Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Stigma In Help-Seeking Strategies Among African Migrants In Australia: A Qualitative Study, Agness Tembo, Kathomi Gatwiri, Obed Adonteng-Kissi, Nnaemeka Meribe, Lillian Mwanri, Frank Darkwa Baffour, Edith N. Botchway-Commey, David Chisanga, Ahmed A. Moustafa, Samara Kim, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

African migrants living in Western countries often report experiencing high levels of stress, trauma and mental health conditions due to migration-related challenges, including racial discrimination, social exclusion and economic hardships. This mixed-method study that sought to explore to This mixed-method study explored the help-seeking behaviours of Africans in Australia. The quantitative study engaged 167 participants, who completed an online survey, and the qualitative aspect involved an in-depth interview with 12 participants. This paper reports on the qualitative aspect of the study, which was seen as essential to gaining deep, rich insights into the everyday meaning-making processes of how African migrants …

Extending The Psychometric Properties Of The Arabic Rcmas In Jordanian Children Aged 7–16: Considering Gender And Age Invariances, Mohammad A. Al Jabery, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Sara Farid Khalaf, Diana H. Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: There are diverse gender and age-based differences in levels of anxiety between boys and girls. Establishing the validity of such assessments entails inquiry on the construct validity and measurement invariance of tools. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) to assess its suitability for measuring child anxiety and its equivalence across genders and ages. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed to examine the generalizability of the measure's structure. The study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022. A sample of 178 children (86 boys and 92 girls), …

More Than Hormones: Psychological Consequences Of The Medicalized Menopausal Experience, Haley Derrickson

University Honors Theses

Menopause, a transitional period that roughly half the population may experience, has a high degree of variability in onset and intensity of symptoms, one of which is depression. It is also a period in which the lives of those transitioning are highly medicalized. This literature review investigates how medicalization has increased since the term was created, and how it impacts perimenopause, menopause, and mental health.

Understanding Parents’ Beliefs About The Etiology Of Youth Mental Health Problems: Differences Across Race/Ethnicity, Madeline Buchanan, Lindsay E. Holly

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Parents’ etiological explanations for youth mental health problems are relatively understudied; most studies focus on adult beliefs about the causes of mental disorders experienced by adults. This is concerning given research demonstrating that parents’ causal beliefs may influence several aspects of youth mental health service utilization including whether parents seek help for their youth and how they engage in treatment. The current study used a novel methodology to examine causal beliefs about youth mental health problems among a diverse group of parents (N = 417; 36.9% non-Hispanic White; 33.3% Black/African American; 29.8% Hispanic/Latino) who completed a series of questionnaires …

Daily Creative Practice: A Path To Well-Being For Self + Society, Ellie Cashman

Masters Theses

Daily creative practice is a proven way to promote health and happiness, and to counteract what many are currently calling a global crisis in mental health.

There has perhaps never been a better time to be creative. Our collective healing and future human flourishing depend on it.

The author’s life and teaching experiences are explored, in the context of human history, (social) psychology and the challenges of contemporary culture.

Finally, the author offers a preview of a curriculum for Daily Creative Practice that will be further developed and implemented in Fall 2025, thanks to a grant from RISD’s Graduate Commons. …

Determinants Of Integration: Migration Difficulty, Mental Health, And Social Connections Among Eritrean Immigrants, Shewit Woldemichael

Master's Theses

This thesis explores how the experience of migration hardship affects integration outcomes of Eritrean migrants in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Using original survey data and the Immigration Policy Lab’s Integration Index (IPL-24), this paper investigated the intersection of economic, psychological, and social interactions that facilitate integration outcomes. This research finds that migration hardship doesn’t just make people’s lives more difficult; it breaks down the social ties and mental well-being that are essential for economic success measured by integration.

Development Of An Age-Appropriate Household Dysfunction Measure And Its Concurrent Validity With Multiple Outcomes Among Middle School Adolescents In Southeast Texas, Sumaita Choudhury, Timothy J Walker, Emily T Hébert, Christine M Markham, Ross Shegog, Robert C Addy, Melissa F Peskin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Existing adverse childhood experience (ACE) measures include a limited number of household dysfunction (HD) items and the use of adult-oriented language that is not always appropriate for middle schoolers. We developed an age-appropriate 10-item HD measure informed by previously validated ACE measures and tested its concurrent validity with dating violence (DV) perpetration, lifetime substance use, and mental health outcomes among middle schoolers in Southeast Texas. This cross-sectional study used the baseline data from a DV prevention intervention program for sixth graders (N = 126), Me & You Tech. Baseline data were collected from March 2023 to April 2023. To …

Living In Action: A Critical Phenomenological Study Of School-Based Mental Health Counselors’ Engagement In Social Justice Practices, Kerry Whiterell

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This study argues that a problem facing school-based mental health counselors is that neither traditional counseling psychology practices nor the public educational system in the United States were designed to meet the needs of students experiencing intersectional oppression. This study therefore described and compared traditional counseling psychology theory and practices with that of liberation psychology, and outlined social justice frameworks that are applicable to school-based mental health counselors. The overarching research question for this study then asked, “What are the experiences of social justice-oriented mental health counselors who work within public schools in Massachusetts?” To answer this question, a critical …

Optimizing Psychiatric Care Through Pharmacogenomics: An Evidence-Based Program To Increase Multi-Gene Pharmacogenomic Testing And Provider Competence In Mental Health Settings, Marc Boulanger

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Objective: This scholarly project aimed to enhance psychiatric providers' competency, confidence, and knowledge in the PHASER pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing program at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.

Background: PGx testing enhances psychiatric care by enabling precise medication management tailored to a patient’s genetic profile, improving treatment effectiveness and reducing adverse drug reactions. Despite demonstrated clinical utility, adoption of PGx remains limited due to provider knowledge gaps. This project addresses these gaps through targeted education.

Methods: Two educational modules, developed with input from the PHASER site-lead, aimed to enhance provider knowledge and confidence in PGx. Module one introduced the PHASER program …

Nurse-Led Medication Reconciliation Protocol In The Adult Outpatient Mental Health Setting, Grace Gu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

This scholarly project implemented a medication reconciliation protocol within the adult outpatient mental health clinic setting. The protocol aimed to increase the medication reconciliation rate from 55% to 60% within three months by May 2025, as well as improve the perception of medication reconciliation among nursing staff. The project was implemented within an outpatient mental health clinic, part of a local community mental health center in Austin, Texas. Patients often see multiple healthcare providers, leading to risks of polypharmacy. This can lead to adverse reactions, medication interactions, and hospitalizations. A flowsheet protocol was created to help guide nursing staff on …

Making A Career Of Humanity: Implications Of Activism For Mental Health, Tate Henderson

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Collective action in society, or activism, may increase psychological distress of participants and societies. Multiple studies regarding this relationship of activist behavior and mental health among marginalized or minority groups were reviewed. Certain variables might decrease or even reverse this effect of activism on mental health. Activist behavior that is more passionate and low-risk could improve psychological well-being. Social identity theory explains that increased identification with a group may improve mental health. Despite social identity, activist behavior of itself may also increase feelings of self-actualization, or the feelings of joy that come from personal growth. Such participation in activism may …

Scared Straight: Investigating The Psychological And Moral Dimensions Of Horror, Angelica Martinez

Masters Theses

This research examines the psychological and moral dimensions of the horror genre through qualitative analysis, with particular emphasis on its potential to convey ethical and spiritual meaning. While often dismissed as mere entertainment, horror frequently engages with profound questions of morality, fear, and the human condition. This study argues that horror, especially in its psychological, apocalyptic, and religious forms, serves as a vehicle for moral instruction and reflection. By tracing thematic developments from the 1970s to contemporary expressions of the genre, the research identifies a resurgence of interest in spiritually charged narratives. The findings suggest that horror can play a …

Mental Health: A Phenomenological Study Of African American Christian’S Perception Of Mental Health And Utilization Of Mental Health Treatment, Justina Mcintosh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this phenomenological study is to describe African American Christian’s knowledge of mental health and mental health treatment. The goal is to explore more effective ways to increase African American Christians' awareness of mental illnesses and the use of mental health treatment. The research included 20 participants from the state of Texas. The theory leading this research is the self-labeling theory as it describes the connection between social networks and the utilization of mental health treatment. Participants were interviewed to analyze one’s knowledge, and views of mental illness and the utilization of services. The information from the interviews …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Effects Of Restrictive Factors On Previously Incarcerated Individuals’ Chances Of Recidivism, Tawanda Shantell Heim-Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the effects of perpetual restrictions and stigmatization for previously incarcerated individual’s vulnerability and efforts to reduce recidivism in society. The theories guiding this study are Bandura’s (1986) social theory as it explains the relationship between the theory of self-efficacy and motivation, and Maslow’s (1954) hierarchy of needs accompanied by humanistic and existential theorists Viktor Frankl’s (1946) logotherapy and Carl Roger’s (1951) humanistic psychology as it emphasizes basic needs for human existence and success which are contradicted by hinderance of perpetual restrictions. Because of the mass stigmatization of people who have been …

Connection Matters: Exploring The Effects Of Attachment On Human Flourishing Within Ncaa Division 1 College Athletes, Zachary T. A. Clinton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the continued growth and development of college athletics has also come increased awareness and concerns around the surging rates of mental health challenges and issues facing today’s student-athletes. This study was conducted to better understand some of the factors, specifically relationships, that might affect the overall well-being and human flourishing of NCAA Division 1 student-athletes. Rooted in the flourishing and attachment theories, this study investigated relationship interactions between parental attachment (X) and human flourishing (Y) through best friend attachment (M1), God-attachment (M2), and coach-athlete attachment (M3) conditioned at the level of playing time satisfaction (W). Following the distribution of …

Self-Care As An Indicator Of Success For The Undergraduate Music Education Major, Sonya Lynn Comer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite rising awareness of stress and mental health issues, many undergraduate music education majors struggle to connect self-care to resilience in personal and professional areas of their lives. Students may perceive self-care as an extra luxury, if they have time after their work is completed, but they fail to recognize self-care as a potential source of energy, creativity, and joy for their work. The missing self-care component creates an internal deficit hindering students’ ability to bring their best self to the classroom, their student teaching placements, and interpersonal relationships. Omitting self-care compounds issues caused by their multi-faceted workload leaving students …

A Study To Understand The Experiences Of Black American Christian Women In Leadership Positions Who Serve Within The Black Church, Keyona N. Harper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study contributes to the gap in academic literature through the identification of themes within the participants' experiences of being a Black American female leader within the Black church. This study uses a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative design to understand the experiences of Black American Christian women in leadership positions who serve within the Black church. The findings offer insight into the role of race, gender, religion, and environmental factors in the human experience. Through this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research approach, data were analyzed to find universal themes of commitment to calling, pastor idolization, exclusion, navigating church culture, balancing personal and …

It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint: Completing Dental School Whilst Managing Your Mental Health, Sufyaan Ahmed, Morag Powell

Peninsula Dental School

No abstract provided.

Staff Education To Improve Patient Outcomes And Treatment Compliance Through Use Of Motivational Interviewing In The Mental Health Setting, Rachel Nardi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary: Treatment noncompliance is a significant problem within the realm of mental health care. Recurrent noncompliance increases symptom severity, the likelihood of a crisis, and the burden placed on mental health care resources. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) demonstrated through extensive research to positively affect patient outcomes. Teaching MI to mental health care providers is one option organizational leaders can choose to address treatment noncompliance. In order for MI to become standard nursing practice, a method of education must be developed and implemented. This necessitates the identification of effective education delivery methods. A staff education project was …

Building Resilience: The Role Of Social Rank And Alliances, Jarad Reiss

Masters Theses (Archived)

Resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, is a cornerstone of psychological well-being and a key to human thriving and mental fortitude. This study examines resilience as an adaptive psychological mechanism and situates it within an evolutionary framework to provide a clearer understanding of resilience across diverse populations, personalities, and cultures. Specifically, this study investigates whether perceived social rank predicts resilience and explores how social support and alliances mediate this relationship in a population of human service professionals. Participants (N = 256) completed an online survey that included measurements of resilience, social rank perceptions, personality, and coalition-related variables. Results suggest …

Human Trafficking: An Examination Of Policies And The Impact Of Trafficking On Victims, Hannah Lyons

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex global issue that involves the exploitation of individuals. While there is also the trafficking of objects, this study solely focuses on sexual exploitation and forced labor of humans. This paper defines trafficking and examines the impact that trafficking has on victims’ physical and mental health. This paper also examines the intersection of human trafficking and policies designed to combat it, focusing on the effectiveness of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of current anti-trafficking laws and initiatives, the paper explores how policies can be improved to better address …

The Lasting Effects Of Gun Violence On Victims And Communities, Anthony Do

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Gun violence is a pressing public health and criminal justice issue with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities in the United States. The psychological impact of gun violence can contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and sleep deprivation. The issues are pronounced within marginalized or disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of 3D-printed “ghost guns” presents further complications in the effort to regulate firearms. The United States stands out for its disproportionately high rates of firearm deaths. The findings in this paper highlight the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both the current and future impacts …

Leading Through Crisis: San Diego County Schools' Response To The Social Emotional Needs Of All Students, Johana Bielma

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented school closures, forcing administrators to take decisive action to radically change the educational system. The imperative to switch to remote learning transformed the dynamics of teaching and learning, leading to both immediate and long-term academic and social emotional consequences for all stakeholders. When schools reopened, administrators faced the challenge of reintegrating students into in-person learning while addressing the pandemic’s lasting effects on academics, mental health, and school safety. While academic regression was evident, the extent of students’ emotional struggles was less anticipated. Many students exhibited increased irritability and mental health issues such as depression …

Walking In Promise, Living In Reality: Exploring The Mental Health Implications Of The Pentecostal Discourse Of Divine Calling, Robert D. Mcbain

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

Pentecostalism places a strong emphasis on the discourse of divine calling, where individuals believe they are purposefully created, guided, and empowered by God to fulfill a specific mission. This sense of calling profoundly shapes Pentecostals’ sense of identity and purpose. Using Grounded Theory, this study analyzes open, in-depth interviews with Pentecostals in the U.S. to explore the impact of the Pentecostal discourse of divine calling on their mental health. The metaphor of ‘walking in’ one’s calling emerges as the central theme used by participants to explain the interaction between their perception of divine calling, their lived realities, and their mental …

Analysis Of Self: How My Story Became My Purpose, Alexis Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In this analysis of self, information is shared that has led to pursuing a master's degree in counseling. Personal stories and experiences are shared that aid in reflecting on essential relationships as well as the impact of those relationships. Individual mental health components are also explored. Assessment results and interviews conducted with loved ones are explored, as well as how the results and interview responses deepened the analysis of self. Theoretical orientation is explored, including how components of selected theories resonate both personally and professionally. Finally, the impact of conducting the analysis of self is explored, as well as a …

The Cost Of Accommodative Burdens: Prevalence & Impact On Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Individuals, Lorelei Becktel

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

This exploratory qualitative study (n=8) investigated the mental health effects of lack of reciprocity in accommodation and the resulting accommodative burden on deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Lack of reciprocity occurs when the split of the burden for communication accommodations falls significantly more on the deaf or hard of hearing individual. The resulting accommodative burden occurs when deaf and hard of hearing individuals adapt to make communication easier for hearing people at a level that is uncomfortable, unwanted, and/or detrimental to their needs. Effects, determined by participant responses, were examined via semi-structured interviews and analyzed via thematic analysis. Relationships …

Connecting Through Context: A Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resource For K-12 School Counselors, Erica Knebel

Master's Projects and Capstones

This field project, Connecting Through Context: A Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resource for K–12 School Counselors, explores the intersection of decolonial theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, and school-based mental health practices. Rooted in both personal and academic experiences, the project addresses the significant gap in culturally responsive mental health resources for immigrant and refugee students, with a personal emphasis on those from Southeast Asian backgrounds. With nearly 27% of the U.S. student population being immigrants, traditional Western mental health models, centered on talk therapy and medication, often fall short in effectively supporting culturally diverse students. Through a literature review grounded in …

A Description Of Mental Health Policies In Ohio Secondary Schools, Laura L. Harris, Molly Rowe

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE To compare secondary school mental health policies implemented for the student body with those implemented for student athletes.

Evaluating Scheduling Tool To Improve Behavioral Health Counseling Scheduling Rates On Same Day Of Referral, Edward Delesky, Md, Oluwatoni Okuboyejo, Md, Elizabeth Franko, Md, Nwamaka Amobi, Md, Ronak Ahir, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• Studies suggest 1 in 5 adults in the US suffer from mental illness, with up to 46% of Philadelphia residents reporting poor mental health.
• Care integration beginning with primary care physician evaluation and management is becoming more common.
• Behavioral health counseling (BHC), provided by a primary physician and trained psychologist, is vital in management of mental health conditions.
• Studies suggest same-day scheduling of follow up appointments improves treatment adherence.
• Goal: improve BHC scheduling rates on same-day of initial referral across two practice teams

Improving The Quality Of Veteran Health Care By Optimizing Va Integrated Primary Care: 20 Years And Beyond Of The Center For Integrated Healthcare, Jennifer S. Funderburk, Robyn Shepardson, Gregory Beehler, Kyle Possemato, Kristen Perry, Christina Shook, Jessica Martin, Katherine Dollar

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Primary care patients often present with mental and behavioral health concerns, such as depression or insomnia, leaving medical teams scrambling. To help fill this gap and increase access to care while aligning with patient preferences, a new service delivery model of integrated care, characterized by embedding behavioral health providers within medical teams, was embraced in a grassroots effort, with the VA being one of the first healthcare systems to implement it throughout all primary care settings. A common challenge to grassroot efforts is the lack of research establishing effectiveness and identifying ways to optimize the innovation’s impact. Innovative VA leaders …