Digital Commons Network^™

Gauging Clientele Knowledge On Alternative Methods Of Payment For Veterinary Services In Relation To Client Satisfaction, Olivia Hritzkowin

Honors College Theses

The following study focuses on the knowledge that veterinary clients possess surrounding alternative methods of payment for veterinary services and its relation to overall client satisfaction, as well as the prevalence of mental health crisis in veterinary professionals as it relates to client satisfaction. An in-depth analysis of online articles and journals was compared to the results of a survey of pet owners and veterinary professionals to obtain results for the study. The results of the analysis of online resources revealed that many pet owners are stressed about paying for veterinary care for their animal and that most are unprepared …

College Student Depression Throughout Covid-19: Fall 2019-Spring 2022, Matthew Powless, Zachary Pilot, Valentin Bouvier, Elisabeth Brown, Mikaila Ealum, Lakota Iron Rope

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

The current study examined the trends in depression and emotion regulation for students (n = 899) at one university in the Midwest United States from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (Fall 2019) through the Spring 2022 semester. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted, controlling for difficulties in emotion regulation and gender identity. The ANCOVA indicated that depression was significantly lower in Fall 2019 than in the remaining five semesters under investigation. Results of these analyses appear to indicate that depression rose significantly in students after the onset of the pandemic and implementation of social restrictions. This negative effect …

Amanda Morris, Oral History Interview, 2023, You Li

Collective Memory of Women Journalists in COVID-19

Amanda Morris is a staff reporter at the Washington Post in the United States. Before joining the Post in August 2022, Morris was an inaugural disability reporting fellow for The New York Times. Previously, she covered science, politics, and national news for outlets, including The Arizona Republic, The Associated Press, and National Public Radio (NPR).

In this interview Morris shared her experiences covering the early months of the pandemic for The Arizona Republic. She recalled challenges such as performing field work as a visual journalist, maintaining work and work-life balance, mental health, and combating public distrust in science reporting and …

Coda Identity - Why Our Stories Are Important: A Qualitative Look At The Personal Narratives Of Adult Hearing Children Of Deaf Adults, Emma Tripp

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Children of Deaf adults (Coda) possess bicultural identities which may play a significant role in their mental health journeys. Bicultural identities can be a source of both stress and pride. Harmony between multiple cultural identities is associated with more positive mental health outcomes (Tikhonov et al., 2019). Codas belong to an under researched population of Deaf communities, further mystifying the inner worlds of Codas. This preliminary study aims to document the personal narratives of Codas’ lived experiences and perceptions as individuals with bicultural identities by thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with five Codas in hopes to identify areas of future …

The End Of Roe V. Wade: Implications For Women's Mental Health And Care, Amalia Londoño Tobón, Eileen Mcnicholas, Camille A Clare, Luu D Ireland, Jennifer L Payne, Tiffany A Moore Simas, Rachel K Scott, Madeleine Becker, Nancy Byatt

Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers

The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson in June 2022 reversed precedent which had previously protected abortion prior to fetal viability as a universal right within the United States. This decision almost immediately led to abortion restrictions across 25 states. The resulting lack of access to abortion care for millions of pregnant people will have profound physical and mental health consequences, the full effects of which will not be realized for years to come. Approximately 1 in 5 women access abortions in the U.S. each year. These women are diverse and represent all American groups. The Supreme court decision, …

Prescribing Music To Forensic Settings: A Literature Review, Sydney A. Bouchard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Though prison is inherently musical, evidence-based forensic music therapy is rather understudied. This thesis critically reviews musical experiences in forensic environments and synthesizes its intersection with inmates' psychological distress. Additionally, the literature explores how forensic music therapy can act as a health and social resource for the incarcerated and their communities. Engaging in this work is vital because healthier correctional systems mean healthier communities (Hopwood, 2021). This review synthesizes relevant literature to inform better practices in music therapy, counseling, and healthcare and seeks to popularize discussion around an otherwise unpopular population, incarcerated folx. Emerging themes include (1) incarceration breeds negative …

Art Therapy And Chronic Pain: Exploring Pain Tolerance, Body Sensations And Emotions, India Brown

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Over four weeks, topics of emotion, physical and body sensation, and chronic pain using art therapy were explored. The therapy provided a foundation for practicing mindfulness, increasing awareness, and expressing various symptoms such as somatic discomfort and emotional dysregulation. I co-facilitated a group consisting of individuals between the ages of 23 and 70 identifying as male or female, with a mix of white and black clients from the middle-class bracket. The group participated in art therapy and mindful meditation sessions in an outpatient program. Through this experience, I discovered that many individuals dissociate from their pain and emotional well-being. While …

How Drama Therapy Interventions May Enhance The Psychological Health Of Astronauts: A Literature Review, Mackenna Wysocki

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Astronauts may encounter a number of psychological challenges throughout their space missions. Crew members often suffer from a disrupted circadian rhythm, thus altering their sleep patterns. Prolonged disrupted sleep has been linked to a decline in executive functioning, concentration, and decision making, all of which are crucial to the duties of an astronaut. Additionally, crews are required to stay in cramped living quarters with the same group of people for an extended period of time, leading to an increased possibility of interpersonal conflict. There are no open spaces in which to escape when trying to decompress, there is limited contact …

Implementing An Emr System In A Small Psychiatric Practice, Brandy Mccrudden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Electronic medical records (EMRs) can aid in improving surveillance, monitoring, adherence to practice guidelines, improving communication, and reducing medical errors. The adoption of EMRs in psychiatry and mental health settings has been slow despite the offered benefits. This project aimed to develop an implementation and training plan to successfully transition from paper charts to EMRs in a psychiatry practice. An extensive literature review was conducted on the adoption of EMRs in mental health settings, and a guideline for implementation was created to overcome identified barriers. Implementation guidelines included a planning phase, staff training plan, and rollout using a phase-in approach. …

Self-Care In Mental Health: A Study On The Effectiveness Of Self Care For Overall Mental Wellbeing, Amy C. Branson

Honors College Theses

Studies have shown that self-care can be very effective in the treatment of different mental health issues. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of three common self-care techniques (sleep, diet, and exercise) on the overall mental health and wellbeing of college students. This research consists of two surveys that collect data on self-care habits and current mental health, interposed by a two-week period of implementing positive changes to one of the self-care methods. This study used voluntary response sampling. The survey was be administered online to students at Georgia Southern University. The survey data was collected …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Regulation And Resilience In The Classroom, Catherine Newton, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An occupational therapy educational program that focuses on increasing teachers' knowledge surrounding childhood trauma as well as promoting regulation and resilience in the classroom.

Microaggressions Versus Blatant Discrimination And Their Effects On Mental Health, Ian Lock

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This study examined the relationship between types of discrimination and its effect on mental health. Specifically, comparing microaggressions and blatant discrimination to see which variable had a significant impact on depression and anxiety. Microaggressions, derogatory slights/insults directed at members of an oppressed group, are a primary focus for researchers looking at racial discrimination. The impact of microaggressions is prevalent across a myriad of different marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Microaggressions have a large negative impact on mental and physical well-being in individuals, with research finding that it has a negative impact on symptoms …

Strategic Use Of Wellness Ambassadors To Increase Attendance Of Initial Mental Health Appointments, Kaitlyn Blair, Mirna Law, Bettina Bernstein

Research Day

Background

Many adults and children with mental health conditions in the US do not receive treatment, and in Philadelphia alone, there were 174 suicide deaths in 2017. The shortage of mental health professionals and long wait times are significant barriers to accessing mental health care. Executive function difficulties can make it challenging for individuals to maintain a schedule for mental health appointments. A study found that reminder phone calls result in an increased rate of mental health appointment keeping. The goal of this project is to increase attendance of first mental health appointments by patients referred to mental health services …

Targeting Social Connection In The Context Of Trauma: Functional Outcomes And Mechanisms Of Change, Andrew J. Smith, David Pincus, Bernard P. Ricca

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The current study presents and preliminarily tests a brief, theory driven intervention designed to target social connectivity as a transdiagnostic mechanism of health. We tested four hypotheses to examine whether and how explicitly targeting social behavior engagement (activating values-led behaviors towards specific network members) may improve other downstream aspects of social connectivity (i.e., social cognitions measured as loneliness, interpersonal closeness, perceived social support) and functioning (quality of life [QOL] and posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTS]). Methods. Participants included 15 patients (10 veterans, 5 firefighters) who completed the six-session intervention. Demographics: age (M = 46, SD = 17), 87% male, race (80% …

Suicide Among Adolescents In South Korea, Alyssa Kang

Ballard Brief

Suicide is a prevalent issue that widely affects all demographics in South Korea. Among adolescents, it is the leading cause of mortality with an average rate of 7 deaths per 100,000 people. Some of the most significant factors that influence the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts are cultural stigma and academic stress. Other factors, such as bullying and family structure, also increase the likelihood of suicide. There are also specific characteristics which predict suicide, including internet addiction, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse. Adolescent suicide attempts in Korea also increase the individual's risk for future attempts. Additionally, completed suicides can …

Social Support And Perceptions Of Covid-19-Related Emotional Impact On Mental Health Among Early Adolescents In Appalachia, Hannah M. Layman, Michael J. Mann, Megan L. Smith, Steven M. Kogan, Alfgeir L. Kristjansson

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Young people who experience higher levels of social support from their schools and families have been shown to be less likely to develop symptoms of negative mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.1–4 This raises questions concerning how young people's stress and psychological changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as social support during this time have affected their overall mental health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between sources of parental- and school-level social support and youth perceptions of COVID-19-related emotional impact on mental health among early adolescent girls and boys in …

“Why Can’T I Get Over This?”: The Impact Of Vicarious Trauma On College Student Leader Mental Health, Sarah Hagelberger

Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Many college student leaders get the opportunity to learn the stories of those they serve. Similar to people in other helping roles, a possible impact of this work is experiencing a negative emotional response developed in response to the trauma someone in close proximity is experiencing, or vicarious trauma. This research project attempted to understand the impact of vicarious trauma on college student leader mental health. Using a phenomenological approach, the study explored the experiences of nine past student leaders at a small, private, liberal arts college in the Midwest. Results indicate that vicarious trauma, inherently, has a negative impact …

The Efficacy Of Neuroleptics On Mental Health Disorders, Rathea Hersi

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

Mental health disorders affect a lot of people in the world and can be triggered by a wide variety of reasons. The treatment of mental health disorders varies based on the type of disorder one is dealing with, as well as the symptoms that each portrays. While history has changed how people view mental health disorders, it also shows that the models of treatment used have not always been beneficial to the wellness of human beings. Research shows that there are different ways in which mental health disorders affect the brain, which means that a study of the different parts …

Behavior Determined By Biological Processes, Alyss Kerl

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

The paper is about the condition known as Human Colony Collapse Disorder (HCCD), which has been seen in several communities around the world, is characterized by a sharp fall in population, social cohesion, and economic stability. This study seeks to investigate the root causes and potential remedies for HCCD. The well-known Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which affects honeybee populations and causes entire hives to collapse owing to a confluence of variables including environmental stressors, illness, and inadequate nutrition, is comparable to HCCD in certain ways. This project's goal is to look at probable HCCD causes and contributing variables, as well …

Mental Health & Homelessness, Lucy Alimamy

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No specific gender, race, socioeconomic status, or occupation is exempt from the stigma associated with mental health issues. It has an impact on every person, both directly and indirectly. Women who have been victimized often suffer from mental illnesses that lead to additional victimization, such as homelessness. The main goal of this thesis is to inform and raise awareness of homelessness and mental illness. I hope that by sharing the information and data I will be collecting through my work, people will be inspired to help those in need in our neighborhoods and, in the long run, will contribute to …

Addressing The Complexity Of Mental Health Care For Youth Experiencing Houselessness, Sarah Hamilton

Psychology Honors Projects

Children and youth experiencing houselessness have a unique set of mental health needs due to the traumatic experience of houselessness during childhood and the other adverse childhood experiences that often coincide with houselessness (van der Kolk, 2003; Wong et al., 2016). They face immense barriers in access to mental health care due to logistical factors as a result of their housing status and socio-structural factors (Krippel et al., 2020; Gallardo et al., 2020; Bradley et al., 2018). However, existing studies reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for children and youth experiencing houselessness and a lack of insight from mental health …

The Impact Of Sleep And Mental Health On Undergraduate Student’S Academic Performance: A Multi-Measure Examination, Janine Shuman

2023 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

College students represent a vulnerable demographic of sleep and mental health disturbances. Prior research on the impact these pervasive struggles have on academic performance in college student populations has yielded mixed findings and has largely been limited to the exclusive use of subjective sleep measures. The present study investigates the impact of sleep efficiency, subjective sleep quality, and mental health on the academic performance of college students. In this study, a sample of undergraduate students (N =92) wore a Fitbit actigraphy monitoring device for 21 days and completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality and mental health, including …

A Scoping Review Of The Impact Of Solitary Confinement On Self-Harm And Suicide Among Adults In U.S. Prisons, Jessica Diana Puebla

Social Work Theses - Archive

Solitary confinement is a widespread issue that impacts the most vulnerable individuals in our country. The U.S. uses solitary confinement more frequently and for longer periods of time compared to other countries though its use has not proven to be an effective intervention in prisons. Solitary confinement limits the individual’s ability to connect with peers, friends, and family as visits are restricted, thus impacting their mental health. This thesis aimed to understand the impact of solitary confinement of self-harm and suicide among adults in U.S. prisons; This thesis also attempted to shed light on the theoretical lenses that were stated …

Young Adult Well-Being After Childhood Maltreatment Experiences, Katherine Fahrenthold

Social Work Theses - Archive

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s), attachment style, and well-being in transition-age youth. The study sought to address two questions; is the attachment style of young adults who have experienced maltreatment associated with well-being and overall adjustment in the transition to adulthood? What is the lived experience of young adults who have experienced child maltreatment as they transition to adulthood? An online survey containing questions about demographics, 3 validated measures (the ACE questionnaire, Revised Adult Attachment Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form), and expanded ACE item questions was administered …

Minority Stress Through Time: Sexual Minority Stress & Suicidality Across Generations, Jenessa Canen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research suggests that sexual minority populations are at a much higher risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers. The primary explanation for this disparity is minority stress theory. The theory of minority stress proposes that in addition to everyday stressors experienced by most people, sexual minorities experience additional unique stressors related to their sexual minority identity. Since minority stress theory was proposed in 2003, much has changed about how the United States understands and views sexual minorities. Theoretically, this should impact the way minority stress is being experienced, which may be seen by examining minority stress across sexual minorities of …

Impacts Of Personal Cultural Orientations On College Students’ Psychological Health And Preventive Behaviors During The Covid-19 Period, Joanna Ouyang

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic life changes to individuals across the world. Personal cultural orientations of these individuals alter the way individuals respond to the pandemic and their mental wellness. This research investigates how personal cultural orientations impact college students’ mental health primarily anxiety, prevention behaviors and intentions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and active coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n=155) completed measures of independence, ambiguity intolerance, masculinity, gender equality, mental health, prevention behaviors to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and active coping strategies to protect themselves during the pandemic. Results revealed that people with higher …

Suicide Prevention In The Adolescent And Young Adult Population, Marlee June Stepp

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Suicide is a complex topic and requires a multi-discplinary approach. Various health professionals need to be involved in the training and care of suicide prevention. There is a lack of standardized approach in medical schools to properly train students in suicide prevention. Advocacy, awareness, and evidence-based training are needed.

Educating Healthcare Professionals On Burnout Risk Factors, Effects, & Interventions, Rian Thomas

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Purpose: Address the occupational phenomena of burnout through the intervention of education by making aware the risk factors of obtaining it, its effects on an individual, and interventions that can combat it. Program Development: Utilized evidence based resources to create an educational module to present to the staff and healthcare workers of the site. The module included risk factors that increase the chances of obtaining burnout, the effects of burnout on an individual, and interventions that have been proven to have positive effects on combating burnout.

Do We Belong? Promoting A Sense Of Belonging In Lgbtq Youth Through Artistic Community Engagement: A Literature Review, Patricia Moran

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the potential of collaborative art making as a tool to foster a sense of belonging in today’s gender and sexual minority youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ). Living with a unique layer of minority stress, LGBTQ youth are at high risk for developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation due to ostracization and rejection from their families and communities. By reviewing the implementation of collaborative art making to bring together other marginalized groups across cultural backgrounds as well as the use of art making with LGBTQ youth …

Whatever It Takes: A Literature Review Exploring The Psychological Cost Of Actor Training And How Drama Therapy Can Help, Kelsey Burke

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review examines the literature as it relates to the psychological and emotional impact of professional training programs for student-actors. Special attention is paid to student-actors’ developmental stage, mental health and trauma history, possible exposure to sexual harassment in rehearsal or classroom settings, specific acting techniques taught, and power dynamics between student-actors and acting teachers. Also examined is data on the potential effects that the application of trauma-informed drama therapy approaches could have on this population. This is followed by a proposed outline for a supervision-style class for student-actors led by a drama therapist intended to introduce drama therapeutic principles …