Rats, Margaret Agajanov, Kelcie Schatz

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term that describes the host of symptoms that may result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The incidence of anxiety disorders in children exposed to moderate PAE (mPAE) is twice that seen in children exposed to low amounts. mPAE animal models demonstrate anxiety-like behaviors reflective of those seen in humans exposed to mPAE. Gestational day 12 (G12) in rats is a period during which the amygdala is undergoing significant development. Past studies suggest that mPAE during G12 is implicated in the anxiety-like behavior observed in rats. The basolateral amygdala is part of the anxiety …

Communication Of Mental Health Diversity To The Early Childhood Age Group: “The Adventures Of Anxious Anderson, Distracted Daniel, And Organized Olive”, Jessica Gower

Honors Projects

In this project, I aim to explore various aspects of communication, cognitive ability, and mental health diversity in early child development. The three research questions guiding this project are: What cognitive and language abilities do children in the early childhood stage of development have? What are the most effective strategies for communicating information about mental health disorders to children ages 4 to 7 through storytelling? And lastly, how do anxiety, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) manifest, particularly in children? The storybook's purpose is to create a sense of empathy and understanding of mental health diversity in children …

The Anatomical Embodiment Of Morning Routines In The Reduction Of Anxiety: An Intervention, Natalie Wright

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The topic under investigation is whether physically embodying a morning routine that was designed through the lens of Laban Bartenieff Movement Analysis (LBMA) will reduce daily symptoms of individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Since morning routines play a significant part in one’s preparation for the day, I created an individualized LBMA morning routine for a specific client to embody. In addition to the routine, the client documented the process of their anxiety levels on a weekly basis. This client was a white, female, 19-year-old, lesbian college student who was previously diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The movement analysis …

An Exploration Of Self-Reported Training Needs For Anxiety Interventions Among Primary Care Behavioral Health Consultants, Katherine Buckheit, Ryan Willard, Kyle Possemato, Robyn Shepardson, Abigail Lashinsky, Jen Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction: Despite the need for greater training in evidence-based interventions for the treatment of anxiety in primary care behavioral health (PCBH), there are limited data on which interventions are desired by behavioral healthcare consultants (BHCs). The objective of this study was to identify which interventions BHCs desired more training in when treating anxiety in PCBH practice, and to examine if this preference was associated with theoretical orientation. Method: We conducted an online survey of PCBH providers regarding their training preferences for treatment of anxiety symptoms. The final sample comprised 291 BHCs recruited from e-mail listservs of national professional organizations. Providers …

Stroke-Related Mental Health Challenges And Interventions: Strategies For Holistic Recovery, Christopher Walsh, Sam Lee

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone project examines the relationship between post-stroke and mental health. It presents the necessity for a holistic and client-centered approach in the recovery process. Through a mixed-methods approach combining a literature review and empirical research, including surveys of stroke survivors, caregivers, and practitioners, the study shows the prevalence of depression and anxiety post-stroke and the potential benefit of comprehensive mental health support. The findings emphasize the importance of community, spirituality, and proactive education in enhancing mental well-being. The effectiveness of specific interventions for this population was found to be variable, which warrants the use of personalized assessments and intervention …

Music For Anxiolysis In Primigravida Undergoing Cesarean Delivery Under Neuraxial Anesthesia, Jonathan Garcia

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Primigravida women undergoing cesarean section under neuraxial anesthesia frequently suffer from anxiety in the perioperative period. Literature suggests this population suffers disproportionately due to gender, surgical naiveness, lack of birthing experience, fear of complications, and exposure to the operating theatre’s noxious environment. Despite the high anxiety prevalence and numerous negative consequences, safe treatment options are lacking. Unfortunately, contemporary pharmacologic therapy to treat anxiety threatens the parturient and the fetus. However, the field of medicine has long appreciated music’s physiologically calming effects on the body. This project details a literature search, review, synthesis, and analysis of the available literature supporting and …

Effects Of Electrical Exercise And Affect On Self-Reported Anxiety In Those With Spinal Cord Injury, John Zimmerman, Eric Heidorn, John Mcdaniel, Cody S. Dulaney

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Those who have incurred a spinal cord injury (SCI) have severe and immediate changes to their lifestyle. Those with SCI have reported reduced levels of positive affect and no change in negative affect compared to controls. Also, those with SCI may have reduced opportunities for engaging in meaningful exercise either due to mobility or equipment access limitations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the chronic engagement of home-based electrical stimulation exercise (ESE) on self-reported anxiety and positive and negative affect. METHODS: 9 individuals with ASIA A or B SCI were recruited for this study. Participants …

Implementation Of Vinyasa Yoga For Adults Experiencing Anxiety, Megan K. Malyuk

Theses and Graduate Projects

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental illness in the United States (US) and holistic treatment approaches, such as vinyasa yoga, are often practiced to alleviate the severity of symptoms (The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020). A comprehensive literature review including evidence-based research, Metis-based knowledge, and personal accounts are used to support this scholarly project. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is explicated and synthesized as a theoretical framework. Methodology and evaluation of the scholarly project are described, analyzed, and reflected that vinyasa yoga has a positive impact on individuals who experience anxiety. This scholarly project was implemented …

Using Therapeutic Writing To Deconstruct Recovery From Postraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Pamela Phillips

Dissertations

Exposure to physical and psychological trauma has produced a post-millennial epoch of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating anxiety disorder that occurs after exposure to an extreme stressor or prolonged victimization. After an extensive review of treatment protocols in 2008, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) exhorted clinicians to focus on defining the concept of recovery, concentrating on symptom reduction, removal of the PTSD diagnosis, and end-state function. Although the IOM report mobilized large-scale efforts to quantify treatments and standardize delivery of treatment protocols, PTSD recovery remains a concept that has been largely unexplored. The primary aim of this study was …

Perioperative Mental Health Intervention For Depression And Anxiety Symptoms In Older Adults Study Protocol: Design And Methods For Three Linked Randomised Controlled Trials, Katherine J Holzer, Kimberly A Bartosiak, Ryan P Calfee, Chet W Hammill, Simon Haroutounian, Benjamin D Kozower, Theresa A Cordner, Emily M Lenard, Kenneth E Freedland, Bethany R Tellor Pennington, J Philip Miller, Mary C Politi, Yi Zhang, Michael D Yingling, Ana A Baumann, Thomas Kannampallil, Julia A Schweiger, Sherry L Mckinnon, Michael S Avidan, Eric J Lenze, Joanna Abraham, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative anxiety and depression symptoms among older surgical patients are associated with poor postoperative outcomes, yet evidence-based interventions for anxiety and depression have not been applied within this setting. We present a protocol for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in three surgical cohorts: cardiac, oncological and orthopaedic, investigating whether a perioperative mental health intervention, with psychological and pharmacological components, reduces perioperative symptoms of depression and anxiety in older surgical patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Adults ≥60 years undergoing cardiac, orthopaedic or oncological surgery will be enrolled in one of three-linked type 1 hybrid effectiveness/implementation RCTs that will be conducted in tandem …

Anxiety And Stress Relief For Youth, Tricia J. W. Varner

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

The project that I chose to do for my capstone project was to create an interactive workbook for youth to help them understand anxiety and stress. I found that there was a need for youth to have a tool to learn to cope with anxiety and stress. The words anxiety and stress have both become buzzwords amongst middle school and high school students, but do they really understand what it is and how to deal with it? This workbook will give them an arsenal of tools and resources to assist them with learning more about these buzzwords and most importantly, …

Ssri/Snri Medication Vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In The Treatment And Management Of Postpartum Anxiety, Kelsey Sederquest

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI) in women suffering from postpartum anxiety. Efficacy of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and combination therapy compared within this review. Lastly, prophylactic treatment of anxiety was examined in women who were pregnant or who were newly postpartum without diagnosis of anxiety. In this review the database PubMed was utilized to conduct research that included many different keywords. The articles included were limited to within the last 30 years, and research was narrowed by limiting patient population to postpartum …

Implementing Distress Screening And Hospital Management Of Oncology Patients With Distress, Rhezarie Mae Agtarap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Of the nearly 2 million new cancer cases projected to occur in the United States in 2022, up to 65% of patients may be hospitalized in the first year of their diagnosis. Hospitalized oncology patients have been documented to experience psychological distress during their hospitalization related to physical and emotional challenges related to their disease. In ***, a tertiary hospital located in ***, Oregon, hospitalized cancer patients with hematologic malignancies and aggressive or advanced solid cancers have verbalized distress, including depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and fatigue during prolonged hospital stays. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), distress …

The Psychological Effects Of Solitary Confinement On Incarcerated Individuals: A Systematic Literature Review, Lara Z. Parkes, Jonathan C. Dowers

Selected Student Publications

This systematic literature review looks at previous research that explores the possibility of a correlation between solitary confinement and the presence of mental illness within those isolated inmates. Twenty percent of prison inmates experience isolation for up to twenty-two hours per day with restricted social interaction and limited amenities (Hagan et al., 2018; Ryan & DeVylder, 2020). Certain inmate demographics are more likely to be sent into isolation in an effort to protect themselves or others, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the developmentally impaired, and the mentally ill. However, this practice often has the opposite of its intended effect. …