Differential Effects Of Mindful Breathing And Loving-Kindness Meditation Exercises On College Students' Mental Health, Sarah J. Bolognino

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Mindfulness and loving-kindness are two concepts with associated meditation exercises that have been evaluated as part of mindfulness-based treatment approaches (MBTAs) to improve mental health. A common MBTA, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) includes multiple component exercises including mindful breathing meditation (MBM), and loving-kindness meditation (LKM). The purpose of the present study was to examine differential effects of MBM and LKM on the proposed process variables of social connectedness, cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance, present moment awareness, affect, and compassion for self and others, as well as across outcomes measures of general anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and wellbeing. Additionally the …

Children With Adha Or Anxiety Disorders: Are Common Or Specific Variables Associated With Decreased Performance On Intelligence Indices?, Franziska Noacklesage

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Although overall psychopathology has been linked to lower intellectual functioning, research has yet to investigate whether one or multiple specific underlying symptom clusters significantly correlate with working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS) deficits. The current study investigated these relationships as they apply to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. As such, one goal of this study was to investigate the extent to which common and specific symptom clusters would predict ADHD and anxiety diagnoses compared to a control group when PS and WM were partialled out. A further goal was to determine if one could differentially predict ADHD from …

Meditation And Secondary Prevention Of Depression And Anxiety In Heart Disease: A Systematic Review, Angela Rao, Michelle Digiacomo, Phillip J. Newton, Jane L. Phillips, Louise D. Hickman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This systematic review examines the potential for meditation, as an adjunct heart disease secondary prevention strategy to improve depression and anxiety after a cardiac event.

Active Shooter Preparedness Training, Berenice Dougherty, Nyemal Thuok Chuol

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of active shooter preparedness training on students for the purpose of assessing whether or not undergoing such training helps ease students’ level of anxiety, sense of preparedness in the event of a mass shooting attack at their California State University campus, or an attack occurring at their place of internship. This data was collected by offering an active shooter training to student participants, facilitated by the Risk Management department, at a large University in Southern California. Following the training, first-year Bachelors and Masters students within the School of Social Work were given a self-administered questionnaire. …

Effects Of Child Neglect On Psychological Distress In College Students, Veronica Daniel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The current study focuses on exploring the effects of previous child neglect on current psychological distress in college students. By bringing attention to the lasting impact of neglect through adulthood, mental health professionals will see the need for increased services for this population. A convenience sample of 93 Master of Social Work students responded to questions geared towards experience of neglect as a child and current psychological distress. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the two variables. No significant results were found. However, future studies are suggested as alternate versions of this study may support the need …

Student Athletes' Perception Of Smartphone Use And Its Effects On Sleep Quality, Anxiety, And Depression, Alexis Schaefer

All NMU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

STUDENT ATHLETES’ PERCEPTION OF SMARTPHONE USE AND ITS EFFECTS ON SLEEP QUALITY, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION

By

Alexis Schaefer

This study investigated the perception of smartphone use and its perceived effects on sleep quality, depression, and anxiety among NCAA collegiate student athletes (SA). One hundred and ninety one Northern Michigan University SA’s completed an online questionnaire consisting of original content and select components from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS). Pearson product moment correlations examined relationships between demographic information and perception questions. Correlations …

Acceptance, Psychiatric Symptoms, And Migraine Disability: An Observational Study In A Headache Center, Elizabeth Seng, Alexander J. Kuka, Sarah Jo Mayson, Todd A. Smitherman, Dawn C. Buse

Faculty and Student Publications (Open Access)

No abstract provided.

In Praise Of Doing Nothing, Simon Gottschalk

Sociology Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Psychological Needs Of The Caregiver, Bruce Vermeer

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

No abstract provided.

Prenatal Androgens And The Stability Of Temperament And Anxiety: A Study Of Testosterone-Mediated Digit Ratios In Rhesus Macaques, Alexander Baxter, Dr. J. Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) is the organizational force that masculinizes the brain. It has impact on other parts of the body as well. For example, PAE induces growth in the ring finger. Consequently, the pointer-to-ring-finger digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is frequently used to assess PAE.¹ Though this phenotype is sexually dimorphic, research indicates that PAE’s effect on digit ratio may be in the opposite direction when comparing humans and nonhuman primates.²² Very few studies have investigated 2D:4D ratio in rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta), and to our knowledge, none have reported a sex difference in digit ratio. The purpose …

Music As A Catalyst For Altered States Of Consciousness And Peak Experiences In The Treatment Of Depression, Anxiety, And Ptsd, Paul Battles

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract This paper investigates the therapeutic uses of altered states of consciousness (ASC) and peak experiences (PE) for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the ways in which music can be used to facilitate or enhance these experiences. ASC’s and PE’s can help uncover hidden or repressed unconscious material and potentially change the way an individual views and interacts with his or her world. In cases of people suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these emotional, cognitive, and perceptual changes have been shown to have sometimes profound and long- lasting therapeutic effects, …

Dance Movement Therapy With Adolescents In A Partial Hospital Program: A Method For Engagement, Claude Michelle Aubourg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Therapeutic engagement during adolescence can be a major challenge in adolescent mental health. Research has indicated therapeutic techniques designed for engaging clients are often ineffective for adolescents because adolescents bring distinctive qualities to the therapy process that differentiate them from other therapy populations. There is also limited research showing effectiveness of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) with the adolescent population. This capstone will present an adaptable method utilizing dance/movement therapy interventions with participants ages 12-17 in a Partial Hospital Program. The objective of this project was to examine how DMT can improve engagement in treatment with adolescents in a partial hospital program …

The Causal Impact Of Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery On Psychological Wellbeing, Sam Manning

Master's Theses

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) are birth conditions in which a newborn has an opening in the roof of their mouth or a slit in their upper lip. Left untreated, CL/P can lead to speech impediments and an unsightly orofacial deformity. However, a sequence of simple, common surgical procedures can restore function with minimal scarring. To date, the psychological effects of being born with CL/P have been investigated in the literature, but the restorative impact of CL/P surgery on psychological wellbeing has not been rigorously evaluated. This study uses a quasi-experimental approach to estimate the impact of being born …

Examination Of Mental Health And Family Relationship In Collegiate Athletes, Julia Hussey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Athletes at the collegiate level frequently experience unique stressors that cause them to be at risk for a number of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and substance use. Current research in the field suggests that athletes are not as likely as their non-athlete peers to seek out psychological services for mental health difficulties. Social supports have been shown to impact athletes’ mental health and sport performance. Specifically, family relationships appear to have an influence on athletes’ level of stress and motivation, with positive family relationships showing decreases in athletes’ worry as well as faster recovery following injury. Surprisingly, there …

The Effect Of Community Violence Exposure On Self-Reported Anxiety Symptoms In Adolescents: The Role Of Social Support Versus Family Cohesion, Blair Burke Kreiger

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Exposure to community violence is a prevalent and problematic occurrence for many adolescents. Previous research associates direct (i.e., victimization) and indirect (i.e., witnessing or knowledge of incidences) community violence exposure with numerous adverse externalizing and internalizing psychological symptoms, including aggression, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. The literature also has identified risk and protective factors in community violence exposure and its outcomes. This study examined the relationship between community violence exposure and self-reported anxiety symptoms in adolescents, while also evaluating the role of social support and family cohesion as moderating variables. Results did not indicate significant relationship between community violence exposure …

Interactions Between Anxiety Subtypes, Personality Characteristics, And Emotional Regulation Skills As Predictors Of Future Career Outcomes, Cerella Chandra

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Trait anxiety, anxious arousal, rejection sensitivity, and implicit feelings of rejection in adolescence were examined as predictors of long-term career performance, satisfaction, success, and ambition. Personality traits such as conscientiousness and grit, as well as coping and emotion regulation skills were analyzed as potential moderating variables. Anxious arousal and rejection sensitivity were predicted to be more strongly associated with negative career outcomes, and coping skills were predicted to be more effective in diminishing negative consequences of anxiety. Multi-reporter data were obtained from 184 teens at ages 17-19 and 26-27, and 27-29. Trait anxiety was the only anxiety variable to correlate …

Exploring The Relationship Between Team Characteristics And Mental Health Symptoms Amongst Student Athletes, Dylan Owens

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Depression and anxiety are disabling conditions that are particularly prevalent amongst young adults (Wolanin, Hong, Marks, Panchoo, & Gross, 2016). Student athletes must cope with extensive time demands that go beyond those of ordinary young adults, consequently putting them at increased risk to experiencing mental health issues. Numerous factors may influence an athlete’s well being, such as gender, injury, and type of sport. This study tests these various factors but also extends previous literature by analyzing the effects of team dynamics on student athlete mental health. An anonymous multi-part questionnaire was sent out to all JMU athletes in the Fall …

Mindfulness Practice In The Collegiate Voice Studio: A Case Study, Elena Blyskal

Open Access Dissertations

Research continuously acknowledges mindfulness—the practice of purposefully, nonjudgmentally paying attention in the present moment —as a technique to reduce anxiety, improve attention and working memory, and overall enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. While the college years are often tumultuous, mindfulness can be a viable means of reducing student anxiety while enhancing one’s learning experience, particularly for the highly demanding lifestyles of music students. Musicians who undergo mindfulness training have reported reduced performance anxiety, increased performance quality, more focused practices, and improved positive affect, among other published results. Mindfulness may be especially beneficial for musicians who are singers, who require …

Literature Review And Proposal: Yoga As Group Exercise Involving Oxytocin Release For Positive Mood Improvement, Rachel Fenton

Honors Projects

A literature review discusses yoga and health involving oxytocin creates the premise for a proposal combining the knowledge of yoga and its health benefits along with oxytocin's potential involvement during group exercise, yoga specifically. The proposed study's results of oxytocin measures and questionnaires have the potential to develop an understanding of the possible impacts of yoga on mood, particularly relationships between group exercise and yoga, which may help develop forms of group exercise or implement group yoga to assist or replace treatment for stress-caused or stress-related disorders.

An Architecture Beyond The Walls: Aligning Mind, Body, And Soul For Human Connection, Priya Kharel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The pace of urbanization is deepening a sense of social isolation. The brutality of urban settings allows limited access to nature resulting in stress, anxiety, and depression among city dwellers. To bridge the gap of human disconnection, this thesis project proposes an architecture of connection: A connection of mind, body, and soul, with nature as the medium. This connection is achieved by actively designing for the senses, in order to reconnect city dwellers with the built environment. Architecture with nature at its heart can produce a beautiful way of living. To understand this lived experience, phenomenological architecture is discussed, and …

Examining The Correlation Between Acute Behavioral Manifestations Of Concussion And The Underlying Pathophysiology Of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Pilot Study, M Byrd, C E. Dixon, B Lucke-Wold

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Concussion in athletes can contribute to early neuropsychological changes that may be indicative of future neurodegenerative disease. One of the hallmark findings of chronic traumatic encephalopathy is anxiety and impulsive behavior that often develops early in the course of the disease. The behavioral dysfunction can be grouped into a broader category referred to as cognitive disruption. The current gold standard for diagnosing chronic neurodegeneration is post-mortem evaluation of tauopathy to identify neurofibrillary tau tangles in neurons. Few studies, however, have looked at clinical correlations between acute injury and chronic neurodegeneration in terms of behavior. This lack of focus towards translational …

Evaluating Implicit Self-Compassion In College Students, Emily Kutok

Senior Honors Projects

Typically, research on self-compassion and mental health has used the measurement tool of self-report (explicit) surveys to examine self-compassion. Implicit Association Tests (IAT) can be applied to a number of di erent constructs, some of which include racial biases, gender stereotypes, and suicidal ideation. ey are used to measure the strength of a person’s automatic association between two concepts (in this case, between self and compassion). By measuring implicit self-compassion, a researcher can expect less self-report bias related to self- presentational concerns and the limits of introspection, and they can capture psychological processes that occur without full conscious awareness but …

Physical Therapy Review Of Best Practices Based On Psychology, Bethany Painter

Honors Projects

Physical therapy is a field that is growing and changing constantly. For so long, it was assumed that physical healing should be the sole focus of physical therapy. While this is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process, there is so much more to it than that. The psychological trauma a person may experience following an injury can be just as challenging, if not more challenging to overcome than the physical repercussions of the injury. For this reason, it is important to take psychological healing into consideration, as well as physical healing when creating best practices for physical therapists. The …

Reducing Anxiety In Elementary School Children By Implementing Yoga, Mackenzie Rosenberg

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Anxiety is a major disorder that has significant negative impact on a child’s behavior in the classroom, their ability to focus, their overall physical health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of 10 minutes of daily yoga on the anxiety of children in Kindergarten through 3^rd grade over a 16 week period. Three categories of anxiety were tested: total anxiety, general anxiety disorder and social anxiety. The study found that 10 minutes of daily yoga practice in the classroom had a significant impact on the anxiety levels of children. There was a statistically …

The Influence Of Yoga On Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury Related To Sleep And Mood, Charity Hubbard

All Theses

Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has a significant effect on an individual’s physical and mental abilities, resulting in decreased independence. Residual effects of TBI often include sleep and mood disorders. Sleep disorders include any disturbance in an individual’s quality of sleep and daytime functioning as a result; while mood disorders include depression, anxiety, and adjustment to injury. Rehabilitation after TBI involves a wide range of therapeutic services of which recreational therapy can serve as a holistic therapy, addressing both the mind and the body. Yoga as a recreational therapy intervention may be used to improve functioning for individuals with …

Examining The Relationship Between State Anxiety And Vestibular And Ocular Motor Impairments And Symptoms In High School Athletes With Concussion, Mallory Kathleen Mcelroy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety has been associated with vestibular and ocular motor impairment in the general population. However, there is limited research regarding the connection between the vestibular and ocular motor systems and anxiety following sport-related concussion (SRC). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare state anxiety between concussed adolescent male and female athletes with and without vestibular and ocular motor impairments and symptoms. DESIGN: Prospective, repeated measures SUBJECTS: Thirty adolescent athletes between the ages of 15-18 years, diagnosed with a SRC completed the STAI-State at initial and medical clearance clinical visit. These adolescent athletes were categorized into vestibular and ocular …

The Effects Of Perceived Social Rank On Socially Anxious Adolescents, Ernest Garcia

Senior Theses

Anxiety has become the United States’ most common mental health disorder affecting about one third of both adolescents and adults. The American College Health Association has also reported an increase in undergraduate students reporting “overwhelming anxiety” from 50% in 2011 to 62% in 2016. While anxiety affects individuals in different age groups, adolescence can be a time of heightened anxiety, in part because of the constant evaluation from others and because the processes that allow individuals to understand and interact with another, are still developing. Social anxiety has also been linked with perceived social rank, a system that is presumed …

Effects Of Social-Emotional Instruction On The Behavior Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Kelsey Olson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Students with learning disabilities who spend the majority of the school day in a general education classroom often struggle to appropriately deal with feelings of frustration and anxiety. There is currently a gap in understanding how special education teachers can support the social and emotional inclusion of students with learning disabilities when they are in the general education classroom. The purpose of this study is to explore the results of implementing a social-emotional curriculum both in a pullout setting and in the general education setting and examine the effect of the program on the behavior of students with learning disabilities …

Internalizing Symptoms Associated With Emotional Abuse: An Examination Of Religious Social Support As A Moderating Variable, Jessica Chambers, Diana Morelen, Jason Steadman, Michelle Hurley

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Emotional abuse in childhood is linked to an increased risk for internalizing symptoms such as depression and anxiety in adulthood. Religious social support offers a promising defense in maintaining mental well-being in the face of trauma. This study aims to investigate if religious social support in childhood will moderate the impact of negative outcomes associated with emotional abuse. Further, this study will examine whether and how gender and ethnicity impact this relationship. The sample includes undergraduate students attending East Tennessee State University, located in the southeastern United States (n = 471, 73% female, 11% African American, M age = 20.37, …

Regulation Of Gaba Release By Presynaptic Cav2.2 In The Basolateral Amygdala And Infralimbic Cortex, Maxwell Robert Blazon

Master's Theses and Capstones

Anxiety is linked to dysregulation of neuronal activity in several brain regions including the infralimbic (IL) area of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). Disruptions to the balance of excitatory and inhibitory signaling in these regions are implicated in anxiety-like behaviors in animals and anxiety disorders in humans. The neuronal circuitry between excitatory neurons, known as pyramidal cells (P-cells), and inhibitory neurons, known as interneurons (INs), is a primary target for anxiety modulation at the cellular level. INs, particularly the subtype that contain the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK+INs), form inhibitory synapses around P-cells. Through …