Digital Commons Network^™

Improved Depression Symptoms Among Low-Income Mexican Americans Participating In A Community-Clinical Diabetes Intervention, Minjae Lee, Joseph H Conroy, Zihan Yang, Sein Lee, Paul G Yeh, Juliana Z Lopez, Natalia I Heredia, Lisa A Mitchell-Bennett, Maribel Sifuentes, Belinda M Reininger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression face complex disease management. Salud y Vida, a diabetes management intervention for Mexican Americans in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, may mitigate depression through social support and community-clinic referrals.

Methods: In a cohort study, 292 Salud y Vida participants completed the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline, month 6, and month 12. A PHQ-9 score of ≥5 indicated mild depression and activated a mental health referral. Using SAS 9.4 with significance set at < .05, we conducted multivariable longitudinal negative binomial regression to assess changes in depression level.

Results: The proportion of participants with a PHQ-9 ≥5 decreased from 36% at baseline to 18% …

Navigating The Nexus Of Food Insecurity, Anxiety, And Depression In The Face Of Climate Change: A Longitudinal Study In Rural Kenya, Michael Goodman, Lauren Raimer-Goodman, Heidi M Hagen Mcpherson, Dawit Woldu, Shreela Sharma, Ryan Ramphul, Fridah Mukiri, Agnes Maigallo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This study aims to address critical gaps in understanding the bidirectional relationships between food insecurity, anxiety, and depression in Meru County, Kenya. By employing a cross-lagged panel analysis, we seek to clarify these temporal dynamics, contributing to the design of targeted interventions that integrate food security and mental health in the context of climate change.

Methods: A cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using data from 362 adult participants in a community-based empowerment program (2023) in Meru County, Kenya. Participants completed self-report measures of food insecurity, anxiety, and depression at two time points, 11 weeks apart.

Results: Food insecurity (T1) …

Prevalence Of Depression And Its Coping Strategies Among Rural And Urban Geriatric Population, Mohit Negi, Smitha M C

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Aging is a natural process, and older age is a period in which most aspects of life require support from others. Globally, Depression is a serious public health concern among elderly populations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and its coping strategies among geriatric population and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic factors and level of depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 study participants in both rural and urban areas. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to measure the depression and brief-COPE (28-items) scale was used to measure the coping …

Investigating The Impact Of A Brief Self-Compassion Intervention On Shame And Psychopathology For Women With Histories Of Childhood Emotional Abuse, Sarah Hill

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Childhood emotional abuse, while frequently co-occurring with other types of abuse, is often neglected within the trauma literature, but has been found to be an important independent predictor of adult psychopathology. Shame represents a potentially important and malleable factor that may contribute to the development and maintenance of poor psychological outcomes. As such, interventions focused on increasing self-compassion have been identified as promising methods to decrease experiences of shame, and ultimately symptoms of psychopathology. While literature on brief self-compassion interventions has rapidly increased in recent years, notable gaps remain. Specifically, there is limited research exploring the impact of brief …

A Multilevel Framework For The Promotion Of Maternal Mental Health And Well-Being During The Perinatal Period, Jenn A. Leiferman, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte V. Farewell, Chelsea Walker-Mao, James F. Paulson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in the perinatal period and may contribute to adverse maternal and child health outcomes. A focus on multilevel protective factors may be effective in promoting well-being and increasing quality of life (QOL) in the perinatal period while simultaneously reducing or preventing depression and anxiety symptoms. We tested a conceptual model that posits specific personal, social, and community factors affecting depression, anxiety, and QOL among pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Methods: Four hundred and thirty-eight pregnant or postpartum individuals completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey composed of validated tools that assessed multilevel protective factors, health behaviors, and …

Short-Term Health And Safety Outcomes Associated With Digital Hotline Use At Interpersonal Violence-Focused Agencies, Leila Wood, Elizabeth Baumler, Rachel J Voth Schrag, Aly Kramer Jacobs, Jeff R Temple, Erin Clark

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Community organizations strive to help survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), stalking, sexual assault and human trafficking address health and safety needs. Hotline, offered by local agencies, is the first line of support for survivors to address needs. Increasingly, hotline is offered in digital formats (chat and text) to meet the emergent needs of survivors. Despite the growing use of digital hotline, little is known about short-term health and safety changes associated with use. Partnering with 2 local agencies in a Southern state, we recruited first-time digital hotline participants to an online baseline and follow-up (6 weeks later) assessment (n …

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …

Subthreshold Depression In The National Epidemiologic Survey On Alcohol And Related Conditions Iii (Nesarc-Iii): A Quantitative Analysis Of Prevalence, Characteristics, And Burden In A Nationally Representative Sample, Scott T. Young

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

While subthreshold depression (subD) is relatively young for a diagnostic concept at a mere half century old, it has burdened individuals and societies for far longer. Research has established that it is a highly prevalent, clinically important entity with clear links to personal distress and impairment (including increased suicidal ideation and behavior), societal burden (e.g., increased reliance on public assistance programs), and economic costs (both personal and public). Research has also demonstrated that it represents a significant risk factor for incident major depression (MD) and that it likely represents both a prodromal and residual state in the normal course of …

Imagine For Tomorrow, What You Cannot Feel Now – The Role Of Anhedonia In Imagery-Enhanced Behavioral Activation, Max Heise, Julie L. Ji, Jessica Werthmann, Fritz Renner

School of Psychology

Preliminary evidence suggests that mental imagery-based elaboration of rewarding activities enhances anticipated pleasure, motivation, and behavioral engagement in non-clinical samples, but its effects in individuals experiencing anhedonia (loss of pleasure/interest) is unclear. Study 1 (N = 90) contrasted imagery-enhanced activity scheduling with two scheduling-only control conditions (Reminder/No Reminder Control) in an unselected sample. Study 2 (N = 108) compared imagery-enhanced activity scheduling with two control conditions (Neutral Imagery/Motivational Verbal Reasoning) in individuals experiencing mild to moderate anhedonia. Both studies measured changes in activity appraisal (anticipated pleasure, anticipated reward/mastery, motivation) in the lab, and behavioral engagement across a subsequent 7-day period. …

The Moderating Effects Of Self-Compassion On The Relationship Between Shame And Depression In Military Populations, Sarah Foran

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The U.S. Military has faced a continuous rise in mental health concerns reported by service members and veterans (Currier et al., 2017; Rosenheck & Fontana, 2007). Studies of military personnel have found that up to 15% of service members meet the criteria for experiencing depression (Shen et al., 2012). Often, individuals with military experience face numerous stressors that positively contribute to this experience of depression and feelings of shame (Bradbard et al., 2014; Litz et al., 2009). Military culture (often emphasizing shame related to mental health) has also been found to put military personnel at higher risk of experiencing depression …

Cultural Competence Training: A Pilot Project For Improving Culturally Competent Care, Praveena Berlin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Studies have shown that when healthcare providers lack cultural competence, there is a subsequent negative impact on the quality, safety, and cost of patient care. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based cultural competence intervention that includes provider and staff training, development of several toolkits for staff, providers, and African American patients, in order to increase patient satisfaction rates among African American patients. The project was an exploratory quantitative study that used a pre-post-survey design and was implemented in a Mental Health Clinic. Two validated survey tools were utilized, the CCA and CCSS-29. The study results showed …

Emotional Trade-Offs Of Neural Sensitivity To Social Threat And Reward In Adolescent Girls, Karen D. Rudolph, Megan M. Davis, Haina H. Modi, Haley V. Skymba, Megan Finnegan, Katherine Haigler, Rebekah B. Clapham, Zihua Ye, Jillian Dodson, Eva H. Telzer

Psychology Faculty Publications

Contemporary affective neuroscience perspectives consider possible trade-offs of neural attunement to social cues for adolescent development. Integrating these perspectives with interpersonal theories emphasizing robust belonging needs during adolescence, this study examined whether exposure to naturally occurring interpersonal stressors was differentially associated with loneliness and depression contingent on adolescent girls' neural sensitivity to cues indicating social threat (non-belonging) vs. reward (belonging). Eighty-six adolescent girls (M_age = 16.31, SD =. 84; 66.3% White) completed a social feedback task during an fMRI scan and reported on their loneliness and depression. Elevated interpersonal stress exposure was associated with more depression in girls who …

The Correlation Between Working From Home And Depression, Anxiety & Stress And The Moderating Effect Of Parenting, Lauren H. Marshall

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the impact of working from home on depression, anxiety and stress and whether parenting has a moderating role in its impact. The number of individuals working from home increased dramatically because of the pandemic and many individuals continue to work from home despite the absence of government-issued lockdowns and the diminishing threat of the COVID-19 virus. Earlier pre-pandemic research supports several positive work-related outcomes of working from home; however, little consideration has been given to the long-term impact of this major change in the way we work on individual’s mental health. Social isolation, an increase in sedentary …

Effective Measurement-Based Care For Depression Within Va Health Systems: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Amie L. Doyle

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Depression is highly common among U.S. veterans, surpassing civilian rates. Measurement-Based Care (MBC), including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), facilitates systematic symptom monitoring and treatment enhancement. At Manchester VA Medical Center (VAMC), PHQ-9 completion in primary care was low (18.93% in May 2025) due to workflow inefficiencies, provider workload, and dependence on Mental Health Service Line (MHSL) referrals.

Local Problem: Underutilization of the PHQ-9 in primary care hampers early detection and effective treatment of depression among veterans.

Methods: Four primary care teams received training on using the Behavioral Health Laboratory (BHL) software, which facilitates pre-visit electronic completion of the …

Reply [To Burnout Reflections: Musings On Bianchi And Schonfeld’S Five Focal Areas], Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld

Publications and Research

Contrary to what one might assume, the burnout construct did not emerge from systematic research. The definition of burnout was formulated in the 1970s based on prenotions and anecdotal evidence. No sound empirical studies, no in-depth theoretical reflections, not even a review of the stress literature underpinned the introduction of the construct. It is thus unsurprising that some observers regard the edifice of burnout research with scepticism. The pioneers of burnout research neglected basic scientific standards and, by overlooking the abundant work of contemporary stress researchers, deprived themselves of important safeguards against illusions of novelty making big claims based on …

The Association Between Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, And Job-Related Stress Among Nurses In Saudi Arabia, Romeo Jr Patague Mostoles

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examined the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between depression, anxiety, and job-related stress among nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Sociodemographic information, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, depression, anxiety, and work-related stress were evaluated in 851 nurses. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the mediation effect of sleep quality on mental health and job stress in nurses.

Results: High rates of anxiety (65.9% severe, 34.1% moderate), depression (37.2% moderate to severe), and poor sleep (51.4%) were found. Sex, marital status, education, nationality, and smoking status significantly influenced mental health outcomes. For example, …

Fda Approval Of Zuranolone: A Breakthrough Treatment For Postpartum Depression, Connor Dains, Makayla Eversole, Kiley Devoll, Daniella Egbujor, Marisa Petrunich, Madilyn Paphanchith, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of postpartum mortality and affects the ability of a postpartum individual to take care of their newborn. Until 2023, intravenously-administered brexanolone was the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for PPD. Brexanolone’s route of administration poses significant barriers to accessibility and convenience. Other treatment options, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, often require long-term commitment and may not provide rapid relief for severe symptoms. In August 2023, the FDA approved zuranolone as an oral medication for PPD, which enhances treatment accessibility and offers patients a more flexible, outpatient …

The Influence Of Social Media On Adolescent Mental Health, Sally Diomande

Psychology Student Publications

This paper goes through the difficult relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health, focusing on both the positive and negative impacts. It discusses how social comparison, amplified by social media, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression, particularly due to the idealized representations of others lives.The paper also highlights the dangers of cyber-bullying, which exacerbates mental health issues and even leads to suicidal thoughts in some adolescents.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) Interventions For Group Therapy For College Students Experiencing Depression, Ty Ogren

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This group manual was created to support college students struggling with a depressive mood disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder. The instance of mental health concerns, including depression, have increased greatly over the last several years. Depression is the most common mental health concern for college students, and the rate at which they experience depressive symptoms has exceeded that of the general population. Depressive symptoms in college students can lead to many concerns like poor academic achievement, self-isolation, poor diet and nutrition, and suicidal ideation (Liu et al., 2022). This group manual aims to equip college students struggling with depression …

The Emotional, Physical, And Mental Effects Of Physiological Entrainment And Heart Coherence In The Choral Ensemble, Nicole M. Mattfeld

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite endless studies on the benefits of music related to stress reduction and decreased anxiety, there is more in-depth research in the holistic health realm, which has yet to be applied, especially to music educators. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in the last decade, proving that music can heal the nervous system; and guide one’s body into a state of physical and emotional coherence. This study gathered existing research and applied it through the lens of the choral music educator. Guided by the founders of the HeartMath Institute and additional scientific pioneers, this mixed-method study identified methods of holistic health …

The Effectiveness Of Christian Accommodative Mindfulness In Christian Women Of African Descent Who Suffer From Depression And Anxiety, Claudia Isaac Kidd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While existing research has indicated the effectiveness of Christian accommodative mindfulness (CAM) to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, no CAM studies have focused specifically on Christian women of African descent (CWOAD). The aim of this exploratory, case-series study was to examine the effectiveness of the CAM protocol by addressing the participants’ intervention comparison outcomes time (PICOT) question: Among a clinical sample (N = 3) of CWOAD recruited from the waitlist of a Christian counseling center (P) how effective was the CAM protocol (I) indicated by changes over time (C) in the participants’ scores for (1) depression, (2) anxiety/stress, (3) …

Conceptualization, Measurement, And Contributors To Participation Among People Living With Parkinson’S Disease, Moon Young Kim

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Participation is a key outcome of rehabilitation and key to successful aging. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience significant challenges in maintaining participation in meaningful activities and roles. This dissertation examines the influence of living with PD on participation by integrating findings from three studies: a systematic review, a cross-sectional study, and a longitudinal study.

The systematic review synthesized the existing quantitative research on participation in people with PD, revealing inconsistencies in the conceptualization of participation. While the evaluation tools aimed at assessing participation in PD showed acceptable coverage of domains of participation, the assessment of the aspects of …

High-Dose Psilocybin Reduces Depressive Symptoms In Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, Brandon Lien, Jason A. Mckechnie

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

An Integrative Review Of Trauma Informed Care With Pediatrics To Minimize Psychological Sequelae Post Discharge, Amber Lee, Courtney Heinzelman

Master's Projects

Each year, a significant number of children sustain injuries requiring hospitalization, and while many recover physically, some face long-term psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. This integrative review focuses on adolescents aged 13–18 who have experienced accidental trauma, exploring how trauma-informed care (TIC) in nursing compares to traditional approaches in reducing psychological impacts after discharge. Research suggests that many young patients report mental health symptoms for months following traumatic events. Trauma-informed care prioritizes principles such as safety, trust, peer support, and empowerment, aiming to reduce emotional distress and promote recovery. This review examines the application of these …

A Comparison Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress Amongst Male And Female Clinical Laboratory Leaders, Elizabeth M. Payne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the potential relationship between male and female emotional disparities -- specifically depression, anxiety, and stress -- in clinical laboratory leaders. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in 16 male and 16 female clinical laboratory leaders at two laboratory sites in Long Island, NY. Through univariate ANOVA tests, the research evaluated if there are significant differences in mental health outcomes between female and male leaders in clinical laboratory settings. The results demonstrated that female leaders experienced significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to their male …

The Relationships Between Binge-Watching Behavior, Content Familiarity, Depression, And Anxiety, Emma Miller

Master's Theses & Other Graduate Student Works

This December 2024 Master of Science in Psychology thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes how binge-watching has become a dominant media consumption behavior, yet its psychological impacts remain understudied. This thesis examines the relationships between binge-watching behavior, content familiarity, depression, and anxiety, with a focus on whether familiarity moderates mental health outcomes. A sample of 94 participants completed surveys measuring binge-watching habits, content familiarity, and mental health indicators using the CES-D and SCAARED scales. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that age, content familiarity, and viewing context significantly predicted depression, while only age predicted anxiety. Notably, participants who binge-watched familiar content …

Treating Depression Using Non-Pharmacological Interventions, Herve Preval, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and neuropsychotherapy are all non-pharmacological interventions that have been used in the treatment of depression. This review seeks to investigate the possible advantages of CBT, TMS, and neuropsychotherapy in the treatment of depression. Depression is a debilitating mental health disorder, and it is an extremely prevalent mental condition that is linked to increased illness and death. More than 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Depression is estimated to be at a rate of 5.5 percent annually in developed countries and even higher at 6.7 percent amongst young adults. In this …

The Use Of Art Therapy On Children With Life-Limiting Conditions, Karissa K. Schillinger

Counselor Education Capstones

Art therapy is a growing therapeutic technique that is noninvasive. The present literature review sets out to determine what effect art therapy has on children with life-limiting conditions. This author completed a literature review that involved analyzing ten research studies on a variety of youth populations. Studies were found about children with cancer, a child with cerebral palsy and a child with a severe neurological disorder. Zero incidences of harm were found when using art therapy. However, the literature was complicated by the type of art therapy provided, small sample sizes, varying duration of treatment, lack of control groups, lack …

Peer Teasing And Muscle Dysmorphia, Jasmine Arnold

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of bodily-related teasing during childhood and adolescence on Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) symptomology during adulthood. Another goal of this study was to investigate the connection between bodily peer teasing to lowself- esteem and negative affect, two factors that have been argued to be contributing factors of MD. 79 individuals who identified as male and were 18 years old or order were recruited to participate in the study. However, only 70 people completed the questionnaires to completion. Participants completed the Muscle Dysmorphia Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety …

Effect Of Pilot Mental Health On Passenger Willingness To Fly, Isabella L. Deloach, Sara E. Bergamini, Dowon Choi, Brooke Wheeler, Vivek Sharma

Aeronautics Student Publications

This study explored how passengers' willingness to fly is affected by the mental health condition of pilots, providing insight into public perception of the mental health condition of pilots. Results showed significant differences between all scenarios except the medication scenario vs. therapy scenario.