Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Relationships Of Social Media Usage And Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression In Adolescents, Morgan Culpepper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social media is a popular form of communication and entertainment among youth. Inconsistencies are present in the literature on the potential effects it can have on mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are common among all age groups in the US, and this study aimed to determine the relationship social media has on symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS) and the GAD-7 were used to measure symptoms of anxiety, as well as the CES-D scale to evaluate depressive symptoms in adolescents. The number of social networking sites and number of hours spent on social …

The Moderating Effect Of Social Support On The Impact Of Perceived Loneliness On The Mental Health Of Long-Term Care Nursing Home Residents, Lindsay Nicole Stivers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study is to examine the moderating effect of social support on the impact of loneliness on anxiety and depression in long-term care residents in nursing homes. Recent research suggests that a relationship exists between loneliness and rates of depression and anxiety in long-term care nursing home residents. The present study seeks to examine the buffering effect of social support and utilize the findings to provide suggestions for policy, practice, and research. A binary logistic regression and a series of multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between the variables. The present study’s sample …

The Benefits Of Alternative Therapies On Adult Mental Health, Sara Bryan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the following descriptive pre and post study was to collect and analyze data to determine if there are benefits to alternative therapies on adult mental health. Three types of alternative therapies were studied: aromatherapy, recreation therapy, and yoga. A literature review was conducted and pre and post questionnaires were administered. Frequencies and averages were run which showed that participants were mostly Caucasian, with an average age of 31 years and most diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Participants showed decreased levels of anxiety and depression after attending both aromatherapy and yoga classes. Participants showed decreased anxiety levels after …

The Links Between Locus Of Control, Trauma History, And Death Anxiety In Cancer Patients, Joanna Mallary

Honors Scholar Theses

This thesis project used cross-sectional survey data from a larger longitudinal study of cancer patients' psychological adjustment to analyze correlations between a history of traumatic life experiences, personal control beliefs, and death anxiety in cancer patients who had been diagnosed between 1 and 3 years prior. Contrary to hypotheses, lifetime trauma history was not found to predict an external locus of control in patients but, in fact, was related to greater feelings of control over the course of their illness. However, results did confirm the hypothesis that control beliefs would be related in specific ways to anxiety about cancer-related death. …

Promoting Resilience In Self-Management (Prism): Adverse Childhood Experiences And Impacts On Emotion Regulation, Kasey Ann Macedo

Honors Scholar Theses

PRISM (Promoting Resilience in Self-Management) is a mindfulness-based intervention that aims to strengthen emotion regulation skills among individuals by employing cognitive behavioral therapy components. The purpose of the current study is to identify the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression, as well as to examine the changes in emotion regulation strategies of participants by comparing pre and post test data. The participants were voluntarily recruited from the Cornerstone Foundation, a homeless shelter, food pantry, and community center in Vernon, CT. The 13 participants completed PRISM through four weeks of two-hour workshop sessions in a small-group format. Results indicate …

Screen Time Reduction, Karmen L. Serda Mrs.

MSN Capstone Projects

Children and adolescents are spending an alarming amount of time engaging in screen time (ST) activities on mobile devices, computers, televisions (TV), and video games; activities include, but are not limited to, watching shows or movies, playing video games, searching the internet, texting, or using social media. This excessive ST is contributing to a vast array of serious childhood complications and health concerns, of which are rarely discussed, acknowledged, or remedied.

The proposed implementation of a structured 3-day elementary school based screen time reduction program (STRP) that would target not only the children and adolescents, but their parents and/or caregivers …

It's Raining In My Garden - A Mental Health Guide For Kids, Glenn Agape E. Montero

Honors Capstones

Middle school aged children have little or inadequate mental health education. This causes a contradiction to the idea that the earlier people are informed about their mental health, the sooner they are able to be aware of it and learn how to manage it. Unlike the mental health books and guides that high-schoolers receive and the picture books that elementary school children use, this is a small guide book tailored to those in middle school. Highlighting common mental illnesses that middle-aged children might encounter, such as depression and anxiety, this book informs children on how to notice hallmark signs, how …

Racial/Ethnic Differences In Attitudinal Treatment Engagement Among Adolescents And Young Adults, Linda A. Oshin

Doctoral Dissertations

Low engagement in mental health treatment is a problem across racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender lines. Disparities in treatment engagement are particularly evident among certain racial/ethnic groups and may result in part from different beliefs about mental health and psychotherapy (Yasui et al., 2017). Despite evidence of engagement disparities, there is limited research on the attitudes that youth of color have toward mental health treatment. The current studies investigate racial/ethnic differences in beliefs about treatment among adolescents and young adults. Study 1 was a retrospective cohort analysis examining self-reported readiness for psychotherapy among adolescents admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Results …

2020-04-27 A Message From Chancellor Roth, Paul B. Roth

HSC Messages from the Chancellor

No abstract provided.

Positives And Negatives: A Mom's Experience In Quarantine, Anonymous Mother

Covid-19 Archive: Documents

This interview of a mother touches on both positive and negatives. Working from home, she has been able to spend more time with her son, yet she is worrying now more than ever. The interview took place over the phone (phone call) with one participant in Emerson, New Jersey and the other in Aurora, Illinois.

Exploring The Use Of Mental Health Services And Programs At A Historically Black College: A Case Study, Stacey D. Wilson

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Research shows students’ use of counseling programs and services to address the mental health needs of their student body on HBCU campuses are underdocumented. This qualitative descriptive single case study was developed to provide substantiated conclusions on this use that can be added to the current literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate participants’ perceptions on the use of these services, and the strategies used to influence the use of these services, on one HBCU campus. This study was guided by two research questions: (a) What are the perceptions of the counseling center staff, faculty, and students of …

Community Psychology's Impact On Public Health And The Experience Of Marginalization, Katie Hudick

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

Vulnerable and marginalized populations face a series of risks and dangers throughout their daily lives. This is not simply limited to explicit forms of discrimination and hatred, but systemic forms of oppression and discrimination which limit those not belonging to more privileged and affluent socioeconomic or sociocultural groups. Community psychology operates as a means of analyzing how environmental and social factors impact specific demographic groups within a larger population and by extension the experience of mental health specific to these groups (Townley, Brown, & Sylvestre, 2018). In the application of this field, it is critical to understand the dynamics of …

Take A Hike – No Really, It’S Good For Your Health, Nathan Weller

BU Well

Mental health and its treatment remain prevalent concerns across the United States. As such, the importance of activities that promote mental well-being cannot be understated. One such example includes the use of nature to minimize negative, depressive thoughts while promoting their positive counterparts. This new area of focus, often known as ecotherapy, will be detailed in the following article.

An Aching For Affection, Tj Quinlan

BU Well

As humans, we’ve needed companionship from the beginning of time. Therefore, what does a true relationship look like in today’s society? In this world of newly emerging relationships, many people have either experienced, seen, or heard of a toxic relationship. This article dives deep into what makes a toxic relationship, how to notice the red flags, and how to ultimately fix or end it.

Get Your Head In The Game: On And Off The Field, Katelyn Le

BU Well

Mental health has recently become a popular topic on college campuses. New resources and programs are being implemented to ensure the mental wellbeing of students, however, on-campus athletic programs seem to be lagging behind. Athletic departments have trainers and methods to track physical wellness, but often do not have tools to measure mental wellness. This article not only explores the transition and challenges of student athletes, but sheds light on the intense mental aspect of college athletics.

Continuing Student Learning At Home, Government Of Yukon

Covid-19 Archive: Documents

A letter from the Government of Yukon offering ideas, resources, and potential lessons for students and families to continue education during school closures. The letter offers numerous ideas for students of all ages, including on-line resources, and ways to incorporate learning into everyday activities such as cooking, gardening, and caring for siblings or elders in the home.

Rained In: An Original Musical, Naomi Krizner

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

This musical confronts the perception of mental illness in an allegorical story that recounts an encounter between Tate, an estranged man inhabiting a cave who is taunted by two demons, and Emsley, a young girl brimming with innocence and curiosity.

Reframing Solutions To Mental Health In Higher Education, Alan Cromlish

Essays in Education

Universities in the U.S. have seen their students’ experience an increase in mental health issues that relate to their personal development and academic performance. The development of non-profit organizations that specifically address the issue of mental health in higher education and recent trends of improving wellness and well-being have seen universities increase professionals to treat mental health issues as well as programs that develop wellness in students. The continued increase of mental health issues in conjunction with the increase of supportive measures for students suggests that universities need to reframe solutions to the issues that students experience. Finland and Aalto …

High-Risk Pregnant Patients In The Third Trimester: Comparing Mental And Physical Health, Megan Maxwell

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of the paper is to compare physical and mental health in high-risk pregnant patients in their third trimester who are managed in an inpatient setting compared to an outpatient setting. This paper looks at specific high-risk pregnancy diagnoses.

The Role Of Diet In The Onset Of Depression: A Biochemical Connection Between Nutrition And Mental Health, Katlin Wildeman

Senior Honors Theses

Depression is a major clinical concern, having a complex onset and the presence of multiple, often unidentifiable causes. Depression affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a high prevalence in regions of the world with a Western-style diet as compared to regions with a Mediterranean diet. A Western-style diet consists of foods high in sugar, fat, and processed meats and grains, whereas the Mediterranean diet contains significantly more vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. The link between diet and mental health disorders has implications for individuals of all ages who are hesitant to turn to medication. In addition to presenting …

Indigenous Wisdom, Storytelling, And Language Renewal Ꭰꮒᏸꭺꭹ, Ꭰꮒᏼꮻꮿ Ꭰꭷꮩꭵꭿꮝꮧ Ꭴꮒꭽ, Ꭰꮴꭿꮠꮧᏹ Ꭶꮼꮒꭿꮝꮧ, Arlo Starr

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

Abstract ᎧᏃᎮᏍᎩ

Language, cultural immersion, and intergenerational land-based education have shown the potential to vastly improve dire health issues that Indigenous people face. What is the most effective way to produce a large number of second language learners who speak at a basic level in order to improve Indigenous health?

Relationship is a vital part of Indigenous cosmology. Rather than promoting the consumption of words as things, acquisition will be more readily integrated into relationship-based thought when also interacting with them in context through story, and cultural activities that are fun, understandable, and engage community. Many successful language immersion models …

The First Few Days, Anonymous

The Move to the Virtual World

No abstract provided.

Diary Entry, Haley Cohen

In Words

This is a little diary entry/narrative that I wrote a few days ago about how COVID is impacting my mental health.

Multimodal Mental Health Analysis In Social Media, Amir Hossein Yazdavar, Mohammad Saeid Mahdavinejad, Goonmeet Bajaj, William Romine, Amit P. Sheth, Amir Hassan Monadjemi, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan, John M. Meddar, Annie Myers, Jyotishman Pathak, Pascal Hitzler

Publications

Depression is a major public health concern in the U.S. and globally. While successful early identification and treatment can lead to many positive health and behavioral outcomes, depression, remains undiagnosed, untreated or undertreated due to several reasons, including denial of the illness as well as cultural and social stigma. With the ubiquity of social media platforms, millions of people are now sharing their online persona by expressing their thoughts, moods, emotions, and even their daily struggles with mental health on social media. Unlike traditional observational cohort studies conducted through questionnaires and self-reported surveys, we explore the reliable detection of depressive …

Talking With Children About Covid-19, Government Of Yukon

Covid-19 Archive: Documents

A letter from the government of the Yukon to families outlining ways for them to speak to children and cope with both the medical and emotional needs of Covid-19. It offers ideas and techniques for normalizing lives and homeschooling students of different ages. It also gives descriptions of symptoms to look for, ways to teach students hygiene, and methods to prevent the spread of the virus.

Covid-19 Triggering Ptsd For Some Says Hope Center's Staab, Teri Knight

Covid-19 Archive: Documents

This article addresses increasing cases of trauma at the HOPE Center in Northfield, revealing how COVID is affecting people in the surrounding community.

Student Teachers And Mental Health: A Qualitative Study On Students’ Experiences Living With A Mental Health Condition, Diane Kratt, Michael Houdyshell

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Reports of college students living with mental health conditions are common, and the understanding of their connection to academic success is increasing. University campuses strive to meet the psychological needs of their students with a variety of institutionalized practices. However, a question can be raised about how much individual faculty members and colleges know about their specific students’ mental health needs and whether there are ways to assist those students at that level. This is a case study on a group of 17 student teachers in the College of Education at a university in the Southern United States who self-reported …

Hoarding: Beyond The Mess, A Training For Mental Health Professionals, Kelsi Mcclaflin

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This literature review examines hoarding disorder with a close lens. This is a diagnosis that is new to licensed professionals across the helping professions. This training will allow participants to better understand what it means to be diagnosed with hoarding disorder, assessments that aid in detecting severity, best practices that are continually emerging, and the impact it can have on clients, their loved ones, and the community. This training takes a collaborative approach as an integrated way of treatment for all individuals involved in the process.

Keywords: hoarding, behaviors, treatment

Abstracts From The 26th Annual Health Care Systems Research Network Conference, April 8–10, 2020

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) is made up of community-based care delivery systems with a shared mission to improve health and health care through research. The network’s annual conference serves as a forum for attendees to disseminate study findings, stimulate collaborations, and share insights about conducting research in real-world care settings. Although this year’s live conference was cancelled to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the oral and poster abstracts accepted for presentation at HCSRN 2020 are published in this open access supplement to Volume 7, Issue 1 of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the …

Relational, Physical, And Mental Health: How Relationship Satisfaction Influences Exercise Self-Efficacy, Dylan Hillock, Lindsey Robinson, Joshua Novak

Southeastern Council on Family Relations Conference [2018-2020]

Can being satisfied in a relationship create the confidence to exercise? Some research suggests a positive relationship between exercise and positive relationship events for both partners (Johnson et al., 2018), yet there may be important mediators between relationships and exercise, that have not been tested. Research has found that higher relationship satisfaction is associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms (Whisman, Uebelacker, & Weinstock, 2004). Another important mechanism linked with exercise is self-efficacy—or the confidence to carry out a behavior (i.e., exercise; Jackson, Tucker, & Herman, 2007). Self-efficacy and mental health are also significantly related (Bandura, 1997), as is exercise …