Digital Commons Network^™

Trauma Informed E-Newsletter: Issue 7, Jeanne Williamson, Brianca Smith-Austin

Student Counseling

No abstract provided.

Estimating School Race/Ethnic Enrollment Effects On Student Mental Health: Density And Diversity As A Risk Or Protective Factor, Melissa J. Dupont-Reyes, Alice P. Villatoro, Jo C. Phelan, Kris Painter

Public Health

Objective: To investigate effects of school race/ethnic enrollment on mental health in early adolescence by examining both race/ ethnic density (percent non-Latinx [NL] White enrollment) and diversity (range/size of all race/ethnic groups enrolled). Variation by student race/ethnic identity is examined as minority stressors are uniquely experienced by race/ethnic minority students.

Methods: Generalized estimating equations tested main effects of density/diversity on depressive-anxious symptoms across student-reported race/ethnic identity, adjusting for student/school factors. Owing to statistically significant Latinx-group differences by acculturative stress, four unique identities were generated: NL-Black, low-stress Latinx, high-stress Latinx, and NL-White—referent. Points of convergence of student mental health profiles across …

Interplay Between Social Media Use, Sleep Quality, And Mental Health In Youth: A Systematic Review, Rea Alonzo, Junayd Hussain, Saverio Stranges, Kelly K. Anderson

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

Social media applications are increasingly prominent among youth. This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of the literature on the relationship between active social media use, sleep quality, and common mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and psychological distress) among youth. MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE and Scopus were searched for observational studies investigating this relationship among youth (aged 16–25). Thirty-six cross-sectional studies and six prospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Among cross-sectional studies, significant associations between excessive social media use with poor mental health outcomes (n = 33), poor sleep quality (n = 24), and significant associations between poor sleep quality …

Mental Health Outcomes During Covid -19 Pandemic Among The Health Science Students Of A Medical College In Mangaluru, Nithin Kumar

Faculty work

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Related Benefits And Barriers Of Exercise Among College Students, Madison Hamilton

Honors Theses

It is very clear that college can be a very stressful time. These high levels of stress can lead to negative coping mechanisms. However, there is a positive coping mechanism: exercise. The purpose of this study is to examine mental health related benefits of exercise and discuss any differences between males and females. This study examined raw data from a previously done study with a large sample size of college students (n=629). The data included their answers to the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS), along with other measures of fitness. The EBBS consists of forty three statements that the participants rated …

Investing In A Culturally Diverse Mental Health Workforce In Minnesota, Emma Fuhrman, Teia Kopari, Cody Reinke, Josie Schultz

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Minnesota’s mental health workforce lacks in both cultural diversity and cultural responsiveness. Each is critical for providing equitable mental health care to Minnesota's increasingly diverse population. Without ensuring that Minnesota’s mental health workforce is culturally diverse, culturally responsive mental health care for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) will not be attainable. Minnesota must broaden, strengthen, and create structures to support a racially and ethnically diverse mental health workforce.

Increasing Mental Health Competency In School Nurses, Jennifer M. Walsh Msn, Cpnp, Cne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Mental health concerns in the pediatric population have increased over recent years, even more so due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time from onset of symptoms to treatment is over eight years, leaving less than 25% receiving care. Virginia ranks 47th for pediatric mental health care. School nurses spend a significant amount of workload on MH issues but often report being untrained to deal with these issues. Aims: Implement a quality improvement pilot program for school nurses designed to increase competency of identification, management, and referrals for students with mental health concerns. Outcomes measured domains of knowledge, attitude, and competency …

The Grizzly, April 1, 2021, Simra Mariam, Claude Wolfer, Rosalia Murphy, Alissa Diguglielmo, Ava Compagnoni, Julia Paiano, Griffin Banks, Dominic Nattle

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Reflections on Trans Day of Visibility • Spring Sports Return! • Advice to a College Underclassman: "Keep an Open Mind" • Omega Chi • The Rotaract Club • Opinion: For Better or Worse? A Review of Zack Snyder's "Justice League"; The Perfect Streaming Service • Hope is Still There • The Hidden Opponent

Experiencing Trauma And Burnout: The Coping Mechanisms Of Police Officers, Kathryn M. Larson

Honors Thesis

Police officers face burnout and trauma throughout their entire careers. There is a well-established knowledge of the psychological consequences that police officers face as well as some of the ways that they cope with these psychological issues. This study was an attempt to describe a group of police officers and their use of both positive and negative coping mechanisms such as alcohol use and avoidance. Further, the project assessed rates of burnout and trauma via an online survey that was sent to four different police departments in the Midwest. Participants (N=84) were officers that range in age from 23 to …

Occupational Therapy In Youth Violence: An Occupation-Based Program For At-Risk Youth, Jasmine Shahin

Student Capstone Papers

Throughout the years, youth participating in violence has become an increased concern around the nation as there is an increase in media outlets displaying tragedies, such as mass school shootings caused by students. The at-risk youth population is a specific population disadvantaged in engaging in safe and health-promoting activities due to limited resources or opportunities. As a result, at-risk youth make decisions based on their disadvantaged environment (Farajzadegan et al., 2018; Gallagher et al., 2015a). Factors including socioeconomic status, social support from family or friends, and mental health impact an individual’s opinions, attitudes, and interests as well as their occupational …

Implementing A Peer Advocate Mental Health Digital Intervention Program For Ohio Youth: Descriptive Pilot Study, Tashuna Albritton, Kelsey Lynett Ford, Kira Elsbernd, Melodie Santodomingo, Ivan Juzang, Pam Weddington, Sheana Bull

Publications and Research

In the United States, millions of adolescents report poor mental health, where 1 in 5 teenagers considers suicide. Reducing stigma and fostering peer support remains critical for positive mental health interventions and programs. Increasingly, digital mental health tools have emerged with great promise, leveraging social networks. Despite the potential, limited understanding of such comprehensive programs and their implementation exist.

Elementary School Counselors Experiences Working With Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: A Qualitative Dissertation, Esther Diane Mccartney

Theses and Dissertations

Students with emotional/behavioral disorders have identified disruptive behaviors that negatively impact their academic performance. The US Department of Education and the American School Counselor Association have supported the use of school-wide Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to reinforce pro-social behaviors for all students, but to also ensure the development of targeted and intensive interventions for students who need more support. As stakeholders, school counselors are often involved in the development and implementation of MTSS’s tiered interventions to provide support to all students, especially those with disabilities. Using consensual qualitative research study, the research team aimed to examine elementary school counselor’s …

The Effect Of Nutrition And Exercise On Mental Health, Rebekah Owen

Senior Honors Theses

Research has shown nutrition and exercise are especially effective in helping relieve mental illness. Mental health can be aided through dietary alterations such as increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Proper nutritional patterns help regulate neurotransmitters and assist in the betterment of brain functioning, offering protection from and maintenance of mental illness. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet provides to be most beneficial for mental health compared to the standard American diet which contains additives harmful to the human brain. Physical exercise also provides to be a possible therapy for those suffering from mental …

Criminal Mental Health, Tabitha Oliver

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to assess and address the prevalence of mental health issues among incarcerated individuals in America. There are multiple internal and external contributing factors to the disproportionately high numbers of mentally ill inmates. Comparing the United States prison system with other countries such as Norway allows for possible paths to improving the mental health crisis that we are currently experiencing. This thesis looks at the principles and practices used in Norway's prisons as well as how they affect inmate's mental health. By comparing Norway's prison policies and design, this thesis will suggest changes in staff …

The Effects Of Mental Health In Students’ Academic And Social Success, Matthew Evans

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The percentage of children experience mental health issues such as anxiety, behavior disorders and depression have continued to become more prevalent in the last twenty years. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the prevalence and contributing factors of mental health disorders in school aged children and the effects it has on their social success and academic achievement and what can be done to support children to be successful and improve their mental health. Educators are a key factor in improving a child’s mental health, with much of a child’s time being spent in school, educators are more …

Participation In Physical Education And The Effect On Mental Health, Kacie O'Connor

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review is an examination of the effects physical education has on students’ mental health. The importance of youth’s mental health is a critical topic. Physical activity is a large part of having good mental health. This literature review aims to provide insights into the effects physical activity and physical education have on students/youth mental health. The mental health issue in the United States is higher than ever before and needs to be addressed. Researchers have determined physical activity is consistent with increased mental health in students. Regular physical activity, whether it is in a physical education class or …

Youth Ministry In 2020 And Beyond: The Mental Health Of Generation Z, The Impact Of Covid-19, And Its Implications For Youth Ministry In America, Abigail J. Smith

Selected Honors Theses

Generation Z is a generation that is completely unique to the ones before it. However, this also means that Generation Z also has its own unique challenges from the generations that came before. This thesis examines who Generation Z is, explores Generation Z’s struggle with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and loneliness. In light of those issues, this thesis seeks to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and continues to affect Generation Z’s battle with mental health. The purpose of this thesis is to identify and define these issues and understand how youth pastors can meet the …

Research On Effects Of Grading, Heather J. Leslie Phd

Learning Design Center: Staff Scholarship

I believe we have shared goals for our students to become happy, ethical, caring, compassionate, independent, self-motivated, curious critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Decades of research on the effects of grades and grading undermines those goals. This executive summary presents just some of research on how grading affects students’ mental health, intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and relationships with teachers and peers. Student survey results are included from a course taught without the use of grades.

"I Thought That We Could Nurture The Nature Out Of Our Son": Making Meaning Of Parenting In The Narratives Of Parents Of Children In Residential Treatment, Jared V. Worwood

Theses and Dissertations

This study implements relational dialectics theory to explore the meaning of parenting from the perspective of parents who had enrolled a child in a residential treatment program. Contrapuntal analysis of six interviews revealed two discourses competing to make meaning of parenting. The Discourse of Demanding Parenting Ideals (DDPI) consisted of two themes: relentless sacrifice and complete responsibility, whereas themes of boundary-setting and acceptance compose the Discourse of Realistic Best Effort (DRBE). Discursive interplay between these discourses occurred in the forms of diachronic separation, synchronic interplay, and discursive transformation to make meaning of parenting and hold theoretical and practical implications.

Modeling Cumulative Risk During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Psychosocial And Socioeconomic Factors For Older Minority Adults, James F. Osborne Iv

LSU Master's Theses

Continued response to the sum consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has disparately affected the physical and mental health of older minority adults in the United States. SARS-CoV-2 created an acute epidemiological crisis of public health coinciding with a chronic pandemic of accentuated psychosocial stress. Biological and socio-economic risk of morbidity and mortality follow a demographic gradient of subjectively constructed social status that disproportionally threatens older adults and minority racial/ethnic communities. Pathways to increased socio-economic and psychosocial vulnerability are multifactorial and complex. Factors of race, socio-economic status, gender, and age, each contribute to individualized profiles of vulnerability to risk exposure.

The …

Count Your Blessings: The Practice Of Gratitude In New Jersey Elementary Classrooms, Rebecca Stillman

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

“Count Your Blessings'' takes a deeper look into the changing education landscape to better understand the topic of gratitude. The main research question at hand addresses whether gratitude is being utilized by educators in New Jersey elementary classrooms, and if so, what is its impact. The research additionally prompts whether educators prefer this topic be mandated as part of elementary school curricula. This study examined the specific audience of K-8 educators in the state of New Jersey in hopes to gain a better understanding of their awareness, rated importance, and support of the topic of gratitude in elementary education. Specific …

Mental Health Of Children And Adolescents Amidst Covid-19 And Past Pandemics: A Rapid Systematic Review, Salima Meherali, Neelam Punjani, Samantha Louie-Poon, Komal Abdul Rahim, Jai K. Das, Rehana A. Salam, Zohra S. Lassi

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Background: The COVID‑19 pandemic and associated public health measures have disrupted the lives of people around the world. It is already evident that the direct and indirect psychological and social effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic are insidious and affect the mental health of young children and adolescents now and will in the future. The aim and objectives of this knowledge-synthesis study were to identify the impact of the pandemic on children's and adolescent's mental health and to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions employed during previous and the current pandemic to promote children's and adolescents' mental health.
Methodology: We conducted …

Negative Marital Interaction, Purpose In Life, And Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged And Older Couples: Evidence From The Health And Retirement Study, Elliane Irani, Sumin Park, Ronald L. Hickman Jr.

Faculty Scholarship

Objective: Negative marital interaction and purpose in life have been associated with depressive symptoms. Yet, these associations have not been fully explored in a dyadic context. This study examines the actor (intra-individual) and partner (cross-spousal) effects of negative marital interaction on depressive symptoms in couples and the potential mediating role of purpose in life. Methods: Data came from 1186 heterosexual married couples who participated in the 2016 (T1) and 2018 (T2) waves of the Health and Retirement Study and completed the psychosocial questionnaire in 2016. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct and indirect associations among T1 negative …

A Self-Advocate’S Perspective On The Covid-19 Pandemic, D.R. Reff

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This article summarizes the experience of a self-advocate from Idaho during the COVID pandemic. This article addresses issues of social isolation, mental health, and social supports.

Okay, Kassie H. Bohannon

Honors College Theses

Okay is a minimalistic literary fiction short story cycle that examines the lives of Collin and Charlotte Grearson, two children who grow up with a working class status in a broken home, and their journeys to adulthood as they both respectively cope with their underlying mental health problems. The stories in Okay exemplify how refusal to seek help for a mental health problem, or the lack of support from others even if the illness is communicated, can cause a disconnect between family members, the worsening of the illness itself, and the eventual possibility of fatal conclusions. Okay is composed as …

Resilience In The Journey To Justice, Romae-Anne Aquino

Experiences with the COVID-19 Illness

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Quarantine Offered Unique Opportunity For Reflection And Discernment, Thomas Plante

The Move to the Virtual World

No abstract provided.

Closer To Fine, Julia Claire Santos

General and Other Stories During COVID-19

No abstract provided.

Systematic Literature Review Of Psychiatric Comorbidities In Adults With Epilepsy, Elaine Lu, Christopher J. Burant, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background and Purpose Mental illness is disproportionately common in people with epilepsy (PWE). This systematic literature review identified original research articles that reported the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities based upon clinical assessments in a sample of PWE and assessed the clinical features of the populations found in studies included in our review of mental health comorbidity. Methods The included articles were written in English and published from 2008 to 2018, and focused on adults aged ≥18 years who had psychiatric diagnoses determined in clinical assessments, such as those found in medical records, clinician psychiatric evaluations, struc-tured diagnostic interviews, and mental …

Impact Of The Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) Lockdown On Mental Health And Well-Being In The United Arab Emirates, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Maysm N. Mohamad, Mo'ath F. Bataineh, Abir Ajab, Amina M. Al-Marzouqi, Amjad H. Jarrar, Dima O. Abu Jamous, Habiba I. Ali, Haleama Al Sabbah, Hayder Hasan, Lily Stojanovska, Mona Hashim, Reyad R. Shaker Obaid, Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri

All Works

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) …