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A Review Of Factors That Contribute To Negative Mental Health Among Health Profession Students And Current Interventions, Faith T. Allison, Acsw, Lindsay Gietzen, Phd, Pa-C

Pacific Journal of Health

The purpose of this literature review is to review literature surrounding behavioral health impacts of education on students seeking bachelor’s degrees or higher in the health care sector. The studies range from individuals in undergraduate programs to individuals in graduate programs such as medical school. This review aimed to identify commonalities in the existing literature pertaining to the contributing factors that have been shown to have a detrimental impact on the mental, emotional and physical well-being of the students. Students that are forced to navigate a complex academic landscape filled with rigor and intense competition may have difficulties coping as …

Perceived Changes In Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Stress During The Pandemic Predict Current Levels Of These Same Variables, Gretchen E. Elsey, Jessica L. Smith-Ricketts, David Kohan, Andrew Lepp, Jacob E. Barkley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 306-315, 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions placed on daily life may have negatively impacted overall physical and psychological health as well as health behaviors such as decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. It is important to understand if these potential changes during the pandemic may be predictive of current health behaviors where pandemic-related restrictions are no longer being implemented. This study aimed to assess the relationships between perceived changes in physical activity, sitting, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic to current measures of these same variables. In April 2022, participants …

Harmony In Healing: Investigating The Impact Of Music Therapy Reduction, Literature Review, Joshua K. Mcelliott, Nina Mourao, Bethany Woolman, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Various treatments exist for treating anxiety disorders, and a therapy that appears to show promise is music therapy (MT). This includes using methods such as listening to music, structured musical activities, and improvisational musical activities. MT has shown efficacy in a wide range of settings including individuals with severe mental illness, cancer patients1,2, children, adults, in-patient care, and out-patient care.

Methods: This literature review aimed to evaluate current research on the efficacy of music therapy for treating anxiety. The guidelines for selecting which studies to review are as follows:

1. Publication date: only studies published after 2000 were included to …

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Structure-Function Coupling In Network Connectivity And Associations With Negative Affectivity In A Group Of Transdiagnostic Adolescents, Dana Kanel, André Zugman, Grace Stohr, Beck Scheinberg, Elise M. Cardinale, Anderson M. Winkler, Katharina Kircanski, Nathan A. Fox, Melissa A. Brotman, Julia O. Linke, Daniel Samuel Pine

School of Medicine Publications

The study of brain connectivity, both functional and structural, can inform us on the development of psychopathology. The use of multimodal MRI methods allows us to study associations between structural and functional connectivity, and how this relates to psychopathology. This may be especially useful during childhood and adolescence, a period where most forms of psychopathology manifest for the first time. The current paper explores structure-function coupling, measured through diffusion and resting-state functional MRI, and quantified as the correlation between structural and functional connectivity matrices. We investigate associations between psychopathology and coupling in a transdiagnostic group of adolescents, including many treatment-seeking …

The Role Of Mthfr Gene Mutation In Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Exploring Potential Correlations With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Anxiety, Heba Mehmood

All NMU Master's Theses

One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is often co-occurring with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of ADHD is agreed to be a prevalent problem. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been identified as a possible contributor to ADHD. The goal of this research is to decrease the frequency at which ADHD is misdiagnosed by investigating the correlation between the MTHFR gene at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C677T to ADHD and anxiety. A group of 80 participants’ DNA samples were collected through cheek swabs following IRB approval. Participants …

Providing Comprehensive Psychosocial Care For Adolescents With Keloids In Dermatology Practice, Kaitlyn Miner, Rachel Marciano, Andrew Pugliese, Sriya Kakarla, Jacquelyn Berman, Karen Gonzalez, Kelly Frasier, Belinda Mensah, Julia Vinagolu-Baur

Student Publications

Keloids, characterized by excessive collagen deposition resulting in raised and often painful scars, profoundly affect the psychosocial well-being of adolescents, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal during a critical period of identity formation. Current literature highlights these challenges but lacks comprehensive management strategies within dermatological practice. This review identifies the need for integrated care models that combine clinical treatment with mental health support, including routine psychosocial screening, immediate counseling referrals, and adolescent-specific education programs on keloid management and emotional coping. Training dermatologists to recognize psychological distress and adopt compassionate communication is essential. Collaborative research should focus on evaluating these …

A Virtual Group Counseling Study On The Effects Of Renewing The Mind, Spiritual Formation, And Engaging In Community On Women Suffering From Social Anxiety Through The Use Of The Flourish Curriculum, Jennifer L. Otero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social anxiety impacts individuals from every walk of life, gender, and faith background. This project addresses the need for renewing the mind tools to address social anxiety for women. In addition, spiritual formation and the power of connection in community were assessed as essential tools in addressing and overcoming social anxiety. The available research on social anxiety confirms the impact that renewing the mind can have on successfully addressing anxiety at the root by changing one’s thought patterns and beliefs. Spiritual formation is central to this transformation. Nevertheless, biblical tools and curricula that are designed to address social anxiety are …

The Effect Of Physical Activity On Anxiety And Depression, Brekken Tull

Psychology Student Publications

Mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression affect millions of Americans daily. While traditional treatments such as medication are effective, researchers are searching for other methods to combat the symptoms these conditions. Exercise has been that solution for researchers. Physical exercise provides a free and natural way to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. In as little as 30 minutes the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters in the body will make the body feel happy and relaxed. This takes away the feelings of worry and sadness one experiences when dealing with anxiety and depression. Incorporating exercise into one’s daily …

Assessing The Effects Of Long-Covid On Mental Health In The United States: A Population Based Study, Anusua Datta

School of Business Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.

METHODS: We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental …

Added Psychological Stress Significantly Increases Anxiety But Does Not Impact Stress Biomarkers In Response To Combined Mental And Physical Stress, Nathan M. Sutton, Stephanie Uriegas, Hunter Martaindale, Matthew J. Mcallister

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

High Stress occupations are subject to significant health risk due to the exposure to a variety of stressors, specifically the exposure to concurrent stressors (i.e., combined mental and physical stress). Exposure to concurrent stressors has been shown to exacerbate the stress response, potentially resulting in cardiovascular strain, immune suppression, and inflammation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a concurrent stress challenge (CSC) on markers of stress, as well as perceived anxiety. METHODS: This study utilized a randomized control trial, in which fifty-four subjects (n=54) were randomly assigned to perform either exercise alone …

Role Of Psychiatric Factors Hindering Physical Rehabilitation After Acl Reconstructive Surgery, Malak Rafik, Davian Caraballo, James Fini Jr., Nathan Barnhurst

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Exploring Mental Health In Veterinary Students: Common Stressors And Effective Coping Strategies: A Narrative Review, Rahib K. Islam, Emily K. Cobb, Hannah K. Mccowan, Kylie Watson, Kaustuv Bhattacharya, Anjali Chandra, Warda Mohiuddin, Karen Gruszynski, Amanda H. Wilkerson, John J. Dascanio, Robert E. Davis, Vinayak K. Nahar

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Veterinary students face significant challenges impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The rigorous academic curriculum, high expectations, and demanding clinical training create an environment of intense pressure and constant stress. This review explores the demographic and psychosocial variables influencing mental health outcomes, highlighting common stressors and coping strategies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Studies published up to 2021 involving veterinary students were included. Twenty-one peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Demographic data, stressors, mental health measures, and coping strategies were extracted and analyzed. Studies focused on various mental health aspects, …

Child Sexual Abuse And Mental Health: The Role Of Intrusive Thoughts And Spiritual Warfare, Sheriese S. Sanchez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A number of psychological issues are experienced by individuals who have experienced CSA, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as intrusive thoughts contribute to the perpetuation of the mental health problem. Studies have shown that spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, reading the Bible, and reciting scripture affirmations, can improve mental health, improving one’s psychological well-being. Further, intrusive thoughts may be initiated by dark spiritual influences. Despite ongoing research, there is a lack of integration between disciplines of science and biblical truth concerning the impact of immaterial spiritual dimensions on psychological states. To understand intrusive thoughts, one must …

School Counselors’ Experiences With Transitioning Military-Dependent Students, Diane K. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study examined Asia-Pacific military school counselors’ lived social-emotional experiences. The study aimed to provide a qualitative transcendental phenomenological perspective of Asia-Pacific school counselors. Furthermore, this study focused on the counselors’ reported lived experiences with military-dependent students newly transitioned from the United States to Asia-Pacific. This study investigated a phenomenon to understand human experience and how the events are perceived and experienced by school counselors in the phenomena. The theoretical framework was informed by the invitational theory, Bronfenbrenner’s theory, and the contextual model of family stress. Three research questions were answered: (a) What are the lived experiences of Asia-Pacific …

The Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On The Mental Health Of Frontline Workers Of Toronto Homeless Shelters (Csws), Isiaka Omotosho Akande

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The objective of this phenomenological research is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the client service workers (CSWs) in Toronto homeless shelters. Kolcaba's theory of comfort guides this study. This theory holds that being comfortable is one of the fundamental necessities for relief after stressful health care events or incidents. Comfort boosts health-seeking behaviors for patients, clients, and workers. In the context of the City of Toronto’s homeless shelters, Kolcaba’s theory of comfort suggests that if client service workers are given adequate resources to balance their health and mental needs, thus stabilizing their comfortabilities, then …

Covid-19-Related Risk, Resilience, And Mental Health Among Mexican American Mothers Across The First Year Of The Pandemic, Amy L. Non, Elizabeth S. Clausing, Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo, Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Latina mothers have been especially affected by the pandemic and historically exhibit high rates of depression and anxiety. However, few longitudinal studies have assessed the effect of the pandemic on this vulnerable population. We hypothesized that COVID-19-related stressors would associate with psychological distress among Latina mothers across the first year of the pandemic.

Methods

We investigated COVID-19-related impact, stigma, and fears across two critical time points and changes in these measures in relation to changes in maternal anxiety and depression among mothers of Mexican descent living in Southern California (n=152). Surveys were administered within 5–16 weeks of …

Exploring Reciprocal Links Between Early Adolescent Coping And Internalizing Symptoms, Caitlyn Mytelka, Sarah C Narendorf, Elizabeth Baumler, Chiara Acquati, Jeff R Temple

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The rising prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescents is a public health concern. Early adolescence is a key developmental period to reduce risks for internalizing symptoms through primary prevention programs, yet additional research is needed on modifiable factors, such as coping skills, to target to mitigate risk factors. Therefore, we investigated the reciprocal link between coping style and internalizing symptoms among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of early adolescents (n = 1273) from 12 middle schools over 1 year.

Methods: We leveraged a longitudinal data set of a cluster, randomized trial of a preventive intervention from 12 middle schools …

Emotional Ecosystems: Understanding The Relationship Between Family Interactions And Anxiety Among Cancer Caregivers, Keisha White Makinde, Jacquelyn J Benson, Kyle A Pitzer, Maysara Mitchell, Debra Parker Oliver, George Demiris, Karla T Washington

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have challenged the assumption that families are invariable sources of support for cancer caregivers, noting that relationships with family members can have both positive and negative effects on caregiver well-being. This study expands upon prior literature to examine the relationship between cancer caregivers' perceptions of the quality of their family interactions and their symptoms of anxiety.

METHODS: We employed secondary analysis of baseline data from a multisite randomized clinical trial of an intervention for cancer caregivers conducted at 3 large academic palliative care clinics. We performed linear regression analyses to analyze the relationship between caregivers' perceptions of …

Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Copd And Comorbid Depression And Anxiety: Data From A National Multicenter Cohort Study, Jing Gennie Wang, Sonali Bose, Janet T Holbrook, Lin Nan, Michelle N Eakin, Abebaw M Yohannes, Robert A Wise, Nicola A Hanania

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Most studies on mental health among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) utilize screening questionnaires, which detect psychiatric symptoms, but cannot be used to diagnose depression/anxiety disorders. We utilized the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to identify depression/anxiety disorders meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnostic criteria and described associated disease burden in people with COPD.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of a multicenter study designed to evaluate anxiety questionnaires in COPD patients. Research coordinators administered both the MINI and screening questionnaires to determine participants who met diagnostic criteria for depression/anxiety …

A Linear Periodized Resistance Training Program Is Effective At Reducing Depressive Symptoms But Not Anxiety In Females: A Pilot, Jason Sawyer, Matthew Mcpherson, Meghan Reuter, Paul A. Cacolice

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department Faculty Journal Articles

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a periodized resistance training program would influence self-reported depression and anxiety scores in college-aged females. Methods: Eight participants participated in a six-week periodized resistance training program. The participants completed a 3–5 repetition maximum (3–5 RM) for the sumo deadlift (SDL), bench press (BP), barbell back squat (BBS), and standing shoulder press (SSP). These data were used to estimate the 1 repetition maximum (1RM), which in turn was used to develop the periodization program. Following baseline testing, participants participated in two full-body workouts per week for six weeks. Each individual was retested …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy With Huntington's Disease: A Narrative Review And Case Report Of A Caregiver-Assisted Intervention, Simone H. Schriger, Chelsi N. Nurse, C. Virginia O'Hayer

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an experiential, action-oriented talk therapy that emphasizes acceptance of painful inner experience through increased psychological flexibility. In this narrative review and case report, we first review the extant literature on applications of ACT to patients with a variety of mental and physical health challenges, including neurodegenerative disorders, and their caregivers. We then discuss applications of ACT to Huntington's disease (HD). We provide a case report of a 52-year-old man living with HD who, accompanied by his caregiver, received a virtually-delivered 6-session ACT intervention. We measured the patient's self-reported symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety …

Increased Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Predict Increased Severity Of Functional Impairment After Five Years: A Nationally Representative Retrospective Cohort Study, Elisabeth C. Demarco, Samantha Zocher, Blake Miyamoto, Leslie Hinyard, Divya S. Subramaniam

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Performing self-care and domestic life tasks are key aspects of functional independence for older adults. While both depression and anxiety symptoms are correlated with increased functional limitation, these disorders are often studied separately, despite frequent co-occurrence and plausible interaction, and without the consideration of social health. This study examined the impact of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, controlling for social participation and loneliness, on severity of functional limitation in a nationally representative sample of older adults to improve patient-centered care.

Methods: The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Rounds 2 and 3 data were utilized. Primary outcomes …

Experience Of Psychologists In The Delivery Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Treatment Of Depression And Anxiety In Jordan, Renad M. Shamaelh

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

The article explored the experiences of psychologists in delivering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression and anxiety in Jordan. To gain valuable insights into the challenges, strategies, and perspectives of practitioners in the field, the study employs a well-structured questionnaire to provide a comprehensive view of the CBT delivery process. The study involved a purposive sample of 30 licensed psychologists who have been practicing CBT for a minimum of three years and have experience in treating patients with depression and anxiety in Karak, Jordan. With the help of descriptive and inferential statistics, the study intended to contribute …

Mental Health Conditions Of Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Comorbidities, Amanda M. Hinson-Enslin, Luis E. Espinoza, Jennifer L. Talleff

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Although the association is not well understood, people with COPD are likely to suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Due to this occurrence, the aim of the present study is to better understand the mental health experience and COPD comorbidities of U.S. adults with a COPD diagnosis. The final sample comprised 1,676 U.S. adults who were surveyed in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey adult public file. Logistic and ordinal regression were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for comorbid conditions predicting depression, anxiety, and the number of mental health issues, respectively. Depressive symptoms were more …

Exploring The Potential Of Large Language Models For Assisting With Mental Health Diagnostic Assessments: The Depression And Anxiety Case, Kaushik Roy, Harshul Surana, Darssan Eswaramoorthi, Yuxin Zi, Vedant Palit, Ritvik Garimella, Amit Sheth

Publications

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly attracting the attention of healthcare professionals for their potential to assist in diagnostic assessments, which could alleviate the strain on the healthcare system caused by a high patient load and a shortage of providers. For LLMs to be effective in supporting diagnostic assessments, it is essential that they closely replicate the standard diagnostic procedures used by clinicians. In this paper, we specifically examine the diagnostic assessment processes described in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for major depressive disorder (MDD) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We investigate various …

Validation Of The Distress Thermometer In A Mexican Population With Brain Tumors: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Dan Morgenstern-Kaplan, Sergio Moreno-Jiménez, Fernanda Páez-Plascencia, Angel Ruiz-Chow, Fabiola Flores-Vázquez

Archives of Neurosurgery

Objective: Mental health in cancer patients must be addressed. This study's main objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the DT in a population of patients with brain tumors and determine the optimal cut-off point for the DT. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Mexico City, in a cohort of 110 patients. Results: Of the 108 participants with brain tumors that were included in the analysis (2 patients excluded by incomplete DT), 40 had gliomas, 31 had pituitary adenomas, 21 had meningiomas, and 16 had other types of tumors. …

Impact Of Physical Intimate Partner Violence Victimization On Jamaican Women’S Mental Health: The Moderating Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Kerry A. Lee, Sharon Rose Priestley, Kevin K. Hylton

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Faculty Research and Scholarship

Purpose: Few studies have examined the relationship between IPV victimization and mental health outcomes and the moderating role of ACEs in this relationship among Jamaican women. Using trauma theory to undergird this study, we examined the relationship between physical IPV victimization and depressive symptoms and anxiety while accounting for the moderating effects of ACEs on these relationships among Jamaican women.

Methods: Univariate and ordinary least squares regression (OLS) analyses were performed using data from the 2016 National Women’s Health Survey, a nationally representative sample of Jamaican women aged 15 to 64.

Results: Experience of physical IPV victimization was found …

Shadows Of Discrimination: Impacts Of Ambient Discrimination On Queer People In The United States, Kayla A. Dufour

Psychology | Senior Theses

People identifying as LGBTQIA2S+ in the United States experience victimization, direct discrimination, and violence at a rate of 2 to 4 times higher than their heterosexual counterparts (Bender & Lauritsen, 2021), leading to higher levels of psychological pain and suicidal ideation, with up to 50% of LGBTQIA2S+ people having suicidal thoughts in their lifetimes. Those who experience ambient discrimination, such as witnessing or being made aware of discriminatory behavior of someone other than oneself in your group, have higher levels of psychological pain, PTSD, and substance use (Peterson et al., 2019). The goal of the present study is to gain …

Do Symptoms Of Anxiety Or Depression Assessed By Mothers Or By Children Respond More Quickly To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Children And Adolescents, Tamara J. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety and depression are the two most common internalizing disorders reported in children and adolescents. The comorbidity of the disorders often undermines efforts to effectively differentiate these disorders in terms of their response to therapy. In this research, we identified two symptoms that are specific to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and three symptoms that are specific to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from the Youth Outcomes Questionnaire (YOQ) and created specific anxiety and depression “testlets” based on these symptoms.  We hypothesized that although the two types of symptoms would be correlated, that the GAD symptoms would respond more quickly to therapy …

Perceived Stress, Psychological Wellbeing, And Sleep Quality Of Passport Control Officers, Roudha Abdulla Almazrouei

Theses

Research on the stress experienced by officers has identified several key findings that illustrate the diverse nature of their workplace stressors. Research specifically addressing the stressors encountered by passport control officers is limited when compared to studies on other law enforcement roles. This study aims to assess stress levels among passport control officers, identify psychological health impacts, determine the intersection of personal and occupational stress, and investigate the effects of shift work on stress intensity and related psychological issues. A mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative was used. The sample included 166 participants with a job title of passport control …