Digital Commons Network^™

Development And Pilot Testing Of Transdiagnostic Exposure Therapy/Behavioral Activation For Autistic Adolescents With Internalizing Disorders, Andrew G Guzick, Elizabeth A Kaplan-Kahn, Jessica Szu-Chi Cheng, Callie Murphy, Ogechi C Onyeka, David Riddle, Tracy Dibbs, Leandra N Berry, Robin P Goin-Kochel, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Internalizing disorders disproportionately affect autistic adolescents, though limited research has focused on tailoring therapy for this population. The purposes of this paper were (1) to describe the development of a transdiagnostic exposure therapy/behavioral activation intervention for autistic adolescents with internalizing disorders, and (2) to present a pilot test of feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the intervention. The development of this therapy is described in detail, which prioritized the following domains: (1) building on the existing evidence base of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, (2) involving caregivers considerably, (3) incorporating autism-specific considerations into case conceptualization and …

Lived Experiences Of Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences And Mitigating Factors Of Personal Spiritual Disciplines, Carolyn Potts Simoneaux

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study sought to understand the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and what mitigating factors can help alleviate the pain and suffering caused by their residual life-long impacts. A literature review was done, and a gap was found on the subjects of personal spiritual disciplines (PSDs) of prayer, Bible reading/study, public/private worship, repentance and forgiveness as mitigating factors for the impacts of ACEs. This study recruited 15 participants who identified as victims of ACEs and used PSDs as mitigating factors to overcome the lifelong impacts. Interviews were done, using an online forum, to question participants on their …

Mental Health In Relation To Parental Absence: A Systematic Review, Mohammed Barry, Abdulaziz Alyahyawi, Heba Jafar Sabbagh

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the literature based on the relationship between orphaned children and mental health, compared to non-orphaned children. Mental well-being of orphaned children is a profound intricate topic that connects with broader concerns of childcare. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature regarding the relationship between mental health and parental absence. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct in October 2025, with 1017 screened studies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Independent reviewers performed quality assessments using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed when possible. Results: Findings indicate that orphaned …

Impact Of Provider Confidence And Psychiatric Referrals Through Education And Implementation Of The Gad-7 Anxiety Screening Tool In An Outpatient Family Clinic, Maceline E. Check

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Gaps in provider and nurse confidence in identifying and managing anxiety disorders in outpatient family clinic settings contribute to underdiagnosis, delayed intervention, and reduced psychiatric referrals. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of provider education and implementation of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening tool on provider and nurse confidence and appropriate psychiatric referral rates, with the goal of improving clinical decision-making and standardizing anxiety screening practices. The project was guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice. Using a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design, providers and nurses in an outpatient family clinic received structured, …

Beyond Symptoms: A Narrative Counseling Interpretation Of First-Year Student Anxiety In Indonesian Higher Education, Azizah Abdullah, Rizky Andana Pohan, Ramtia Darma Putri, Triyono Triyono, Marimbun Marimbun, Rahmi Dwi Febriani

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The transition to higher education is a critical period in which first-year students face new academic demands, financial pressures, social adjustment challenges, and uncertainty about the future. However, limited research has examined how freshmen make sense of and narrate their anxiety, particularly in the Indonesian context. This study aimed to explore the main domains of anxiety among first-semester students in Indonesian public universities and to interpret these experiences through a narrative counseling lens. The study employed a qualitative online survey design with an interpretivist orientation. Data were collected from 199 first-semester students through open-ended questions addressing anxiety-provoking situations, sources of …

Promoting Trauma-Informed Practices Through Staff Education, Ediomi Enebong Oduwole

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Front office staff in outpatient psychiatric settings are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing anxiety and emotional distress. However, existing evidence indicates that non-clinical, front office staff often lack formal training in trauma-informed care (TIC). This gap may limit early recognition and response to patient distress. This quality improvement project addressed this gap by evaluating the impact of a trauma-informed educational intervention of staff confidence and documentation of patient distress. The project was guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and Lewin’s Change Theory. It used a pre-and post-intervention quantitative design with sample of five front office staff …

The Mediating Role Of The Care Factor In The Effect Of Nomophobia On Nurses’ Job Satisfaction, Uğur Öner, Sinan Aslan, Erhan Ekingen

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of the Care Factor in the relationship between nomophobia and job satisfaction among nurses.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,083 nurses working in a province in Turkey between May and September 2024. Data were collected using a Descriptive Form, the Fırat Nomophobia Scale (FNS), the Care Factor Scale (CFS), and the Job Satisfaction Scale for Nurses (JSSN). All analyses were performed using SPSS 25, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression. Mediation was tested using PROCESS Macro version 4.0 (Model 4).

Results: The CFS-CS and …

Therapeutic Applications Of Tabletop Role-Playing Games In Treatment Of Depressive And Anxious Symptoms In Young Adults, Dash Degrote

Honors Theses

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are played by a large population and involve the engagement of social and emotional skills, with the largest portion of the population playing them being adolescents or young adults. The therapeutic application of TTRPGs in the treatment of depressive and anxious symptoms shows potential with this population. In a literature review, three major themes are identified: TTRPG culture, stakeholder perspectives of TTRPGs, and examples of therapeutically-applied TTRPGs. Overall, evidence suggests that TTRPGs can positively impact the concerned symptoms, though more research is needed for games outside of Dungeons & Dragons as well as stakeholder perspectives.

Helping Others To Help Yourself: Effects Of Prosocial Behavior On Anxiety And Depression, Matheus Muniz Pereira Vargas

Psychology Student Publications

Helping others is a good way to help prevent psychological disorders. The literature reviewed here points towards a protective and mitigating effect on symptoms of anxiety and depression brought upon by prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behavior is associated with higher positive moods in participants with depression (Schacter & Margolin, 2019), it is negatively correlated with feelings of reported rates of depression, anxiety and isolation (Naclerio et al., 2026), and seems to have a protective effect against development and exacerbation of anxiety (Okuyucu et al., 2024). All of that indicates that encouraging these behaviors lead to more positive mental health outcomes without …

Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, And Psychological Flexibility In Nicu Mothers: Implications For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Riya Desai, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Pregnancy and the postpartum period may be physiologically and psychologically demanding for women as they navigate a multitude of factors. This experience may be further complicated by stressful reproductive events, such as newborn admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Having a baby admitted to the NICU is often particularly challenging for mothers from a psychological perspective, serving as an added layer that may contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety. Psychological flexibility is the concept of openness, adaptability, and readiness in the face of adversity. For NICU mothers, psychological flexibility serves as a possible therapeutic target to address postpartum …

Critical Analysis Of Psychiatric Medications, And Their Effects On Patients With Post-Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome(Pots), Joshua Lovelock, Michael Gibson, Fernando Izaguirre, Daniel Hong

Research Day

Background: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction defined by an excessive increase in heart rate (>30bpm within 10 minutes) upon standing and symptoms such as lightheadedness, palpitations, and, in some cases, syncope. Because many POTS symptoms overlap with those of anxiety and depression, psychiatric medications are commonly considered, but there’s a risk they may affect the heart rate and blood pressure.

Objective: To summarize how common psychiatric medication classes may impact autonomic function in patients with POTS.

Methods: This project reviewed the autonomic effects of antidepressant classes (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) from peer reviewed articles. …

An Analysis Of The Emerging Factors Of Fla And Fle Based On Students' Perception, Maula Khoirunnisa, Yazid Basthomi, Mirjam Anugerahwati

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This qualitative survey study investigated the students’ perspectives on the emerging factors of anxiety and enjoyment during ESP class of non-English department students. This study involved 35 freshmen of non-English department study program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang who were joining ESP class. The most frequent causes of FLA based on the students’ perception were being afraid that their utterances are not understandable, their own concern on their pronunciation and accent and thoughts that others can speak better than they do. For FLE, the excellent atmosphere created by the teachers was most considered by the students to contribute to their enjoyment …

Understanding Post-Nicu Caregiver Mental Health And Occupational Participation: Implications For Healthcare Practice, Emily S. Knight

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project explored the mental health challenges experienced by caregivers following their infant’s discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the resulting impact on occupational participation. Using a mixed-methods design, data was collected through an anonymous survey of 46 post-NICU caregivers, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative responses. Findings revealed that caregivers commonly experienced significant mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, particularly within the first year following discharge. Although results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mental health over time, many caregivers reported limited access to mental health resources and professional support. Importantly, the study …

Understanding Post-Nicu Caregiver Mental Health And Occupational Participation: Implications For Healthcare Practice, Emily S. Knight, Zeida Gutierrez, Maureen Fischer

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explored the mental health challenges experienced by caregivers following their infant’s discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the resulting impact on occupational participation. Using a mixed-methods design, data was collected through an anonymous survey of 46 post-NICU caregivers, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative responses. Findings revealed that caregivers commonly experienced significant mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, particularly within the first year following discharge. Although results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mental health over time, many caregivers reported limited access to mental health resources and professional support. Importantly, the study …

The Impact Of Traumatic Event Exposure On Ptsd, Depression, And Anxiety Among Veterans, Casie Daum, Emily Rabinowitz, Ken Marfilius, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Background: Psychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are highly common and debilitating conditions among veterans. Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) such as active combat, blast exposure, close calls, and witnessing injury or death during military service may be a significant risk factor for the development and maintenance of psychiatric conditions. This analysis sought to examine the extent to which individuals with PTE exposure related to military service had different levels of psychiatric symptoms. Method: A sample of 266 veterans were recruited using Prolific, an online research panel service. Participants completed the Primary Care PTSD Screen …

Analysis Of Consumer Response To Online Same-Day Grocery Delivery Service: The Case Of Korea, Hyun Sang An, Arim Park, Ju Myung Song, Christina Chung

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Mindfulness Meditation Program On Phq-9 Scores In Eskd Clients At The Dialysis Center, Christi Collins Weaver

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) experience high rates of untreated depressive symptoms, which negatively impact quality of life, treatment adherence, and therefore increased hospitalization and higher mortality rates.

PICOT: In adult patients receiving in-center hemodialysis (P), how does the implementation of a structured mindfulness meditation program (I), compared to usual care (C), affect depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (O) over an eight-week period (T)?

Evidence: Current literature demonstrates that depression is highly prevalent among individuals with ESKD and is associated with increased morbidity and decreased treatment adherence. Evidence supports mindfulness …

Get Busy Living: Leaping Out Of Confinement With Kierkegaard In The Shawshank Redemption, Christian Wilken

Journal of Religion & Film

This article offers a Kierkegaardian reading of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), arguing that the film functions not as a miracle narrative but as a cinematic enactment of existential theology. While existing scholarship frequently interprets Shawshank through biblical typology or Foucauldian notions of incarceration, few consider how the film dramatizes Kierkegaard’s categories of anxiety, despair, and the leap of faith. Shawshank presents prison as more than a space of punishment—it becomes a refuge from the “dizziness of freedom,” a structured escape from the terrifying burden of possibility. Brooks’s suicide tragically embodies what Kierkegaard calls the “despair of weakness,” the inability to …

A Research Proposal: Gender Differences In The Experience And Impact Of Fear Of Missing Out (Fomo), Valeria Garcia, Yesenia De Leon

Posters - 2026

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is the anxiety individuals feel when they believe others are having rewarding experiences without them, a feeling that has increased with the rise of social media. Constant exposure to others' curated lives can lead to social comparison, increased social media use, and negative outcomes such as decreased academic focus and poorer mental health. Research suggests that FoMO may be experienced differently across genders due to differences in social expectations and online behaviors. For example, women may be more likely to engage in social comparison and seek validation, while men may use social media for different …

Being Compassionate Helps Improve College Students’ Perceived Well-Being. The Mediating Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Perceived Anxiety, Saurabh Singh, Sarath Nonis

AMTP Proceedings 2026

Perceived well-being of college students is crucial to the success of students and institutions of higher education alike. Through this study we assert that promoting compassion among college students can improve their perceived well-being. Furthermore, the effect is mediated by cognitive flexibility and anxiety felt by students. The study has theoretical and managerial implications. The results can guide educators and university personnel to better craft curriculum and university communication.

The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On The Emotional Well-Being Of Lgbtq Young Adults, Bridget J. Mantooth-Urso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The current study examined whether neighborhood-based social determinants of health (SDOH) were associated with emotional health outcomes among sexual minority young adults ages 18–29, and whether perceived social support mediated this relationship. SDOH refers to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, including neighborhood and built environment characteristics that shape access to resources, safety, and well-being. Emotional health in this study was operationalized through self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, while social support represented perceived availability and quality of interpersonal resources that may buffer the impact of structural disadvantage. This study utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional …

Moving Towards Wellness: How Exercise Can Ease Depression And Anxiety In Young Adults, Morgan Hartze

Psychology Student Publications

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns affecting young adults, impacting mood, motivation, and daily functioning. While therapy and medication can be effective, many young adults continue to experience symptoms, highlighting the need for additional strategies. Research suggests that regular physical activity is an accessible, cost-effective way to improve mental health. Moving your body boosts the “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, while reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol. Physical activity also provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and helps establish routines that support well-being. Even brief amounts of moderate exercise, such as …

I Think You Overuse That Word: A Theoretical Examination From Multiple Lenses Of "Why Relational Beings Have Become Hesitant To Commit.", Rafe Karen

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This paper serves as a companion to a documentary film that explores the shifting landscape of modern relationships. The film presents personal narratives about dating, connection, and commitment, and the paper offers an experiential exploration of these themes, focusing on dating dynamics, social media, online dating, lack of connection, Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19), video games, and the effects of overwhelming choice. Drawing from existing literature and insights gained during the filmmaking process, the paper analyzes broader societal and psychological patterns shaping modern relationships. Using a combination of filmed interviews and direct observation, the study examines the lived experiences of individuals navigating …

The Buffering Effect Of Psychological Capital On Technology Anxiety And Adoption: An Examination Through The Lens Of Artificial Intelligence, Hannah Wagner

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Dissertations

This study examines how psychological resources moderate the relationship between technology anxiety and technology adoption, using artificial intelligence (AI) as a contemporary exemplar of emerging workplace technologies. Despite significant investments in technological infrastructure, organizations continue to struggle with limited employee adoption—a challenge that extends beyond technical barriers to psychological dimensions. Drawing on Psychological Capital (PsyCap) theory, this research investigates how self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience collectively moderate the established negative relationship between technology anxiety and adoption. Through a quantitative approach analyzing survey data from 1,200 employees at a large technology consulting firm, this study provides insights into psychological mechanisms that …

Nursing Interventions To Reduce Anxiety And Psychological Distress In Breast Cancer Patients In The Us, Alexis Abboud, Al Araydeh Mifleh

The Cardinal Edge

Background Breast cancer patients frequently experience psychological challenges, such as anxiety, distress, and diminished quality of life (QoL). Nursing interventions show promise in addressing these issues; however, a comprehensive synthesis of their impact is lacking. This review evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions in reducing anxiety and psychological distress while improving QoL.

Research Question What nursing interventions effectively reduce anxiety and psychological distress and improve QoL among breast cancer patients in the United States?

Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches of CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and Medline identified studies published in the last five years in …

Examining A Mindfulness-Based Intervention For Anxiety: A Single Case Analysis With A Mixed Research Method., Aysun Parlar Yazici, Alyson Norman, Alison Bacon

School of Psychology

This single-case study examines the impact of a 6-week Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) on an individual experiencing anxiety, with a particular focus on intolerance of uncertainty (IU). A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative measures with qualitative data from session notes, interviews, and participant feedback. Quantitative findings indicated reductions in stress (DASS-21: pre-test = 36, post-test = 26), anxiety (pre-test = 30, post-test = 18), and depression (pre-test = 38, post-test = 28) scores from pre- to post-intervention. Increases were observed in mindfulness (pre-test = 42, post-test = 64) and resilience (pre-test = 28, post-test = 36), alongside a reduction in …

Student Anxiety And Lassitude In A Foreign Language Learning Classroom: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Mcgraham Anyanwu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that university students studying French in Nigerian schools as a foreign language experience anxiety because of communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation. The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study is to explore how university students studying French as a foreign language describe experiences of anxiety and lassitude with French language learning at University Alpha in Nigeria. The central research question guiding this study is: How do university students studying French in Nigeria describe their experiences of anxiety and lassitude in a foreign language learning classroom? The theory guiding this study is Krashen’s theory …

Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Intervention On Stress And Anxiety In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students: A Prospective Cohort Design, Kelli J. Brizzolara, Kathy Shirley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The demanding nature of physical therapist (PT) education often leads students to experience very high stress levels, which can negatively impact both their academic performance and overall wellbeing. Mindfulness-based intervention programs have been used to decrease stress and anxiety in the general population. However, there is limited evidence of their use with Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on stress and anxiety in DPT students. Methods: Thirty-seven DPT students completed an 8-week mindfulness program, including daily individual mindfulness sessions (10 minutes) and …

Stress Management And Resilience Among Students Enrolled In The Entry Level Master Of Science In Nursing (Elmsn) Program, Pius Omolewa, Adekemi Adedipe, Nassrine Noureddine, Destiny Roberts

All Faculty Scholarship

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mindfulness exercises on stress management and resilience among ELMSN students. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental design that used a paired samples t-test to compare pre-test and post-test of students’ scores on both GAD-7 anxiety screening tool and short version of Grit-scale. Statistical tests were conducted with significance set at p < 0.05 (two-sided). All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 31.0 to compare pre-/post-test scores, determine differences, and statistical significance of interventions among the cohort. And a priori power analysis was conducted to determine the required sample size for a paired samples t-test. With an alpha level of 0.05 and a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.50), a total sample size of N = 34 was determined to be sufficient to achieve a power of 0.80. Results: A convenience sample of 40 students (35 females and 5 males) participated in the study. Students had more anxiety before mindfulness exercises (M = 7.00, SD = 5.5) compared to after the mindfulness exercises (M = 6.2, SD = 3.4), t(39) = 1.41, p = 0.17. The effect size was small, d = 0.22. However, the difference in the students’ anxiety levels after the mindfulness exercises was not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.17. On the resilience, students were less resilient before mindfulness exercises (M = 3.58, SD …

Development And Initial Testing Of An Online Security Prime Writing Intervention During Covid-19, Angie S Leroy, Andreas Weyland, Jade Kanemitsu, Arya Tsay-Jones, Vincent D Lai, E Lydia Wu-Chung, Nyla Vela, Amanda Perozo, Valentina I Maza, Sierra Wickline, Katherine Beach, Robert Suchting

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we tested the efficacy of a one-week online security prime (SP) writing intervention in reducing distress among 254 adults (60+ years and/or having an underlying health condition). The efficacy of writing interventions can depend on several factors. Attachment orientations, characterized by dimensions of anxiety and avoidance, reflect individuals' tendencies in how they seek proximity to and rely on others for support, and influence how people experience and regulate their emotions.

Design and methods: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Security Priming (SP), where people wrote about what made them feel …