Digital Commons Network^™

Fetal Body Composition And Organ Volume Trajectories In Association With Maternal Perceived Stress Or Depressive Symptoms In The Fetal 3d Study, Alexandra Jean-Louis, Jessica L Gleason, Zhen Chen, Kathryn A Wagner, William A Grobman, Roger B Newman, Wesley Lee, Robert Gore-Langton, Seth Sherman, John Owen, Deborah A Wing, Daniel W Skupski, Jagteshwar Grewal, Katherine L Grantz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Evaluate associations between maternal perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and fetal body composition and organ volumes.

Methods: In the NICHD Fetal 3D Study (2015-2019; n = 2457), stress and depressive symptoms were assessed at enrollment (10-13 weeks). High stress was defined as a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score ≥15 and high depressive symptoms, defined as an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥10. Fetal body composition and organ volumes (cerebellar, lung, liver, and kidney) were measured up to five times between 15 and 40 weeks using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound technology. Trajectories of body composition and organ volumes across pregnancy …

Gender Differences In The Associations Between Developmental Disabilities And Anxiety And Depression Symptoms Among U.S. Children: Insights From The 2021 National Health Interview Survey, Gloria Wang, Muyiwa Ategbole, Xingguang Luo, Kesheng Wang, Chun Xu

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Limited research has explored the associations between developmental disabilities and symptoms of anxiety and depression among U.S. children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This study investigates the associations between developmental disabilities and symptoms of anxiety and depression among U.S. children and examines whether these associations differ by gender.

Methods: The analysis included 6092 children aged 5-17 from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Key risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), learning disability (LD), and developmental delay (DD). Weighted multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was conducted to evaluate …

Exercise Effects On Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety Vary By Patient, Clinical, And Intervention Characteristics In Cancer Survivors: Results From Pooled Analyses Of Individual Participant Data Of 26 Rcts, Marlou Floor Kenkhuis, Meike Doorenbos, Isa H. Mast, Neil K. Aaronson, Marc Van Beurden, Martin Bohus, Kerry S. Courneya, Amanda J. Daley, Daniel A. Galvão, Martine M. Goedendorp, Wim H. Van Harten, Sandi C. Hayes, Anouk E. Hiensch, Melinda L. Irwin, Marie José Kersten, Hans Knoop, Anne M. May, Alex Mcconnachie, Willem Van Mechelen, Nanette Mutrie, Robert U. Newton, Frans Nollet, Hester S. Oldenburg, Martina E. Schmidt, Kathryn H. Schmitz, Karl Heinz Schulz, Dennis R. Taaffe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether socio-demographic, clinical, and intervention-related variables moderate the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms in cancer survivors. Methods: Data from 26 RCTs in the POLARIS database were analyzed using a one-step individual participant data (IPD) meta-analytic approach with linear mixed models to assess exercise effects on depression and anxiety symptoms (z-scores). Interaction terms were added to these models to explore moderators. Results are presented as betas (corresponding to Cohen’s d effect size). Results: Albeit statistically significant, exercise demonstrated negligible effects on symptoms of depression (β = − 0.11; 95% CI = − …

Implementing The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 To Improve Referral Rates To Mental Healthcare Through Routine Depression Screening, Kelly Murakata

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Primary care settings often encounter patients with depression symptoms, characterized by feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities, and functional impairment, impacting quality of life. At the project site, the PHQ-9 was only used during annual or new patient visits, resulting in low screening rates of 12% and a 33% referral rate. The lack of routine screening led to missed opportunities for mental health referrals and detection of depression.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project was to increase mental health referral rates through early identification of depression symptoms by implementing routine PHQ-2 screens.

Review of …

Utilizing The Patient Health Questionnaire In A Family Practice Clinic To Enhance Clinical Benchmarks, Dorothy Akaeze

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: About one-third of the 129 million chronically ill patients in the United States experience persistent depressive symptoms. Approximately 300 of 500 (60%) chronically ill patients treated at the project site each month show signs of depression, indicating a higher prevalence than the national rate of 33.33%. Despite the critical role of family practice in identifying and managing depression, many patients are not adequately screened, leading to missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. The project site does not use the digitized PHQ screening tool to screen patients for depression. An analysis of patient charts revealed that, out of about …

Risk Of Depression In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Its Determinants, Sujeer Khan, Bhagyashri B. Patil

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Background and Objectives:

Depression is an important comorbid condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a risk of undertreatment for depression in patients with COPD as depressive symptoms, including suicidal tendencies, can erroneously be conceptualized as an understandable reaction to COPD and not as signs of an independent depressive disorder. The exact prevalence of depression in COPD patients among the Indian population is unknown.

Aim:

This study aims to know the prevalence of depression in COPD patients attending tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 120 COPD patients were enrolled in the study according to Global …

Investigating The Relationship Between Social Media Usage, Perceived Stress, Depression And Spirituality, Jeffrey Leyland King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The rapid rise in social media usage (SMU) in the past two decades correlates with a sharp rise in depression (Dep) and self-harm in emerging adults. Many studies have focused on the aspects of diminished well-being, self-harm and suicide, and a possible association between daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and Dep, although there is a paucity of research on DSE to moderate the association. This study was guided by three theories; need-to-belong, social comparison, and cognitive dissonance. The present quantitative study aimed to explore the significance of the association between SMU, perceived stress (PS), and Dep moderated by DSE in emerging …

The Meaning And Essence Of Depression And Loneliness In Widowhood: Discovering The Healthy Construct Of Self-Efficacy, Christine M. Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to describe the lived experience of widows aged 65-80 who lost their husbands within the past five years in one of three counties in Washington State: Pierce, Kitsap, or Mason. The two theories guiding this study will be Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, (SLT), as they relate to post-loss identity and mourning. Both serve as vital tools for surviving and recovering from the impact of losing a spouse. When these affectional attachments are lost, a widow’s quality of life can be lessened or even damaged. A widow will go …

Impact Of Perceived Stress And Trait Resilience On Mental Health Outcomes Related To Traumatic Stress Exposure, Ken Safley

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Traumatic stress exposure is common and associated with a range of adverse psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These effects are cumulative, with increased exposure linked to greater psychological distress. However, there is considerable variability in how individuals respond to trauma, suggesting the influence of cognitive and dispositional factors. Cognitive models of PTSD highlight the role of stressor appraisals in the development of psychopathology, while individual differences in protective factors, such as trait resilience, may buffer these effects. The present study investigated whether perceived stress mediates the relationship between trauma exposure and psychological outcomes, and whether …

Relation Between Executive Functions, Ruminative Thinking Style, And Internalizing Symptoms In Neurodivergent Individuals., John Strom

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are among the most common psychological disorders occurring in childhood (Bishop, 2010; Scandurra et al., 2019), and are commonly associated with a host of psychological challenges including deficits in executive functioning (Craig et al., 2016; Demetriou et al., 2019) as well as comorbid internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety (Katzman et al., 2017; Kirsch et al., 2020; Simonoff et al., 2008). Research has suggested that executive function deficits may contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety and that this relation may be mediated by ruminative thinking styles (Snyder et al., 2019; von Hippel et al., …

Effectiveness Of Digital Behavioral Activation Interventions For Depression And Anxiety: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Eric Jia, Jushawn Macon, Michelle Doering, Joanna Abraham

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: As digital interventions gain prominence in mental health care, they present opportunities to improve access and scalability. Despite their potential, the overall impact of digital behavioral activation (BA) interventions across different formats and populations is not yet fully understood.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examines the characteristics and functions of digital BA interventions and evaluates their effectiveness for mental health and other patient-related outcomes.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, and ClinicalTrials.gov) was performed in November 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of digital BA interventions for depression and …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Church In The Healing Process For African American Women In The Washington, D.C., Area Suffering From Self-Diagnosed Depression In Recovery From Intimate Partner Violence, Kimberly D. Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of African American women who have utilized the church after intimate partner violence (IPV) suffering self-diagnosed depression in the Washington, D.C. area. The approach guiding the methodology of this study is Clark Moustakas’ (1994) phenomenological approach. There is a need to explore what type of support the church offers as a source of healing for those who need assistance and will not seek professional counseling for various reasons. While there has been much research on depression resulting from IPV, there is a gap in the literature regarding …

Electro Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Etms) Effects On Pharmacoresistent Sleep Disorders Using A Quantitative Electroencephalogram (Qeeg), Sarah Diane Dean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following quantitative correlational study investigated the effects of eTMS on individuals with pharmacoresistant sleep disorders using a qEEG. This research measures the dimensions of anxiety, depression and quality of life (QoL) as it relates to untreated secondary diagnosis. Additionally, this research examines the activity level of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in relation to eTMS treatments. It was found that correlation with anxiety (rs = -.466, p < .001), depression (rs = -0.556, p < 0.001), quality of life (rs = -.436, p < .001), and sleep disturbances (rs = -0.452, p < 0.001), have a statistically significant negative correlation with dlPFC activity level. Finally, it was found that eTMS does have a statistically significant relationship with sleep disturbances as well as anxiety, depression and general quality of life (U (195) = 4647, p = .971). This is important to the field of neuroscience as it provided a more precise form of individualized neuromodulation through the use of a uncommon type of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Longitudinal Relations Between Self-Esteem And Depression: A Continuous Time Analysis With Exploration Of Sleep Duration Effects, Mackenzie Cummings

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Adolescents and young adults face elevated risk for depression. While poor self-esteem and sleep disturbance are known risk factors, few studies have examined their unique and interactive contributions. Longitudinal research often overlooks unequal intervals and multiple sources of variance (e.g., between- and within-person). This study used continuous time structural equation modeling to address these gaps and examine relationships between self-esteem, sleep duration, and depression from adolescence into adulthood. Drawing on four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 6,184), I tested whether sleep duration moderated the self-esteem–depression link and explored gender differences. …

Family-Based Support As A Social Determinant Of Health-Protective Factor For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bisola Duyile, Naomi J. Wheeler

Department of Counseling Scholarship and Creative Works

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in managing the demands of caregiving. This study highlights the critical role of family based support as a social determinant of health-protective factor (SDHPF) that enhances the well-being of parents, helping to mitigate depressive symptoms. Using a secondary dataset of 199 parents/ caregivers of children with ASD, this study examines how family based support, child symptom severity, and financial resources (income) influence parental mental health. The findings show that strong family support is positively associated with lower levels of depression, underscoring the strength of social networks in enhancing …

Evaluating Depression In Adults Undergoing Substance Abuse Treatment: A Program Evaluation Of Intensive Outpatient Program, Chidochomoyo E. Zvirawa

Dissertations

Problem: Depression and substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently co-occur, complicating recovery outcomes. Despite screening recommendations, depression remains underdiagnosed in many SUD treatment settings.

Methods: This mixed-methods program evaluation examined depressive symptoms among adults in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Depression screenings were conducted at intake, four weeks, and eight weeks. Eight participants meeting inclusion criteria were assessed. Data included demographics, treatment engagement, and PHQ-8 scores.

Results: PHQ-8 scores significantly declined from baseline (M = 11.75, SD = 6.52) to eight weeks (M = 5.13, SD = 5.05), t(7) = 2.76, p = .028, indicating …

Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Well-Being Among New York Police Department Law Enforcement Agents, La’Lisa Scudder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem this quantitative study addressed was police officers’ willingness to use organizational help-seeking interventions and rely on organizational support to mitigate operational and organizational stress. Previous literature discussed how officers engaged in different maladaptive coping behaviors as a result of work related stressor or low well-being, divorce, depression, prescription drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. The purpose of this quantitative correlational cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and well-being among law enforcement agents and examine agents’ willingness to use organizational-based intervention services. The organizational support theory and the social exchange theory provided the theoretical framework for …

Unseen Burdens: Exploring Gender Disparities In Infertility Experience And Depressive Symptoms, Khiara Cardoza Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how experiences with infertility relate to mental health outcomes among newly married U.S. couples, emphasizing gender differences and the potential moderating role of gender attitudes. Using data from 3,137 individuals in a nationally representative sample, three Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were estimated: first assessing actor and partner effects of infertility on depressive symptoms and subsequently incorporating gender attitudes as moderators. Results indicated a significant actor effect for wives, where infertility was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this association was significantly stronger for wives than for husbands. No significant effects were found for husbands' infertility and …

More Than Hormones: Psychological Consequences Of The Medicalized Menopausal Experience, Haley Derrickson

University Honors Theses

Menopause, a transitional period that roughly half the population may experience, has a high degree of variability in onset and intensity of symptoms, one of which is depression. It is also a period in which the lives of those transitioning are highly medicalized. This literature review investigates how medicalization has increased since the term was created, and how it impacts perimenopause, menopause, and mental health.

Predictors Of Nursing Students' Stress, Anxiety, And Depression During The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Hispanic-Serving University In South Texas: A Cross-Sectional Study, Maria I. Diaz, Eleftherios Gkioulekas, Nancy Nadeau

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: In nursing education, there have been several studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of nursing students to cope while in nursing school.

Purpose statement: The goal of this study is to assess undergraduate nursing students' support mechanisms as predictors of stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic within a Hispanic-serving institution in South Texas.

Methods: Across-sectional design was used in this study. An online survey using self-reported questionnaires was used to gather data from an undergraduate nursing student cohort during the Fall 2021 semester. Linear regression was used to identify the predictors of …

A Qualitative Study On Investigating The Power Of Scripture To Conquer Depression By The Bible's Psychological Power Among Christians, Joana Okudzeto Biekro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated Evangelical Christians’ experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression in Orange County, CA. Depression is a painful mental illness that affects people all over the world. The rationale of the study is to add knowledge to Christians and thought leaders who seek a cure to the struggle of depression from a Biblical perspective. The research process is presented in the study of depression among Christians. Guided by these three questions, “How do evangelical Christians describe their experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression?”, “How do participants describe their …

The Moderating Effects Of Adult Attachment And Emotional Intimacy On The Relationship Between Aces And Mental Health In Social Work Students, Cheryl Lind Nitz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social work students report significantly more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than other majors or the general population. ACEs increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) and can impact students’ ability to effectively serve future clients. Attachment theory and current research suggest a substantial potential therapeutic impact of secure adult attachments, particularly those with high emotional intimacy (EI), for those with ACEs. This study explored the moderating effect of primary adult attachment (PAA) on the relationship between ACEs and mental health. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE-10) Scale, the State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM), the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy Scale …

Social Media, Religion, And Anxiety: Comparison Of Age Groups, Kaye Eileen Redeker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for all age groups. The current research is mixed, showing both positive and negative effects from social media on mental health. This study aimed to examine how the duration of social media use compared with anxiety levels, and if religiosity had any effect on social media use and anxiety. It also wanted to determine if there was a correlation between religiosity and social media use, and how social media use and religiosity predicted anxiety. This study filled a gap in research by extending previous studies beyond adolescents and by including …

Increasing Depression Risk Screening In Hospice And Palliative Care Patients, Elizabeth Kanini Michaels

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project was conducted as a staff education project. The practice problem involved inconsistent depression risk screening in hospice and palliative care patients. It was crucial to address this, as depression can be pervasive in this population. The practice-focused question was, For registered nurses who work in a palliative or hospice care unit, does education on depression risk screening increase depression screening rates as compared 12 weeks before to 12 after the education? The project aimed to improve depression risk screening rates through staff education. The Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model was used to assess 13 supporting articles …

School-Based Mental Health Practice: The Impact Of Physical Activity On Depression, Nafees Alam, Joy Krug

Social Work Faculty Publications

The relationship between physical and mental health has long been theorized to be profoundly important in understanding human behavior and development. This article aims specifically to highlight the state of existing research about the relationship between physical activity and the state of depression. Studies across the nation, summarized here, have found that healthy physical activity levels generally correlate with health within the mental and emotional arenas. Despite the abundance of existing literature on this topic, research remains scarce on the longitudinal effects of physical activity beginning with pre-puberty children into adulthood. Physical activity is a relatively cheap and non-harmful lifestyle …

Sense, Drugs, And Rock 'N' Roll: A Critical Review Of Music And Psychedelic Literature, Sophia Harper-Hague

Expressive Therapies Theses

The use of psychedelics has been shown promising efficacy surrounding treatment-resistant mental health diagnoses, as well as improving quality of life for those not suffering from mental health conditions. Additionally, music has been seen as a significant part of psychedelic research, both by music therapists and other allied health professionals alike. This literature review explores the current research surrounding music therapy and psychedelic approaches, as well as the areas in which they intersect. The current review focuses on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and self-concept, delving into the perceptions of both music and psychedelic therapy as emerging treatment options …

How Does An Art Therapist Build Rapport With Socially Isolated Older Adults?, Elizabeth L. Levering

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study was done to explore the fundamental aspects that are woven into the report-building process and the therapeutic alliance with socially isolated older adults. Research has been done on the effects that social isolation and loneliness have on this underserved population, however report building is less researched and can be translated into the mental health field. Person-centered therapy, developmental stages of older adults, and the growing field of art therapy and its benefits are also well documented. This qualitative arts-based study takes the intersectionality of these topics by observing three sessions with two separate residents and analyzing the results. …

Staff Education To Enhance Nurse Knowledge Of Depression And Screening Tool Using Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Oluwakemi Omotayo Aregbesola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This staff education program focused on addressing a practice deficit regarding nonstandard depression assessment and substandard nurse knowledge of evidence-based screening tools, mainly the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a nine-item, self-reporting test used to screen for depression and assess severity of the condition based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, 5th Edition. Depression exists as a familiar yet unidentified disorder among psychiatric inpatients, resulting in delayed treatment inferior outcomes. The staff education project targeted the nurses’ knowledge of depression identification while also teaching them to administer the PHQ-9 for prompt screening and intervention. I used an …

Depression And Anger In Male Adolescents: A Cognitive Behavioral Group Manual, Ellen Nichole Lindquist

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Depression is a common mental health disorder experienced by children and adolescents. Depression in male adolescents often does not follow the DSM criteria as it does in girls. This literature review and manual will explore gender differences in the manifestation of depression symptoms, as well as the link between depression and anger in adolescent males. Additionally, effective treatments for depression and anger will also be explored. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and pharmacological treatments. This group manual provides evidence-based CBT interventions that are effective in managing and treating symptoms of major depressive disorder, especially …

Comparing Deaf School And Mainstream Student-Athletes' Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety And Risk Factors, Ella Gamble

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

The deaf community is diverse, including individuals from all different backgrounds. Sports are a large part of the community and are advocated for the deaf community. However, the mental impacts of sports within the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) collegiate athlete population has received very little scholarly attention, especially in regards to their varying upbringings. Anxiety and depression are mental health issues (MHI) that have gained increasing attention in the hearing sports community, but this also extends to DHH student-athletes based on empirical evidence. This study focuses on the differences of MHIs in DHH student-athletes at Gallaudet University. The …