Digital Commons Network^™

Research Brief: "The National Veteran Sleep Disorder Study: Descriptive Epidemiology And Secular Trends, 2000–2010", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the relation between sleep disorder diagnosis and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health disorders among veterans. In policy and practice, physicians should familiarize themselves with signs of and screenings for sleep disorders and should discuss factors that affect sleep with their veteran patients; the VHA should continue recommending policies that help veterans receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment of their sleep disorders, policymakers should fund early intervention programs to help veterans learn how to cope with reintegration, and the VHA should create a database on sleep disorders in veterans. Suggestions for future research include studying veterans …

Failures Of Us Foreign Aid: Jordan And Its Unique History Of Refugee Absorption, Cilia J. Jurdy

SUURJ: Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

The United States began giving aid to Jordan as a geopolitical strategy in 1951 to assists with Jordan’s absorption of Palestinian refugees after the creation of Israel in 1948. Since 1951, the United States has given nearly $15.833 billion in support. Foreign aid to Jordan began, and has been perpetuated, in order to keep the country economically stable. Jordan’s total population is 55–57% refugees. Most of these refugees require financial, health, and housing assistance, and they suffer from untreated mental health conditions. US foreign aid policy needs to have programming to treat the mental health trauma that refugees experience. Research …

Solitary Confinement: Social Death And Its Afterlives, Jen Rushforth

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

No abstract provided.

The Benefits Of Culturally Adapted Mental Health Treatments: A Meta-Analysis, Juan Valladares, Madeleine Coenen, Niyeli Herrera, Yoojin Kim

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Cultural values, ideas, beliefs and word views may affect the way a mental intervention is received and therefore how effective it is. Historically, research has not focused on cultural minorities and these groups tend to have poorer success rates in treatments (Gonzalez et al., 2010). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to establish the aggregate effect of those mental health interventions that have been adapted to clients' cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Madness Uncaged: A History Of Psychiatric Practice And Its Expansion Into The Everyday, Max Alexander Ferrer

Honors Theses

This study project provides a history and evaluation of the growth of psychology since its inception during the Middle Ages. Through secondary research on trends and breakthroughs in psychological practice, this project provides a periodization by which the history of psychology can be evaluated through a critical philosophical lens. This periodization includes four distinct time periods: The Age of Jails or "Old Asylums" (middle ages to early 19th century), The Age of Asylums (early 19th century to early 20th century), and The Age of Private Psychiatry (early to mid 20th century). Eventually, this trajectory will result in a fourth period, …

What Is The Role Of The Community? Examining Minority Stress Processes Among Gay And Bisexual Men, Brian Salfas

Theses and Dissertations

This work examines factors affecting the mental health of gay and bisexual men drawing on minority stress theory. Results indicate that community involvement has a positive effect on the mental health of men impacted by minority stress and show a significant interaction between community involvement and internalized homonegativity.

The Effect Of Educational Modules On Attitudes Towards Disabilities, Hunter W. Greer

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

The researchers in this study were interested in the effect of educational modules on student’s ratings of appropriateness and fairness of 10 different accommodations offered at the college level. Researchers were also interested in investigating if these modules would affect individual’s scores on the Social Distance Scale to evaluate levels of stigma towards mental health. Researchers surveyed 150 college students at a large South Eastern University and found that individuals rated accommodations as higher than neutral in fairness and appropriateness overall, but did not find a difference in students who read the modules and students who did not. Researchers also …

I Can Thrive!: Fostering Well-Being In Adolescent Girls Via The Unified Approach, Jennifer L. Mills

Dissertations, 2014-2019

With the rise of positive psychology as a subfield of psychology, there has been increased focus and attention on the construct of well-being. Unfortunately, lack of agreement regarding the ultimate goal of positive psychology has contributed to fragmentation within the field of psychology. Thus, literature on well-being has not been integrated into a broad model for understanding psychology and human nature, as is the case with much psychological research. Connecting such research to a deep theoretical and philosophical model is important with a construct like well-being, as it is a complicated and central construct for the field, for both practitioners …

Stigma And The Reluctance To Address Mental Health Issues In Minority Communities, Gary L. Kreps

Journal of Family Strengths

Health disparities are a serious problem for members of minority communities in the United States. Disparities do not only lead to negative influences and inequities in the outcomes from serious physical health problems (such as cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes) for members of minority communities, but also lead to significant problems with outcomes from serious mental health conditions (including stress-related, manic-depressive, and psychotic disorders, as well as suicidal tendencies) for ethnic and racial minority group members in the US. While current epidemiological evidence suggests that the actual rates of incidence of mental health problems is not significantly different across …

Predicting Violent Incidence And Disciplinary Actions In Schools: Use Of The National Center For Educational Statistics To Examine School Violence Interventions, Don R. Kelly

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

Background: Violence reduction in schools has become an important consideration as school administrators work to provide a safe and peaceful atmosphere for learning. This study provided evidence of main effect and interaction effect utilizing multiple interventions to predict the number of serious violent incidents and total number of disciplinary actions recorded in schools. Additionally, this study aimed to identify interventions demonstrating the greatest promise for changing school culture. Research indicates that culture change, conflict transformation education, restorative justice/discipline, and mental health interventions are popular processes for reducing violence in schools. It was the intention of the researcher to determine what …

A Longitudinal Study Of Resident Emotional Stability, Self-Reported Health And Perceptions Of Programmatic Support, Aaron B. Franzen, Benjamin R. Doolittle

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Certain characteristics such as acceptance, planning, and humility have correlated with less burnout among resident physicians. However, less is known about residency program culture, socialization, and support. The purpose of this study is to investigate social isolation, solidarity, stress, and frustration over time, their self-reported health, as well as the programmatic support.

Methods: A longitudinal self-administered survey implemented within an academic pediatric residency program to track resident characteristics over time.

Results: In Wave 1, among 101 residents, 78 (77%) responded. In Wave 2, among 98 residents, 73 (74%) responded. 45 residents were in both Wave 1 and 2. All …

Relations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Current Maladaptive Beliefs In A College Sample, Ilana Starr Berman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cumulative childhood trauma has been associated with both symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. However, few studies have examined these relations with normative young adult populations nor have they explored the relation between childhood adversities and cognitive distortions as an outcome variable. The current study aimed to: 1) replicate and extend research on the relations between cumulative adversity, using a broad measure of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; Felitti et al., 1998), which assesses both maltreatment (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect) and exposure to elements of household dysfunction (e.g., caregiver substance use, witnessing maternal abuse), and mental health …

A Study Of Innovation In Model Project Design: Addressing Mental Health Symptoms Among Co-Occurring Substance Use And Mentally Ill Clients Who Are Homeless In A Local Community Clinic Setting, Isis Dian Martel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Homeless persons with co-occurring substance use combined with mental illness constitute a particularly vulnerable subgroup with complex service needs. Unfortunately, the capacity to deliver critical treatment services has been extremely limited causing many from this population to remain untreated. Untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to a host of difficulties for both the individual and the community (Bouchery, Harwood, Sacks, Simon, & Brewer, 2011). Developing community based intervention services in Arkansas is a key activity necessary in strategically addressing this problem (Barbee, Gonzales, & Shelor, 2016). In partnership with the Arkansas Division of Behavioral Health Services, a local community treatment provider …

Spruce Mountain Inn, Catherine Hensley

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

No abstract provided.

Suicidal Behaviors Among College Students: Are Transfer Students At Greater Risk?, Laura S. Bogardus

All Dissertations

Suicide is a major health concern on U.S. college campuses. Research on risk and protective factors related to suicidal behaviors among college students has revealed that certain student populations such as veterans, international students, and LGBTQ students may be at greater risk for suicide. However, no known research on undergraduate transfer student status in relation to suicide ideation and attempts exists. Using the Triadic Theory of Influence (TTI) (Flay & Petraitis, 1994) as a framework, this study seeks to shed light on the relationship between transfer student status and suicide ideation and attempts, as well as the hypothesized mediating effects …

Lgbt Student Experiences In Boston Public Schools: A Case Study, David Geyer

Honors College Theses

While the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community has overcome great obstacles in its fight for equality, the newest challenge has become the poor mental health of the LGBT youth. In this study, the experiences of a recently graduated LGBT Boston Public Schools student were investigated through qualitative research methods. Interviews with the student were analyzed to determine what factors contributed to his overall positive experiences and mental health as a bisexual student attending Boston Public Schools. The showing of support from his mother and peers, along with the presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance club at his school positively affected …

Immersive Cultural Plunge: How Mental Health Trainees Can Exercise Cultural Competence With African American Descendants Of Chattel Slaves A Qualitative Study, Clandis V. Payne

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study utilized ethnographic techniques to explore the potential for change in mental health trainees resulting from the participation in an in vivo Immersive Cultural Plunge (ICP) within the African American Descendant of Chattel Slave community. The ICP combined Multicultural Immersions Experiences (MIE) of Cultural Immersion (CI) and Cultural Plunge (CP) to contribute to the developing body of research utilizing MIEs that incorporate contextual, experiential, and historical knowledge to teach the skill of cultural sensitivity. During the 12- hour ICP the participants experienced an orientation, a lecture, a tour/community interaction, a multimedia presentation within an African American community. In …

Neurodiversity, Annika Lile

Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research

No abstract provided.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Overview Of The Therapeutic Use Of The Horse In Mental Health Settings, Mollie E.. Wang

Honors Capstones

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is one of various uses of horses in a therapeutic setting. The following paper provides an overview of this treatment method in therapy. Appropriate terminology and definitions are provided to clarify differences between equine-assisted psychotherapy and other equine therapies. Research provided shows that this treatment method is highly effective, especially for individuals who do not respond to traditional therapies. EAP can be utilized for a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and more. The Equine Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model is the basis for most treatments involving EAP and has detailed guidelines and processes for …

First-Aid Kit For College Mental Health, Skyler Walker

BU Well

In the United States, people are experiencing mental illnesses at an incredibly high rate, especially the college population. With more students being clinically diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders, and with suicide being the second leading cause of death among college students, it is imperative that colleges take action to combat these diseases. This article addresses why implementing Mental Health First Aid programs in college orientations nationwide is critical and how it would help reduce the United States’ mental health crisis.

Arachnophobia (And Other Concerns): A Study Of Student Mental Health At The University Of Richmond, Leah Cabo, Hannah Dunn, Adriana Grimes, Annika Sampedro

SSIR Presentations 2017

Capstone presentation for the University of Richmond SSIR (Sophomore Scholars in Residence) Program.

The Role Of Perceived Stress In The Relationship Between Purpose In Life And Mental Health., Anne Guzman

Psychology ETDs

Although purpose in life (PIL) has been consistently related to better mental health, there is little understanding of whether that may be explained by reducing appraisal of or reactivity to stress. The sample consisted of 546 undergraduate students who completed measures of PIL, perceived stress, and measures of both positive mental health (positive affect, life satisfaction) and negative mental health (negative affect, anxiety, depression). The hypotheses were that PIL would (1) be related to more positive and less negative mental health and (2) be related to less perceived stress, and (3) reduce the effects of perceived stress in increasing negative …

Conflict In South Asia And Its Impact On Health, Siddarth David, Rukhsana Gazi, Mohammed Shafiq Mirzazada, Chesmal Siriwardhana, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Nobhojit Roy

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

South Asia has a large population affected by different types of protracted conflict and can provide critical insights to understand health challenges in conflict zones.
Health systems in conflict affected areas should prioritise domestic and gender-based violence, along with reproductive and sexual health services.
Mental health and psychosocial services for conflict-affected populations in South Asia need to be strengthened, and these services should be integrated into existing primary care platforms.
Building the capacity of the existing healthcare system and developing a trained local workforce can improve the access to and availability and acceptability of health services in conflict-affected communities.
Research …

Cmhc Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1, Laura B. Kestemberg Ph.D., Laura L. Wood Ph.D., Lmhc, Rdt_Bct, Daniel Woods

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Newsletter

"Mentoring Compassionate Counselors for our Communities"

Inside this issue:

Upholding Molloy's Pillar of Service Through Group Counseling

Spring 2017 Practicum Placements

Membership NIghts

Exploring Student Stress: What Your Saliva Says about Your Anxiety

Timeline of CMHC Program Events

Welcome note from the Director

The CMHC Dept. Takes on the ACA 2017 Conference & Expo in San Francisco

Introducing New Part-Time and Adjunct Faculty

Effect Of Stigma And Advocacy On Our State Of Mental Health: A Scientific And Personal Approach, Hannah Giangaspro

Senior Theses

The prevalence of mental health disorders amongst college students, especially studentathletes and honors students, has reached dangerously high levels. Furthermore, the stigma associated with mental disorders has been proven to prevent the struggling population from seeking help for themselves through mental health services. This study examined the relationship between mental health and college students (i.e. undergraduates, student-athletes, and honors students), as well as the effects of mental health advocacy on the speaker and the listener. Study participants consisted primarily of NCAA Division I undergraduate studentathletes at the University of South Carolina, with a sample size of 116. Results indicated that …

Conceptualizing An Hiv Diagnosis Through A Model Of Grief And Bereavement, Melissa Zeligman, Andrew William Wood

Adultspan Journal

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between The Military's Masculine Culture And Service Members' Help-Seeking Behaviors, Rachel Reit

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, over 2.5 million active duty U.S. military service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan (Knobloch & Wilson, 2015). Of those who return as veterans, twenty percent experience serious mental health problems, and only 30-40% of them seek help or treatment (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008; Wilson, Gettings, Hall, & Pastor, 2015). Recently, the military has increased efforts to encourage help-seeking behaviors among service members and to normalize mental health treatment. However, the military’s masculine culture and emphasis on strength and toughness inhibits the success of these efforts. The present studies investigate the …

The Relationship Between Trauma Exposure And College Student Adjustment: Factors Of Resilience As A Mediator, Amber Leih Jolley

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Adjustment to college is an important developmental task for students entering institutions of higher education. More than half of students who enter college report exposure to a potentially traumatic event (PTE), with many students reporting multiple event exposure (Banyard & Cantor, 2004). Many students adjust well to college despite experiencing PTEs, suggesting that certain factors may mitigate the effects of exposure. This study utilized archival data to explore the relationship between the type of PTE, accumulation of PTEs, underlying factors of resilience, and adjustment to college in a national sample of treatment-seeking college students. The data were analyzed using hierarchical …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Social Work Services In Rural School Districts, Breanna Heinrich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students in rural communities are often subject to unique barriers and challenges that impact their holistic emotional, cognitive, physical, and social success in school. Because these factors have a strong impact on school attendance, behavior, and overall success, educators have begun to implement social work programs within both rural and urban school districts across the nation. While existing research affirms the effectiveness of school social work, very little research has been conducted to determine the effect in rural school districts. This paper evaluates the impact of a newly developed social work pilot program in two West Texas school districts implemented …

Mental Health And Voter Turnout: A Study Of Georgia Counties, April Johnson

Georgia Journal of Public Policy

Despite the tacit belief that health and well-being are a necessary element of politics, there is little understanding of how mental health relates to political participation. The present paper focuses specifically on patterns of mental illness and voter turnout within the state of Georgia. Using county-level data, I argue that a greater and more widespread prevalence of mental illness has a dampening effect on political engagement. Although empirical results from this study are mixed, its theoretical contribution clearly highlights the role of psychological and emotional factors in maintaining an energetic and politically connected society. Implications for mental health policy and …