Digital Commons Network^™

Pastoring The Pastor: Self-Care Among African American Clergy, Alexander Jamerison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When self-care is effectively implemented, it can help individuals avoid or reduce mental health challenges throughout their lives (Luis et al., 2021). Unfortunately, research indicates numerous mental health challenges faced by clergy (Chan & Chen, 2019; Jackson, 2013; Gallagher, 2019; Edward, 2020). To assist ministers in cultivating a healthier life and a more effective ministry, this study will specifically explore the relationship between self-care and mental health challenges among African American clergy. The literature on this subject will identify historical, cultural, and spiritual influences. It will also examine specific mental health concerns, effective self-care practices, and relevant outcomes. Although research …

Exploring The Stigma Of Mental Health In Oneness Pentecostal Churches From A Pastoral Perspective, Jannett Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stigma of mental health in Oneness Pentecostal churches in the Northeast from a pastoral perspective. The theory guiding this study is Sigmund Freud’s object relational theory (ORT), as it focuses on the past experiences an individual has with an object, person, or event, and how the experience, whether negative or positive, shapes the person’s attitude and behavior in the future. Mental health stigma is a phenomenon with which individuals may have had a harmful experience. In the study, the central research question was: What are the lived experiences of Oneness …

Why Gen Z Is More Anxious Than Ever? Turning To Social Chats For Answers, Yi Luo, Jin-A Choi, Bond Benton

College of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works

As social media has evolved into a prominent part of Gen Z’s social interaction, this study attempted to enrich our current understanding of Gen Z’s mental health struggles through their conversations surrounding anxiety on social media. Highlights of the findings included the following. First, the overwhelming presence of fear (83%) illustrates that anxiety is an emotionally draining experience for many Gen Z users. The use of emotionally charged language to publicly share their struggles with anxiety reflect increasing self-awareness and a cultural shift toward normalizing mental health conversations. Second, the open, candid conversations on anxiety indicate that anxiety is experienced …

Restoring Hope: The Health Support Team Efforts In Maui, Chanel Aguilar

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The 2023 Maui fires were one of the most fatal natural disasters the country has experienced in its history. Lāhainā and other surrounding areas were significantly impacted by the fires, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and causing significant harm to the people of Maui, both physically and emotionally. The current study evaluates the health support team (HST), a psychological disaster-recovery training curriculum, on three areas: its effectiveness in

increasing participants’ perceived competency and level of confidence, its association with post- traumatic growth, and participants’ feedback about the training. A mixed methods approach was

used to collect data, including …

Improving Patient Outcomes Post-Discharge: Implementing Evidence-Based Discharge Planning For High-Risk Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Populations, Margaret Phillips

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A significant gap in standardized discharge procedures was identified at a nonprofit, community-based clinic serving male residential patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. The lack of a standardized discharge process led to poor follow-up appointment adherence, poor medication adherence and increased risk of relapse. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to address these issues through the implementation of a cross-departmental discharge process that produced tailored Individualized Discharge Plans (IDP) or each patient, using the Donabedian and Kotter’s 8-Step Change models as guiding frameworks. Data were collected using custom-built tracking tools over two four-week periods, pre- …

What Mental Health Topics Do Female Practitioners Discuss In The Construction Industry? A Qualitive Literature Review, Shuang Zhang, Maggie Tang, Sherphard Chidarikire, Shaleeza Sohail, Ali Alashwal

CIB Conferences

The construction industry in Australia is characterized by a notably low representation of women among professional groups, the lowest across all major industries and sectors. Women who enter the industry frequently face harassment and discrimination and encounter fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to their male counterparts. There is still a clear lack of awareness and understanding among female practitioners in the construction industry regarding mental health issues. Therefore, this research addresses this significant gap through a qualitative literature review, analysing over 129 published research papers. The findings were assessed using content analysis to pinpoint the primary barriers that female …

Effects Of Dormitory Design Factors On Migrant Workers’ Mental Health In Singapore, Tianxiang Lan, Yang Miang Goh, Hanxiao Wang, Xinping Hu

CIB Conferences

Migrant workers face vulnerability and unique mental health challenges in their host countries. Housing designs may affect the residents’ mental health, yet few studies have investigated this relationship in the migrant worker dormitory context. In this study, we investigated this question by surveying the design factors of migrant workers’ dormitories and their mental health states measured by the short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). We found that those migrant workers’ mental health is correlated with whether one has a pleasant window view, defined as green, blue (water feature) or long-distance view. The findings suggest that the elements …

Reviewing The Influence And Implications Of Wearable Technology For Mental Health Support And Physical Wellbeing For Construction Site Workers In Nigeria, Kenneth O. Lawani, Halimat Omisore, Billy Hare, Michael K. Tong, Farhad Sadeghineko

CIB Conferences

Existing studies demonstrate the extensive adoption of digital technologies within the global construction industry. The level of awareness and need to mitigate occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in the construction industry through technological adoption is imperative. However, there is a gap in literature regarding the review of the impact of existing use of wearable technology for mental health support and physical wellbeing among construction site workers in the Nigerian context. This study undertook a critical evaluation of extant studies regarding the impact and effectiveness of existing wearable technology for providing mental health support and if it enhances physical wellbeing …

Mental Health In Construction 4.0: Enhancing Workplace Social Support Through Prefabrication, Huey Wen Lim, Xiao Ma

CIB Conferences

The construction industry faces persistent challenges in providing adequate workplace social support–a critical factor in protecting workers' mental health. While the sector evolves toward Construction 4.0, with prefabrication emerging as a transformative method, limited research examines how these modern approaches impact workplace social support structures. This study aims to investigate how prefabrication work practices facilitate the development and enhancement of social support in construction. Using an ethnographic approach, research was conducted at a modular construction off-site factory in Melbourne, Australia. The study involved shadowing 12 office-based prefabrication professionals and factory-based supervisors over 21 days, non-participant observation of factory workers at …

How The Immediate Physical Environment Affects The Non-Physical Aspect Of Health, Katryn Noelle E. Valeriano

Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture

Human health has been closely intertwined with environmental health. By the term “environment,” I refer not only to nature or relationships found in an ecosystem but also to the immediate physical milieu of an individual or what is termed as “personal space.” Before the pandemic, the notion of personal space was more fluid and receptive due to the ease one had in “re-framing” the environment and reorienting oneself. However, during the pandemic, the personal space of humans was restricted in so many ways through lockdowns and various forms of isolation. This article intends to re-interpret concepts, such as of “physical …

Olfactory Training: Reclaiming Our Wellbeing, Nathan Smetzer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The connection between the sense of smell and memory offers a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive, emotional, and mental health, thereby contributing to overall wellbeing. This research explores how olfactory stimuli relate to memory and emotion, aiming to expand understanding of the effects of scent-based interventions on mental health. Utilizing a 12-week longitudinal phenomenological approach with experimental components, the study engaged seven participants in a regimen of olfactory training twice daily. Participants used essential oils—citrus, cloves, eucalyptus, and rose—applied to cotton and kept in sealed containers, along with a pen and daily planner. Data were gathered through recurring qualitative interviews …

The Role Of Neuroscience In Mental Health Management Within The Adhd Population, Kadi Rae Smith

University Honors Theses

Neuroscience-based educational interventions play a role in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), including the regulation of ADHD-correlated depression and anxiety. Existing research shows that elevated rates of depression correspond to anxiety within the ADHD community; approximately 8.83% of the global population. Social ostracization and isolation are established contributors to depression and anxiety which are commonly comorbid with ADHD. The need exists for further investigation of the beneficial impact that an accurate, biological understanding of how the brain works has on the mental health of the ADHD population, and by extension their families, education systems, and medical industries. …

The Correlation Of Trauma-Informed Classrooms Without Support Infrastructure And Teacher Burnout, Sunshine O'Connor

University Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impact of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) implementation in classrooms on teacher burnout, specifically focusing on settings with insufficient support infrastructure. While TIC is recognized as beneficial for all students, not just students affected by trauma, a synthesis of scholarly literature highlights the significant challenges faced by educators when proper resources, training, and institutional backing are lacking. Existing research indicates that teachers implementing TIC in inadequately supported environments report higher levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and overall burnout. These challenges appear most acute for teachers in schools with limited professional development, insufficient mental health resources, and weak administrative …

Young Adults’ Metaperceptions Of Their Childhood Caregivers’ Appraisals And Young Adulthood Mental Health, Cassandra Svelnys

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Early experiences and relationships have enduring impacts on the development of self and later mental health and wellbeing. In social relationships and interactions, the developing individual is continuously assessing how they view themself, how they view the other person, and how they believe the other person views them. Metaperceptions represent the latter construct: how an individual thinks another person perceives them. Childhood self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and metaperceptions are foundational constructs for the developing individual, yet metaperceptions have not previously been tested as a predictor for adulthood mental health while also accounting for childhood self-esteem and parent-child attachment. This study introduced …

Enhancing Mental Health Through Mind-Body Exercises In Sedentary Students: A Systematic Review With An Indonesian Perspective, Izmi Alya Khairunnisa, Aditya Denny Pratama

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

Sedentary Behavior (SB) among students is associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, stress, and weakened immune function. According to the WHO, SB contributes to approximately two million deaths each year. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mind-body exercises in improving mental health outcomes—specifically stress reduction, anxiety management, and emotional regulation—among students with sedentary lifestyles. Using the PRISMA framework, 2,201 articles were identified from databases including Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest, with six studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The review found that mind-body exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and pilates significantly reduce stress and anxiety, enhance …

Exploring The Connection Between Mental Health Stigma, Social-Emotional Risk, And Help-Seeking Behaviors Among High School Students, Dorie Ross

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the United States, the rate of adolescents experiencing mental health-related challenges continues to rise, impacting their social-emotional well-being. Despite increasing concerns, the majority of adolescents do not seek treatment for mental health problems. One barrier contributing to a lack of help-seeking behaviors is mental health stigma. Furthermore, for students who have sought help for such concerns, there is a lack of consensus on whom high school students turn to for support when seeking help. The current study utilized quantitative methodology in the form of Structural Equation Modeling to examine the complex relationship between social-emotional risk, perceptions of mental health …

Surgeon General's Advisory On Social Media Use And Youth Mental Health: A Public Health Crisis, Meagan Mitchell, Jenifern Luk

URGENT Matters

No abstract provided.

It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth [Book Review], Jessica D. Gilbert Redman

Disability in LIS (DisLIS)

It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth focuses on the author/artist’s battle with depression and anxiety—and the overwhelming urge to end her own life. Readers who are dealing with anxiety or depression will recognize themselves over and over again, as they read the graphic novel and identify the myriad of ways they themselves are trying to function and “make it” in a world that doesn’t seem to be built for them—or to understand them.

Aesha Mustafa, Interview, 2025, Kat Hacanyan

Oral Histories

In this interview EMU counseling department faculty member, and co-owner of the Integrative Empowerment Group, Aesha Mustafa, shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride. Mustafa explains that her therapy practice specializes in working with BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks, and issues related to polyamory, kink, and fetish, and believes everyone deserves access to mental health care. She also explores her involvement with the award-winning Enlighten U podcast where she discusses mental health tools with students, ways she affirms her students and clients, and how having a baby and a bisexual husband have changed the way she views Pride.

Unseen Burdens: Exploring Gender Disparities In Infertility Experience And Depressive Symptoms, Khiara Cardoza Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how experiences with infertility relate to mental health outcomes among newly married U.S. couples, emphasizing gender differences and the potential moderating role of gender attitudes. Using data from 3,137 individuals in a nationally representative sample, three Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were estimated: first assessing actor and partner effects of infertility on depressive symptoms and subsequently incorporating gender attitudes as moderators. Results indicated a significant actor effect for wives, where infertility was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this association was significantly stronger for wives than for husbands. No significant effects were found for husbands' infertility and …

The Acute Impact Of Game-Based Physical Education On The Mood States Of Middle School Students, John Nemeth

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Mental health disorders represent a massive global health burden, with close to one billion people currently affected. Access to treatment and medical care remains low, especially among children. Increased physical activity (PA) is a widely recognized and accessible method for improving mental health, with substantial evidence supporting its benefits. Physical education (PE) is a structured, school-based environment that promotes PA and increased movement, but research examining its impact on mood is limited. This study examined mood changes in middle school students following PE participation in two game-based activities: handball (team sports) and badminton (partner games). A quasi-experimental design was used …

Social Exclusion And Mental Health Of Youths Affected By Parental Hiv/Aids In China: Based On A Serial Mediating Model, Jiaojiao Wan, Lili Ji, Zheqian Wang, Junfeng Zhao, Xiaoming Li

Faculty Publications

The mental health of youth living with patients with HIV needs focused attention. The primary source of psychological distress they experience may stem from social exclusion. Therefore, the current study was designed to explore the relationship between social exclusion and mental health among youths affected by parental HIV/AIDS in rural China.

Methods

297 youths affected by parental HIV/AIDS were recruited to completed questionnaires of social exclusion, perceived stress, future orientation and mental health. The bootstrap method was used to examine the mediation effects.

Results

It showed that: (1) the social exclusion (M = 32.48, SD = 15.25) significantly and …

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Mental And Substance Use Problems Among Adults In Kenya: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Patrick Nzivo Mwangala, Anita Kerubo, Millicent Makandi, Rachel Odhiambo, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Data on the burden and determinants of mental and substance use problems among women in urban and rural informal settlements in Kenya is sparse, thus limiting preventive and treatment efforts in these areas. To bridge the gap, we (a) determined the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol and drug use problems among women compared to their spouses and (b) examined the correlates of these outcomes. Data collection for this cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 in Mombasa, Kwale and Nairobi counties in Kenya. A total of 1528 adults (1048 women) took part. The 9-Item …

Development Of A Health And Wellness Assessment For Kytc Personnel, Gabriel Dadi, Farshid Taherpour, Caitlin Pope

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highway construction workers operate in high-stress, hazardous settings where they have to perform physically taxing labor in environments where exposure to variable weather conditions, heavy equipment, high volumes of vehicle traffic, and other conditions that induce stress and anxiety are the norm. Up to 70% of workers in this industry have reported experiencing mental health issues, including secondary traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Few state departments of transportation, however, offer adequate resources staff can draw on to effectively manage their psychological well-being. To help Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) roadway maintenance and construction workers develop …

Measuring Collective Impact Of Extension Programs Addressing Substance Use And Mental Health, Omolola A. Adedokun, Olumuyiwa M. Desmennu, Alex Elswick, Nichole Huff, Brooke Jenkins, Katherine Jury, Heather Norrman-Burgdolf

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Extension excels at working across program areas and disciplinary boundaries inside and outside land-grant institutions to address complex social issues within communities. However, evaluation of the collective impact of these concerted programmatic initiatives remains a persistent challenge for Extension. To better understand the broader impact of Extension’s cohesive, concurrent response to complex issues such as substance use and mental health, there is a need to shift from isolated evaluations of individual or single Extension programs to a focus on collective impact assessment. This article describes the University of Kentucky Extension planning process and outputs of a collective impact evaluation initiative …

Residential Factors Associated With Mental Health In United States Veterans, Air Force Military, And Air Force Employees, Andrew J. Hoisington, Christopher A. Stamper, Molly Penzenik, Meredith Reitter, Elizabeth J. Kovacs, Nazanin H. Bahraini, Lisa A. Brenner

Faculty Publications

Individuals in Westernized countries spend most of their time indoors. However, exploration of residential building factors that may influence occupants’ mental health is limited in scientific literature. The purpose of this study was to explore investigator's perceived areas of importance in residences to mental health via survey methods. To that end, we administered the Housing, Occupancy, Materials, and Environment (HOME) survey to assess factors that may influence mental health to those working in the United States (US) Air Force (n = 230) or past military members, US Veterans (n = 180). Self-reported mental health surveys were also administered to the …

The Positive Association Of Physical Activity On Sadness And Suicide Behaviors For Youth Who Have Been Bullied, Katelon Kerns, Kahir Jawad, Yana Feygin, V. Faye Jones, W. David Lohr, Jennifer Le, Kiana Fields, Jennifer Porter, Sarah Ouellette, Theresa Kluthe, Deborah Winders Davis

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Youth mental health is a public health crisis. Bullying has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes including depression and suicidal ideation. We aimed to update information regarding the associations between bullying and sadness and three suicide-related outcomes, along with the potential moderating effect of physical activity (PA). Methods: Using the 2017–2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) with students in grades 9–12 we used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regressions to examine the association between students who have been bullied and who reported feeling sad or hopeless, as well as considered, planned, and/or attempted suicide, within …

Stress And Burnout: Is There A ‘Happily Ever After’?, Margaret S. Gingrich D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Executive Summary Dental professionals experience significant stress and burnout due to high patient expectations, challenging patients, employee management issues, and insurance complexities. Dr. Margaret Gingrich outlines Christina Maslach's six stages of burnout, from the honeymoon phase to reduced personal accomplishment. Recovery requires intentional rest following the "rule of 42" - dedicating 42% of daily time to various forms of rest, including physical, emotional, sensory, mental, spiritual, social, and creative restoration. Key strategies involve setting boundaries, saying no, taking breaks, seeking social support, and, when necessary, terminating problematic patient relationships. The Michigan Dental Association and American Dental Association provide wellness resources, …

Getting Help When The Going Gets Tough, Michelle C. Dziurgot D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In her editorial, Dr. Dziurgot emphasizes the importance of emotional support and mental health resources for dentists. She shares her own experiences of turning to family in tough times and offers practical alternatives for those without such support. Strategies include journaling, creative expression, and seeking professional counseling through programs like the MDA Member Assistance Program and ADA Talkspace. She encourages open dialogue and mutual support within the dental community.

Seen And Heard: A Visual Testimony Of Purity Culture Using Qualitative Photovoice Methodology, Amanda Brown

Dissertations

Purity culture, rooted in Christian teachings, has profoundly shaped individuals’ identities, relationships, and perceptions of sexuality, gender, and faith. While popular culture is talking about the effects of purity culture, scholarly literature is lacking. This study employed photovoice methodology to center the voices of those who grew up in purity culture, using photography and personal narratives to explore its long-term effects. The study focused on how individuals who have experienced purity culture articulate and visualize their stories, revealing nuanced insights across seven thematic domains: gender expectations, romantic relationships, faith, mental health, identity formation, sex and sexuality, and healing and …