Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Latin Ballroom Dance Training On Gait Biomechanics, Anxiety, And Depression, Grace Hanks, Tyler Standifird, Barry Andelin

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 794-809, 2024. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of Latin ballroom dance training on gait biomechanics, anxiety, and depression. There were twelve Latin ballroom dancers and twelve recreationally active non-dancers that participated in this research. For collecting data on gait biomechanics, participants walked on a pressure sensitive walkway system and force plates to collect information on foot and ground interactions. Reflective trackers were placed on the anterior part of their hips, knees, and ankles to measure frontal plane lower leg alignment during weight acceptance. A survey including the Generalized Anxiety …

Creating, Connecting, And Communicating: A Look At Social Support For Postpartum Women, Aubrey E. Jones Phd, Diana Frankenburger Msn, Bsw, Rnc-Ob, Cce, Cls

Transforming Communities

The prevalence of postpartum depression underscores the critical need for support systems for new mothers. Virtual support groups, such as the Fourth Trimester Support Group described in this paper, represent a promising avenue for addressing these challenges and providing much-needed support. This article describes the formation, activities, and evaluation of an online support group that leverages technology to foster a sense of community for new mothers. Further, the details within the case study provide a basic model for starting a similar support group.

Level Up Your Wellbeing: Exploring The Mental Health Benefits Of Video Games, Kiel Victor M. Carambas, James Raemonn R. Elano

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

In this artistic research endeavor, the creative work "Mindscape Odyssey" explores the complex interplay between video game addiction and mental health within a surreal, dreamlike world. The primary objective is to portray the psychological struggles of a protagonist grappling with anxiety and depression, navigating through mind-bending realms to confront inner demons symbolizing mental health challenges. The research process involved a thorough literature review and analysis, focusing on the self-determination theory (SDT) to understand the underlying motives and needs driving excessive engagement with video games. Utilizing RPG Maker MV, the art production process entailed conceptualizing and designing the interactive video game, …

Health And Nature, A Walk In The Park, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

Nature promotes mental and physical health, but we do not fully understand how.

The Critical Art And Hope Of Unraveling: A Review Of M. F. Alvarez’S Autoethnography Of Suicide And Renewal, Lucy E. Bailey

The Qualitative Report

This review engages with the powerful critical and evocative autoethnography, Unraveling: An Autoethnography of Suicide and Renewal (2024). Written by M. F. Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at the University of New Hampshire, this book narrates the embodied experiences of a young Filipino gay man named Mike whose suffering from childhood trauma slowly escalates into relentless delusions and self-harm that eventually propel him to seek professional help. Alvarez’s beautifully sculpted book captures Mike’s multidimensional psychological life as he lives, observes, and narrates it within structures that medicalize people’s mental health experiences. Dividing his text into story and analysis, Alvarez …

Tsunami Exposure And Mental Health Consequences: Protective Role Of Cultural Coping Strategies, Thulitha Wickrama, Michael J. Merten, K. A.S. Wickrama, Amanda Terrell

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

There is a knowledge gap regarding the link between disaster exposure and adolescent mental health problems in developing countries. This study examines the case of Sri Lanka to investigate (a) the immediate and long-term mental health impact of the 2004 tsunami disaster on adolescents and (b) the potential moderating effects of unique cultural and family practices that prevail in Sri Lanka. This study used a random sample of 160 adolescents (ages 12–19) and their mothers who were exposed to the tsunami disaster while living in a southern Sri Lankan village and provided prospective data immediately after the disaster (2005) and …

Black Football Student-Athletes’ Perceived Barriers To Seeking Mental Health Services, Todd A. Wilkerson, Sarah Stokowski, Alison Fridley, Stephen W. Dittmore, Charles A. Bell

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Black male student-athletes have endured frequent stereotyping on college campuses (Hawkins, 2010). Additionally, Black student-athletes have experienced educational, campus, and athletic stressors (Miller & Hoffman, 2009). Many student-athletes do not seek mental health services because of their status on campus (Watson, 2005). The general population has experienced common barriers in seeking mental health services including low socio-economic status (Hurd, Stoddard, & Zimmerman, 2013) and negative stigmas related to metal illness (Wang et al., 2005). While it is reasonable to assume similar challenges exist for Black student-athletes, it must be investigated empirically. As such, the purpose of this study was to …

Stepping Outside Of Their Comfort Zone: Perceptions Of Seeking Behavioral Health Services Amongst College Athletes, Matt Moore

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Research has indicated that college athletes are at risk for a number of mental health problems—including depression, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and disordered eating. An athlete’s willingness to seek out mental health services however is not fully understood. This study examined the level of comfort that college athletes have with seeking mental health services. Additionally, this study explored characteristics associated with reluctance in seeking mental health services. This study used a web-based survey to gather information from college athletes (N = 349). The researcher used descriptive and multivariate tests to analyze the data. This study found that college athletes reported …

Challenges With Social Emotional Learning At A Rural School District, Jennifer Rogers, Kristopher M. Goodrich, Melissa Luke

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Social emotional learning (SEL) is a systemic approach that includes key competencies that can support school personnel to advance educational equity by focusing on all stakeholders within a system. The link between educator and student SEL has grown, as educators practice, model, and support the development of SEL in students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore six mental health personnel’s experiences of implementing SEL at one rural school district in a southwestern state. Analysis identified four roadblocks to SEL implementation: a lack of foundational knowledge of SEL, lack of structural supports, learned helplessness, and inadequate ongoing professional …

Understanding The Role Of Ot In Infertility, Jordan Swarztrauber

OT Student Capstones

Infertility is prevalent in the United States, affecting approximately 16% of couples. Those affected by infertility often seek Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments to help them conceive. Past literature has found that ARTs have negative effects on those undergoing treatments in their occupations, routines, habits, and mental health. Although it is commonly known in the medical literature, there is a dearth of research and clinical support for individuals who are experiencing disturbances in the above-described areas, leaving a gap in care for individuals who are undergoing ARTs. The present research study consists of 13 in-depth qualitative interviews, which gather data …

Evaluation Of The Smiling Mind Primary School Program 2023, Tamara Van Der Zant, Katherine Dix, Toby Carslake

Wellbeing

In its various forms, the Smiling Mind Primary School Program (the Program) has been delivered in Australian schools since 2016. The Program is a mindfulness-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program designed for primary school students in Years 1 to 6. It aims to support the mental wellbeing and emotional resilience of students. The Program offers an online, digital, curriculum, delivered by trained classroom educators, that incorporates practices and techniques to help students develop skills for managing stress, building resilience, and enhancing their overall mental health.

The Program was delivered to 733 schools in 2023, and due to the ongoing …

Leveraging Digital Media To Promote Youth Mental Health: Flipping The Script On Social Media-Related Risk, Jessica L. Hamilton, John Torous, Hannah S. Szlyk, Candice Biernesser, Kaylee P. Kruzan, Michaeline Jensen, Jazmin Reyes-Portillo, Brian A. Primack, Jamie Zelazny

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Purpose of Review: Despite growing public concern about the negative impact of digital media for mental health problems, there are key ways in which digital media can be leveraged to prevent such outcomes. This article reviews research exploring the ways that digital media, particularly social media, can be used to prevent negative mental health outcomes and promote youth mental health and well-being. Recent findings: Research indicates that media can be protective against mental health problems and promote mental health by enabling social support and destigmatizing mental illness, especially for youth with limited resources. Media also can be leveraged to identify …

Challenges And Implications For Substance Use And Mental Healthcare Among Under-Resourced Women In The Covid-19 Era, Maria C Mejia, Alicia Kowalchuk, Sandra J Gonzalez, Muktha Nair, Lisa Webb, Nadine Scamp

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disparities in mental healthcare and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment access, especially in under-resourced communities. This study aimed to comprehend the experiences of under-resourced women with SUD during the pandemic, their knowledge and attitudes toward it, and its impact on substance use and treatment access.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 66 under-resourced women receiving medically managed withdrawal treatment at a community residential SUD center. Data collection occurred between November 2021 and August 2022, utilizing a 75-item instrument covering COVID-19 exposure and its impact on health, substance use, treatment access, vaccination status, beliefs, and knowledge. Descriptive …

The Mental Health Experience Of Transgender And Gender Diverse Colombians: Que La Diversidad No Cueste La Vida, María Natalia Acosta Canchila

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Experiences of TGD people in various countries reflect difficulties accessing mental health services and significant mental health needs. In Colombia, experiences in broader healthcare systems suggest various barriers to care that include experiences of discrimination. However, specific experiences in mental health services have not been thoroughly examined. The current study aimed to understand the experiences, perceptions, and needs of TGD people in Colombia in mental health systems. Qualitative data was collected via 40 semi-structured interviews with TGD people in Colombia, data was analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. Findings suggests great mental health needs related to needing support in the process …

Telehealth Resources And Utilization Interest Among Women Who Sell Sex: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Jessica L. Zemlak, Randi Beth Singer, Jacqueline Christianson, Madeline Stenersen, Maharaj Singh, Stacee M. Lerret

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Among a sample of women who sell sex (WSS), we examined unmet health needs, resources for telehealth, utilization interest, and attributes associated with interest in using telehealth.

Study design

Explanatory sequential mixed methods.

Methods

WSS (N = 52) completed a fixed choice survey and focus group (N = 6, 26 individuals) from drop-in centers serving WSS. Chi-square/t-tests and results from the survey data informed the semi-structured focus group interview guide. Thematic analysis of focus group data was conducted to identify themes.

Results

Over half (58%) of participants expressed interest in using telehealth; however, some lack the necessary resources for …

Family Members’ Experiences Of ‘Living Well’ With A Family Member With Depression, Amanda Cole, Julie Ann Pooley, Vivien Kemp, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: With the high and growing prevalence of depression worldwide, there is an increasing number of families assuming the role of caregivers for family members with mental health conditions such as depression. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how family members describe and perceive the experience of living well with a family member living with depression. Methods: Narrative inquiry was used to elicit stories from eight participants who lived with an adult family member diagnosed with depression. Narrative and thematic analysis were used. Findings: Participants described the experience of living well through the themes of ‘times of …

Long Covid Patients: A Phenomenology Study Exploring Mental Health And Psychosocial Adaptation To Disability, Tonia Joy Lans

Dissertations

In the United States, approximately 1 in 13 long COVID patients experience adverse complications two to three years post-recovery (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022), including physical, psychological, and cognitive impairment, issues with daily functioning, and difficulties returning to work (del Rio et al., 2020; Greenhalgh et al., 2020; Ladds et al., 2020; Logue et al., 2021). Moreover, collective research has indicated the debilitating complications of long COVID often result in impaired mental health, chronic illness, and disability. While significant research efforts have started to accumulate data to understand and treat the physical and neuro-logical manifestations of this chronic …

Discrimination Experiences Among Asian American And Pacific Islander Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Their Association With Mental Health Outcomes: Updated Findings From The Compass Study, Marcelle M. Dougan, Marian Tzuang, Bora Nam, Oanh L. Meyer, Janice Y. Tsoh, Van M.Ta Park

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: Reports of escalated discrimination experiences among Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) continue. Methods: Using the original and follow-up surveys of the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) Survey Study (COMPASS I and COMPASS II) (n = 3177), we examined changes over approximately a 1-year period in discrimination experiences attributable to being AAPI and factors associated with worse mental health outcomes. Results: Experiences of discrimination remained high in COMPASS II with 60.6% (of participants (compared to 60.2% among the same people in COMPASS I) reporting one or more …

The Siloed Effect: Connecting The Health Equity Dots In The Oral Health Industry, Dwinta M. Tyler Ph.D.

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This op-ed highlights the detrimental effects of siloed approaches to health, emphasizing the need to integrate preventative, mental, and oral health into a holistic healthcare model. It discusses the importance of overcoming cognitive and structural fixedness to achieve health equity and underscores the interconnectedness of oral health with overall physical and mental well-being.

Articulator Q2 2023

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

In this second quarter issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• The Siloed Effect: Connecting the Health Equity Dots in the Oral Health Industry
• A Generational Transition is Coming
• The POWR Act: An Employment Law Update
• The Pursuit of Excellence
• The Road Forward: An Update on the MDDS Strategic Plan

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the Metro Denver membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Caring For Our Colleagues: A Guide For Compassionate Action, Karen Foster Dds

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health in the dental profession, offering strategies for recognizing warning signs and encouraging proactive support for colleagues in distress, with resources available for assistance.

Articulator Q1 2024

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This issue serves as a wrap-up of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) hosted by the Metro Denver Dental Society (MDDS). Read more to learn about new dental innovation presented at RMDC, how to take compassionate action with colleagues in a mental health crisis, the importance of reflective treatment planning, post-exposure steps to take in a dental practice and more.

Online Mental Health Help Seeking Behaviors Among College Students, Rachel Johnson, Monica Nandan, Brian Culp, Dominic Thomas

Faculty Articles

Even before the pandemic, utilization of online mental health resources continues to grow among young adults. There is limited research on online help seeking behaviors, let alone specific research on college students’ online mental health help seeking behaviors. This study aims to identify which terminology college students utilize on online search engines to seek assistance related to mental health. A cross-sectional survey design was used during the 2019-2020 academic year. The respondents consisted of 259 college students at one of the 50 largest public institutions of higher education in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the sample data suggests that college …

Emotional Regulation On Modulating Associations Between Depression And Physical Activity As Characterized Via Deep Learning, Franklin Ye Ruan

Computer Science Senior Theses

Emotional regulation and physical activity are known to be associated with depression; however, a deeper understanding of how emotional regulation may strengthen or weaken the bonds between depressive symptoms and physical activity may aid clinicians and researchers in developing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for those adversely affected by depression. As part of the Tracking Depression Study, this analysis uses data collected from 306 participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. To study their behavior, we analyze actigraphy data, or longitudinal physical activity intensity data, as it relates to depression severity, quantified by the daily PHQ-9 questionnaires. We study these associations through …

Social/Emotional Health, Mental Health And Quality Of Life Among Adults With Comorbid Diabetes And Hypertension: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Ranjita Misra, Sara Nayeem

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: West Virginia has a disproportionately large population of rural adults with diabetes and hypertension, two common chronic, comorbid conditions that represent a national economic, social, and public health burden. Anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness are associated with poor motivation to engage in coping/self-care behaviors and related increased morbidity/mortality.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between self-reported mental health, selected social and emotional health factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical outcomes among adults with comorbid diabetes and hypertension.

Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 75 participants who participated in a diabetes and hypertension self-management program (DHSMP) in …

Understanding Parasocial Relationships And The Mental Health Impact, Leslee Lynae Bennett

Master's Theses

Parasocial relationships have recently become a topic of discussion in our society. This is because individuals are still looking for something to connect with after the COVID-19 pandemic. These relationships originally were more common among young people, but due to the constant usage of media, individuals have become more attached to popularity which results in an unrealistic online connection. Parasocial relationships are both a fascination and a danger due to the mental connections an individual makes within themselves. This research is a qualitative study of previous research done on parasocial relationships. Topics discussed in this thesis will cover multiple facets …

Mental Health And Spiritual Well-Being: The Generational Differences Of Worship Experiences In The Multicultural Church, Lashawna S. Wills

Masters Theses

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, 52.9 million people in 2020. “Mental health and well-being are an asset whatever an individual’s age, race or ethnicity, and mental health problems [do not] discriminate [based on] these attributes.” The execution of this research is to facilitate healing within a community in need and open avenues of conversation for understanding, relativity, and oneness within the body of Christ. The researcher will use the qualitative design method through research in literature and population cohorts. Using research sources of panel discussions, …

Mental Health Training For Teachers Since Covid-19, Patricia M. Van Prooyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study used a qualitative case study approach to examine teachers’ experiences returning to school following the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if mental health training for teachers to support student mental health would ease the return to school. The researcher recruited 12 Christian school teachers that taught in the classroom pre- and post-COVID-19. Inclusive criteria included teaching two years before the shutdown, teaching during the shutdown, returning to in-person teaching, and being at least 25 years old with no gaps in teaching between 2018-2022. All participants participated in a 30-45-minute audio-recorded, semi-structured, one-on-one interview in a discreet safe venue, such …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Rural Texas School Counselors Working With Students’ Mental Health After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lanessa K. Allman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of rural Texas counselors when working with students’ mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to answer questions of what school counselors describe as the mental health environment for students in rural Texas schools prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in the mental health environment of rural students. Most existing research has been focused on how COVID-19 changed school counselors’ roles and responsibilities and how the pandemic affected students’ mental health. The current study concentrated on the …

Moral Injury In Active Service And Veteran Female Military Combatants, William Curtis Neal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A topic of concern and discussion in the mental health community, and maybe a special concern from both governmental and civilian practitioners, is the subject of moral injury. Moral Injury has been widely researched over the last 10 years and is a known and discussed condition that is linked to military personnel and veterans who have experienced events while deployed or operating in adverse conditions such as combat. The following descriptive study focuses on one group from which they have been excluded or overlooked in past studies. This creates a gap in the published literature: female servicewomen and veterans. Both …