Digital Commons Network^™

Stefania D'Ignoti, Oral History Interview, 2023, You Li

Collective Memory of Women Journalists in COVID-19

Stefania D'Ignoti from Catania, Italy, is a freelance journalist who covers migration, conflict, women’s rights, and organized crimes in the broader Mediterranean region. She has reported from Sicily, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, the Syrian border, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Economist, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, the BBC, the Guardian, and more.

D'Ignoti was forced to shift the reporting focus from the Middle East to Coronavirus in Italy overnight after her flight to Iraq was canceled due to a border lockdown. She mostly covered the impact of COVID-19 on migrants and asylum seekers. …

Rural Mental Health Matters: Challenges, Opportunities & Resources For Communities, Joaquin Altoro, Paul Force-Emery Mackie, Kellie Kubena, Neil Tilghman, Thad Shunkwiler

Social Work Department Publications

This session will focus on resources and tools available to people in rural areas regarding mental health and community wellbeing. A Q/A – conversation will be hosted about its relevance with particular attention focused on the challenges of accessing help in rural areas, and why improved services, and investments in a robust workforce and infrastructure are needed to ensure the wellbeing and economic prosperity of rural communities.

Tackling The Complexities Of The Obesity Pandemic Among The Bame Population In The Uk Through Identification Of The Social Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: A Narrative Review, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Alan Rhodes, Edward Kunonga, Barry Tolchard, Jennifer Teke, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Obesity's multifaceted causes give rise to a complex and diverse range of health associated morbidities and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among British Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations within in the UK. As found within the recent COVID-19 pandemic these can have wider reaching implications including increased risk of mortality within this population group. Understanding the potential social determinants of the causes of obesity is essential if effective strategies are to be developed to tackle this. A comprehensive search of the CINAHL, ASSIA and Web of Science databases was undertaken with 148 papers identified. Through application …

Utilizing New Technologies To Measure Therapy Effectiveness For Mental And Physical Health, Jonathan Ossie

Dissertations

Mental health is quickly becoming a major policy concern, with recent data reporting increasing and disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, increased substance abuse, and elevated suicidal ideation. One specific population that is especially high risk for these issues is the military community because military conflict, deployment stressors, and combat exposure contribute to the risk of mental health problems.

Although several pharmacological approaches have been employed to combat this epidemic, their efficacy is mixed at best, which has led to novel nonpharmacological approaches. One such approach is Operation Surf, a nonprofit that provides nature-based programs advocating the restorative …

Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Program Evaluation Of One Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Erin Poore

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has the possibility of enhancing health outcomes for those living with substance abuse disorders. Previous research primarily focused on individuals with a diagnosis of dementia and other cognitive related disorders. Prior research that did look at individuals with substance abuse focused on the use of horses rather than canines and were limited to small sample sizes. We used an electronic medical record system to identify eligible patients to volunteer to participate in two weeks of animal-assisted therapy at one substance abuse treatment center in southeastern United States. Volunteers completed pre and post survey questions measuring overall satisfaction …

Bibliotherapy With Children With Neurodiverse Profiles: A Literature Review, Jessica Piltch-Loeb

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expressive arts therapy interventions are continuing to gain recognition as a means of healing for individuals with a wide range of diagnoses. Bibliotherapy is a particularly under researched modality of the expressive arts, leaving ample opportunity for future research on both reading and writing interventions. While bibliotherapy may not be a widespread subject of study, preliminary research shows that reading and writing therapies can promote emotional well-being for individuals dealing with mental illness. Children with neurodiverse profiles (NP) are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, than neurotypical children. Although previous …

Preventing Military Suicide Through Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Chae Reid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In 2022, 328 military members across the active component, Reserve, and National Guard died by suicide, the same as in 2021. In March 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III commissioned the Suicide Prevention Response Independent Review Committee to evaluate existing suicide prevention programs and strategies across the entire Department of Defense. This literature review aims to highlight the use of dance/movement therapy and other expressive therapies within the military, and how the arts have been utilized specifically for suicide prevention. Due to the lack of research on the use of dance/movement therapy, the articles included various studies of other …

The Student-Athlete Dilemma: The Hidden Truth, Andrew Jenkins

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of student-athletes' challenges transitioning to college life. The findings indicate that many student-athletes struggle with adapting to the academic demands, navigating the social landscape, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To address these issues, this paper recommends that universities implement comprehensive orientation programs that provide students with the necessary tools, resources, and support to succeed. Additionally, universities should offer targeted interventions such as mentoring, tutoring, and counseling to students who may be at risk of falling behind academically or experiencing mental health concerns. By taking a proactive approach, universities can ensure that students have …

Therapeutic Gardening For Mental Health In Substance Use Recovery, Stephanie E. Schafer

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

As the clinical nurse leader (CNL) in this project, I used the “[CNL]

Essential 1: Background for Practice from Sciences and Humanities” (Competencies and Curricular Expectations for Clinical Nurse Leader Education and Practice, 2013) and its competencies to focus on designing nursing care for a clinical or community-focused population based on biopsychosocial, public health, nursing, and organizational sciences and to synthesize evidence for practice to determine appropriate application of interventions across diverse populations. With the help of the CNL competencies and collaboration with the healthcare team, we created and implemented a therapeutic garden for residents in a substance use …

The Long-Term Psycho-Social Impact Of The Pandemic On People With Intellectual Disability And Their Carers, Alexandra Gabrielsson, Meissam Moghaddassian, Indermeet Sawhney, Sophie Shardlow, Samuel Tromans, Paul Bassett, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Background: People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) are at six times higher risk of death due to COVID-19. To mitigate harm, as a high-risk group, significant social changes were imposed on PWID in the UK. Alongside these changes, the uncertainty of the pandemic influence, caused PWID and their carers to encounter significant stress. The evidence of the pandemic’s psycho-social impact on PWID originates mainly from cross-sectional surveys conducted with professionals and carers. There is little research on the longitudinal psycho-social impact of the pandemic from PWID themselves. Aims: To examine the long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID. Methods: A …

Rural Mental Health Care During A Global Health Pandemic: Addressing And Supporting The Rapid Transition To Tele-Mental Health, Shawnda Schroeder, Holly Roberts, Thomasine Heitkamp, Brandy Clarke, Heather J. Gotham, Erika Franta

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

The adoption of tele-mental health by mental health professionals has been slow, especially in rural areas. Prior to 2020, less than half of mental health agencies offered tele-mental health for patients. In response to the global health pandemic in March of 2020, mental health therapists across the U.S. were challenged to make the rapid shift to tele-mental health to provide patient care. Given the lack of adoption of tele-mental health previously, immediate training in tele-mental health was needed. This article describes collaborative efforts between two mental health technology transfer centers and one addiction technology transfer center in rural regions of …

The Role Of Rural And Urban Geography And Gender In Community Stigma Around Mental Illness, Shawnda Schroeder, Chih Ming Tan, Brian Urlacher, Thomasine Heitkamp

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

Empirical evidence describes the negative outcomes people with mental health disorders experience due to societal stigma. The aim of this study was to examine the role of gender and rural/urban living in perceptions about mental illness. Participants completed the Day’s Mental Illness Stigma Scale, a nationally validated instrument for measuring stigma. Directors of Chambers of Commerce in North Dakota distributed the electronic survey to their members. Additionally, distribution occurred through use of social media and other snowball sampling approaches. Analysis of data gathered from 749 participants occurred through examination of the difference in perceptions based on geography and gender. The …

Birthing Reimagined: Perceptions Of Safety And Autonomy In Birth Experiences Among Postpartum Individuals During Covid-19, Beldina Orinda

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

Background: Safety during childbirth is a priority for care providers, but patients' perceptions of safety may differ from those of providers, especially in biomedical settings.1–4 This can influence health outcomes and satisfaction with the birth experience.5–7 We hypothesize that autonomy, defined as the ability to make decisions about care during childbirth, may enhance feelings of safety and positive mental health outcomes.9,15

Methods: Surveys via REDCap v11.1.29 captured the experiences and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of pregnant and postpartum women. Participants (n=49) included 15 pregnant and 34 postpartum individuals, aged 18 and older, who had given …

Utilizing An Evidence-Based Treatment Program For Offenders With Mental Health Disorders To Demonstrate Interprofessional Social Work Practice, Erica Kessinger, Ann Callahan

Social Work Masters Capstone Projects

Sixty-four percent of jail offenders, 54% of state prisoners, and 45% of federal prisoners have a mental illness (Taylor, 2022). Mental illness increases the risk of recidivism. Individuals with mental illness have limited access to appropriate treatment. They are more likely to respond negatively to the prison environment. This can lead to infractions and solitary confinement. In addition, 51% of incarcerated individuals, whether they received mental health treatment or not, are likely to experience recidivism (Pflueger et al., 2015). The practice of interprofessional social work inside the American prison system is desperately needed. The following paper proposes an evidence-based treatment …

An Exploration Of Intimate Partner Violence In Lgbt Relationships, Amaris Sanvictores, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience disproportionate rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Findings report rates of IPV among LGBT individuals ranging from 31.1%-61.1%, which is higher compared to 29%-35% with their cisgender peers. There is limited research regarding the impact of IPV in LGBT relationships through an occupational therapy lens. Purpose: This research project intends to identify occupational limitations by addressing the required needs and resources of individuals from LGBT IPV to improve their quality of life. The research acquired can be used to identify problem areas to provide …

Medical Interpreters' Work Impact On Their Lives: Understanding Medical Interpreters' Work Experience, Nicholas M. Herrarte Smith

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Medical interpreters in the US are crucial health workers that specialize in facilitating communication between non-English-speaking patients and English medical professionals. Although much research has been done regarding the positive impact of professional medical interpreters on LEP (limited English proficient) patients' health, it is less known how medical interpreters’ lives are impacted in this line of work. Thus, this study was aimed at gaining a better understanding on the impact that this line of work has on the lives of medical interpreters. For this study, a survey was created with questions regarding demographics, interpretation’s certification process, interpreter’s satisfaction/experience, and mental …

The Last Of Us In Therapy: How Mind-Controlling Fungi And Gut Bacteria Affect Your Mental Health, Anastasia Lyon

Journal of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences

The "psilocybiome" represents the mutually beneficial relationship between ourselves, our bacteria, and psychedelic drugs. This short review briefly discusses the benefits and limitations surrounding the potential for psychedelic therapy to synergize with gut bacteria to help regulate and maintain proper balance in the immune system, diet, and stress levels. Psychedelic therapy is a novel treatment strategy that has the potential to improve patient mental health, and, by identifying the types of gut bacteria present in patients, it can aid in personalizing medicine by determining how well their "psilocybiome" may respond.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine: Considerations For Using Humor Within The Mental Health Field, Brielle Pedrick

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Humor is a part of the human experience and allows us to connect with others. There are numerous psychological and psychological benefits from using humor such as it can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and can alter dopamine and serotonin activity. Not only does humor benefit the individual but it also allows us to create connections and bond with others through laughter. The benefits of humor can also be seen in a counseling setting between counselor and client. Clinicians should assess for client presentation, developmental considerations and cultural considerations before deciding if humor should be brought into the counseling room. Specific …

Rural Populations Amongst The Mental Health Crisis In The United States Of America: Implications For Counseling Professionals, Caylyn Arbogast

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The United States is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, following the COVID-19 Pandemic. While the United States continues to experience stigma around mental health, the impacts of the mental health and substance use crisis are even more prominent within rural communities. Challenges include lack of funding, transportation, availability, et cetera regarding the access and availability of services. Virginia, being comprised of mostly rural areas increases the likelihood that counselors may encounter a client from this background or directly serve people of these communities. Counselors are challenged to increase accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and availability to decrease barriers to treatment. As …

Supporting The Mental Health Needs Of Youth Through Neurobiologically-Informed Approaches, Hannah P. Jarrett

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Many children and adolescents are experiencing increased mental health challenges, resulting in a serious public health crisis. Mental health providers must apply innovative, research-based, and developmentally responsive intervention to meet the current mental health needs of youth. Neurobiologically-informed approaches, such as Polyvagal Theory, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, could be used to support children and adolescents appropriately and effectively across a variety of settings. These approaches apply principles of neuroscience, acknowledge developmental considerations, and attend to the impact of trauma. This project reviews mental health trends in children and adolescents, provides a brief overview of these approaches, …

Dealing With Your Dragons: Counseling Through Dungeons And Dragons, Devon Howell

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the idea of using the game of Dungeons and Dragons as a form of group counseling in a therapeutic setting. A search of relevant literature was conducted to discover potential therapeutic utility and cultural aspects of this prospective methodology. It was hypothesized that while the topic might not be well researched, it will yield potential possibilities for therapeutic use. The research presents possibilities for different theoretical underpinnings; in particular, it offers a unique range of benefits to both the client (improvements to social skills, sense of community, and overall mental health), …

Mental Health In Mixed Media, Samantha Ulloa

Writing Waves

No abstract provided.

Alone, But Not Lonely, Faith Uyeno

Writing Waves

No abstract provided.

Nostalgia, Kalina Brouwer

Writing Waves

No abstract provided.

Growth In Three Dimensions, Aubriana Bernhardt

Writing Waves

No abstract provided.

Meet Them Where They Are: Investigating The Feasibility And Acceptability Of Artificial Intelligence-Avatar-Delivered Community-Based Psychological First Aid Programming In A University Setting, Sarah Ryann M. Fortner, Joshua Semko, Stefan E. Schulenberg

Honors Theses

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) avatar to deliver Community-Based Psychological First Aid training (CBPFA) to undergraduate students in a university setting. College students report high stress levels, and chronic stress is associated with negative physical, mental, and academic outcomes. CBPFA may be an effective way for colleges and universities to provide students with psychosocial support; however, traditional models utilize in-person training, which may not be accessible on a large scale. The present study developed a web-based AI-avatar-delivered CBPFA training to provide an alternative training modality. The …

Prescription Drug Misuse Among Graduate Students: Prevalence And Links To Mental Health And Academic Burnout, Madison De Gruiter

Honors Theses

The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence of prescription drug misuse (PDM) among doctoral students and assess associations between PDM and anxiety and burnout in this population. Additional analyses analyzed differential associations by doctoral degree type (i.e., research versus professional programs). A sample of doctoral students (n=131) affiliated with the University of Mississippi participated in an anonymous survey to assess research aims.

The Tower: An Act-Based Product System That Helps Porn Addicts Eliminate Shame And Develop Healthier Habits Aligned With Their Core Values., Adetayo E. Oke

Theses

Pornography is a media phenomenon that has either educated or plagued the minds of young adolescence and teens, the topics that involve sex. Stated in a paper with (Lewczuk, K) [pornography usage has seen a rapid three times increase]; “(310%) between October 2004 and October 2016–starting from an estimated 2.76 million in the first period to 8.54 million.” The rise of pornography usage has thus caused new cases of Porn Addiction. What may seem like harmless addiction, pornography identifies as a new drug consumed by heterosexual men, and some women primarily consume it. According to studies, from (Kuer 90.1.), people …

Embedding Wellness Center: An Architecture That Promotes Healing And Well-Being, Kathryn J. Folger

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Environmental stressors and psychological torments make going about daily life unbearable to handle for many within the United States. The attention and concern for mental health continues to rise, but there is a larger need for resources and infrastructure to give action to conversation. To address the residual statistics of anxiety and mood disorders from COVID-19, this project will offer an architecture which enables the healing process to begin and extend beyond the tangible limits of space. Mental health facilities can provide that environment. This facility will offer an environment of community specifically for those who deal with anxiety and …

Exploring Barriers To Rural Mental Health Practice: A Pilot Study, Caitlin Vu

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

There is a shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas around the world. Current literature on barriers to healthcare professionals choosing to practice in rural areas mainly focuses on medical professionals, with few studies examining the barriers to rural practice for mental health professionals. Along with examining the perceived barriers and enablers to rural mental health practice, researchers wanted to further examine the reliability of the revised Barriers to Rural Mental Health Practice instrument. Researchers distributed the survey to mental health professionals across the United States. Preliminary findings support high internal reliability for the total scale and three of …