Digital Commons Network^™

Rural Mental Health Care During A Global Health Pandemic: Addressing And Supporting The Rapid Transition To Tele-Mental Health, Shawnda Schroeder, Holly Roberts, Thomasine Heitkamp, Brandy Clarke, Heather J. Gotham, Erika Franta

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

The adoption of tele-mental health by mental health professionals has been slow, especially in rural areas. Prior to 2020, less than half of mental health agencies offered tele-mental health for patients. In response to the global health pandemic in March of 2020, mental health therapists across the U.S. were challenged to make the rapid shift to tele-mental health to provide patient care. Given the lack of adoption of tele-mental health previously, immediate training in tele-mental health was needed. This article describes collaborative efforts between two mental health technology transfer centers and one addiction technology transfer center in rural regions of …

The Role Of Rural And Urban Geography And Gender In Community Stigma Around Mental Illness, Shawnda Schroeder, Chih Ming Tan, Brian Urlacher, Thomasine Heitkamp

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

Empirical evidence describes the negative outcomes people with mental health disorders experience due to societal stigma. The aim of this study was to examine the role of gender and rural/urban living in perceptions about mental illness. Participants completed the Day’s Mental Illness Stigma Scale, a nationally validated instrument for measuring stigma. Directors of Chambers of Commerce in North Dakota distributed the electronic survey to their members. Additionally, distribution occurred through use of social media and other snowball sampling approaches. Analysis of data gathered from 749 participants occurred through examination of the difference in perceptions based on geography and gender. The …

Birthing Reimagined: Perceptions Of Safety And Autonomy In Birth Experiences Among Postpartum Individuals During Covid-19, Beldina Orinda

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

Background: Safety during childbirth is a priority for care providers, but patients' perceptions of safety may differ from those of providers, especially in biomedical settings.1–4 This can influence health outcomes and satisfaction with the birth experience.5–7 We hypothesize that autonomy, defined as the ability to make decisions about care during childbirth, may enhance feelings of safety and positive mental health outcomes.9,15

Methods: Surveys via REDCap v11.1.29 captured the experiences and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of pregnant and postpartum women. Participants (n=49) included 15 pregnant and 34 postpartum individuals, aged 18 and older, who had given …

An Exploration Of Intimate Partner Violence In Lgbt Relationships, Amaris Sanvictores, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience disproportionate rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Findings report rates of IPV among LGBT individuals ranging from 31.1%-61.1%, which is higher compared to 29%-35% with their cisgender peers. There is limited research regarding the impact of IPV in LGBT relationships through an occupational therapy lens. Purpose: This research project intends to identify occupational limitations by addressing the required needs and resources of individuals from LGBT IPV to improve their quality of life. The research acquired can be used to identify problem areas to provide …

The Last Of Us In Therapy: How Mind-Controlling Fungi And Gut Bacteria Affect Your Mental Health, Anastasia Lyon

Journal of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences

The "psilocybiome" represents the mutually beneficial relationship between ourselves, our bacteria, and psychedelic drugs. This short review briefly discusses the benefits and limitations surrounding the potential for psychedelic therapy to synergize with gut bacteria to help regulate and maintain proper balance in the immune system, diet, and stress levels. Psychedelic therapy is a novel treatment strategy that has the potential to improve patient mental health, and, by identifying the types of gut bacteria present in patients, it can aid in personalizing medicine by determining how well their "psilocybiome" may respond.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine: Considerations For Using Humor Within The Mental Health Field, Brielle Pedrick

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Humor is a part of the human experience and allows us to connect with others. There are numerous psychological and psychological benefits from using humor such as it can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and can alter dopamine and serotonin activity. Not only does humor benefit the individual but it also allows us to create connections and bond with others through laughter. The benefits of humor can also be seen in a counseling setting between counselor and client. Clinicians should assess for client presentation, developmental considerations and cultural considerations before deciding if humor should be brought into the counseling room. Specific …

Rural Populations Amongst The Mental Health Crisis In The United States Of America: Implications For Counseling Professionals, Caylyn Arbogast

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The United States is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, following the COVID-19 Pandemic. While the United States continues to experience stigma around mental health, the impacts of the mental health and substance use crisis are even more prominent within rural communities. Challenges include lack of funding, transportation, availability, et cetera regarding the access and availability of services. Virginia, being comprised of mostly rural areas increases the likelihood that counselors may encounter a client from this background or directly serve people of these communities. Counselors are challenged to increase accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and availability to decrease barriers to treatment. As …

Supporting The Mental Health Needs Of Youth Through Neurobiologically-Informed Approaches, Hannah P. Jarrett

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Many children and adolescents are experiencing increased mental health challenges, resulting in a serious public health crisis. Mental health providers must apply innovative, research-based, and developmentally responsive intervention to meet the current mental health needs of youth. Neurobiologically-informed approaches, such as Polyvagal Theory, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, could be used to support children and adolescents appropriately and effectively across a variety of settings. These approaches apply principles of neuroscience, acknowledge developmental considerations, and attend to the impact of trauma. This project reviews mental health trends in children and adolescents, provides a brief overview of these approaches, …

Dealing With Your Dragons: Counseling Through Dungeons And Dragons, Devon Howell

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the idea of using the game of Dungeons and Dragons as a form of group counseling in a therapeutic setting. A search of relevant literature was conducted to discover potential therapeutic utility and cultural aspects of this prospective methodology. It was hypothesized that while the topic might not be well researched, it will yield potential possibilities for therapeutic use. The research presents possibilities for different theoretical underpinnings; in particular, it offers a unique range of benefits to both the client (improvements to social skills, sense of community, and overall mental health), …

Growth In Three Dimensions, Aubriana Bernhardt

Writing Waves

No abstract provided.

Meet Them Where They Are: Investigating The Feasibility And Acceptability Of Artificial Intelligence-Avatar-Delivered Community-Based Psychological First Aid Programming In A University Setting, Sarah Ryann M. Fortner, Joshua Semko, Stefan E. Schulenberg

Honors Theses

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) avatar to deliver Community-Based Psychological First Aid training (CBPFA) to undergraduate students in a university setting. College students report high stress levels, and chronic stress is associated with negative physical, mental, and academic outcomes. CBPFA may be an effective way for colleges and universities to provide students with psychosocial support; however, traditional models utilize in-person training, which may not be accessible on a large scale. The present study developed a web-based AI-avatar-delivered CBPFA training to provide an alternative training modality. The …

Prescription Drug Misuse Among Graduate Students: Prevalence And Links To Mental Health And Academic Burnout, Madison De Gruiter

Honors Theses

The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence of prescription drug misuse (PDM) among doctoral students and assess associations between PDM and anxiety and burnout in this population. Additional analyses analyzed differential associations by doctoral degree type (i.e., research versus professional programs). A sample of doctoral students (n=131) affiliated with the University of Mississippi participated in an anonymous survey to assess research aims.

The Tower: An Act-Based Product System That Helps Porn Addicts Eliminate Shame And Develop Healthier Habits Aligned With Their Core Values., Adetayo E. Oke

Theses

Pornography is a media phenomenon that has either educated or plagued the minds of young adolescence and teens, the topics that involve sex. Stated in a paper with (Lewczuk, K) [pornography usage has seen a rapid three times increase]; “(310%) between October 2004 and October 2016–starting from an estimated 2.76 million in the first period to 8.54 million.” The rise of pornography usage has thus caused new cases of Porn Addiction. What may seem like harmless addiction, pornography identifies as a new drug consumed by heterosexual men, and some women primarily consume it. According to studies, from (Kuer 90.1.), people …

Embedding Wellness Center: An Architecture That Promotes Healing And Well-Being, Kathryn J. Folger

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Environmental stressors and psychological torments make going about daily life unbearable to handle for many within the United States. The attention and concern for mental health continues to rise, but there is a larger need for resources and infrastructure to give action to conversation. To address the residual statistics of anxiety and mood disorders from COVID-19, this project will offer an architecture which enables the healing process to begin and extend beyond the tangible limits of space. Mental health facilities can provide that environment. This facility will offer an environment of community specifically for those who deal with anxiety and …

Exploring Barriers To Rural Mental Health Practice: A Pilot Study, Caitlin Vu

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

There is a shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas around the world. Current literature on barriers to healthcare professionals choosing to practice in rural areas mainly focuses on medical professionals, with few studies examining the barriers to rural practice for mental health professionals. Along with examining the perceived barriers and enablers to rural mental health practice, researchers wanted to further examine the reliability of the revised Barriers to Rural Mental Health Practice instrument. Researchers distributed the survey to mental health professionals across the United States. Preliminary findings support high internal reliability for the total scale and three of …

Gauging Clientele Knowledge On Alternative Methods Of Payment For Veterinary Services In Relation To Client Satisfaction, Olivia Hritzkowin

Honors College Theses

The following study focuses on the knowledge that veterinary clients possess surrounding alternative methods of payment for veterinary services and its relation to overall client satisfaction, as well as the prevalence of mental health crisis in veterinary professionals as it relates to client satisfaction. An in-depth analysis of online articles and journals was compared to the results of a survey of pet owners and veterinary professionals to obtain results for the study. The results of the analysis of online resources revealed that many pet owners are stressed about paying for veterinary care for their animal and that most are unprepared …

College Student Depression Throughout Covid-19: Fall 2019-Spring 2022, Matthew Powless, Zachary Pilot, Valentin Bouvier, Elisabeth Brown, Mikaila Ealum, Lakota Iron Rope

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

The current study examined the trends in depression and emotion regulation for students (n = 899) at one university in the Midwest United States from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (Fall 2019) through the Spring 2022 semester. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted, controlling for difficulties in emotion regulation and gender identity. The ANCOVA indicated that depression was significantly lower in Fall 2019 than in the remaining five semesters under investigation. Results of these analyses appear to indicate that depression rose significantly in students after the onset of the pandemic and implementation of social restrictions. This negative effect …

Coda Identity - Why Our Stories Are Important: A Qualitative Look At The Personal Narratives Of Adult Hearing Children Of Deaf Adults, Emma Tripp

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Children of Deaf adults (Coda) possess bicultural identities which may play a significant role in their mental health journeys. Bicultural identities can be a source of both stress and pride. Harmony between multiple cultural identities is associated with more positive mental health outcomes (Tikhonov et al., 2019). Codas belong to an under researched population of Deaf communities, further mystifying the inner worlds of Codas. This preliminary study aims to document the personal narratives of Codas’ lived experiences and perceptions as individuals with bicultural identities by thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with five Codas in hopes to identify areas of future …

The End Of Roe V. Wade: Implications For Women's Mental Health And Care, Amalia Londoño Tobón, Eileen Mcnicholas, Camille A Clare, Luu D Ireland, Jennifer L Payne, Tiffany A Moore Simas, Rachel K Scott, Madeleine Becker, Nancy Byatt

Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers

The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson in June 2022 reversed precedent which had previously protected abortion prior to fetal viability as a universal right within the United States. This decision almost immediately led to abortion restrictions across 25 states. The resulting lack of access to abortion care for millions of pregnant people will have profound physical and mental health consequences, the full effects of which will not be realized for years to come. Approximately 1 in 5 women access abortions in the U.S. each year. These women are diverse and represent all American groups. The Supreme court decision, …

Prescribing Music To Forensic Settings: A Literature Review, Sydney A. Bouchard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Though prison is inherently musical, evidence-based forensic music therapy is rather understudied. This thesis critically reviews musical experiences in forensic environments and synthesizes its intersection with inmates' psychological distress. Additionally, the literature explores how forensic music therapy can act as a health and social resource for the incarcerated and their communities. Engaging in this work is vital because healthier correctional systems mean healthier communities (Hopwood, 2021). This review synthesizes relevant literature to inform better practices in music therapy, counseling, and healthcare and seeks to popularize discussion around an otherwise unpopular population, incarcerated folx. Emerging themes include (1) incarceration breeds negative …

Art Therapy And Chronic Pain: Exploring Pain Tolerance, Body Sensations And Emotions, India Brown

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Over four weeks, topics of emotion, physical and body sensation, and chronic pain using art therapy were explored. The therapy provided a foundation for practicing mindfulness, increasing awareness, and expressing various symptoms such as somatic discomfort and emotional dysregulation. I co-facilitated a group consisting of individuals between the ages of 23 and 70 identifying as male or female, with a mix of white and black clients from the middle-class bracket. The group participated in art therapy and mindful meditation sessions in an outpatient program. Through this experience, I discovered that many individuals dissociate from their pain and emotional well-being. While …

How Drama Therapy Interventions May Enhance The Psychological Health Of Astronauts: A Literature Review, Mackenna Wysocki

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Astronauts may encounter a number of psychological challenges throughout their space missions. Crew members often suffer from a disrupted circadian rhythm, thus altering their sleep patterns. Prolonged disrupted sleep has been linked to a decline in executive functioning, concentration, and decision making, all of which are crucial to the duties of an astronaut. Additionally, crews are required to stay in cramped living quarters with the same group of people for an extended period of time, leading to an increased possibility of interpersonal conflict. There are no open spaces in which to escape when trying to decompress, there is limited contact …

Implementing An Emr System In A Small Psychiatric Practice, Brandy Mccrudden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Electronic medical records (EMRs) can aid in improving surveillance, monitoring, adherence to practice guidelines, improving communication, and reducing medical errors. The adoption of EMRs in psychiatry and mental health settings has been slow despite the offered benefits. This project aimed to develop an implementation and training plan to successfully transition from paper charts to EMRs in a psychiatry practice. An extensive literature review was conducted on the adoption of EMRs in mental health settings, and a guideline for implementation was created to overcome identified barriers. Implementation guidelines included a planning phase, staff training plan, and rollout using a phase-in approach. …

Self-Care In Mental Health: A Study On The Effectiveness Of Self Care For Overall Mental Wellbeing, Amy C. Branson

Honors College Theses

Studies have shown that self-care can be very effective in the treatment of different mental health issues. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of three common self-care techniques (sleep, diet, and exercise) on the overall mental health and wellbeing of college students. This research consists of two surveys that collect data on self-care habits and current mental health, interposed by a two-week period of implementing positive changes to one of the self-care methods. This study used voluntary response sampling. The survey was be administered online to students at Georgia Southern University. The survey data was collected …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Regulation And Resilience In The Classroom, Catherine Newton, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An occupational therapy educational program that focuses on increasing teachers' knowledge surrounding childhood trauma as well as promoting regulation and resilience in the classroom.

Microaggressions Versus Blatant Discrimination And Their Effects On Mental Health, Ian Lock

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This study examined the relationship between types of discrimination and its effect on mental health. Specifically, comparing microaggressions and blatant discrimination to see which variable had a significant impact on depression and anxiety. Microaggressions, derogatory slights/insults directed at members of an oppressed group, are a primary focus for researchers looking at racial discrimination. The impact of microaggressions is prevalent across a myriad of different marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Microaggressions have a large negative impact on mental and physical well-being in individuals, with research finding that it has a negative impact on symptoms …

Strategic Use Of Wellness Ambassadors To Increase Attendance Of Initial Mental Health Appointments, Kaitlyn Blair, Mirna Law, Bettina Bernstein

Research Day

Background

Many adults and children with mental health conditions in the US do not receive treatment, and in Philadelphia alone, there were 174 suicide deaths in 2017. The shortage of mental health professionals and long wait times are significant barriers to accessing mental health care. Executive function difficulties can make it challenging for individuals to maintain a schedule for mental health appointments. A study found that reminder phone calls result in an increased rate of mental health appointment keeping. The goal of this project is to increase attendance of first mental health appointments by patients referred to mental health services …

Targeting Social Connection In The Context Of Trauma: Functional Outcomes And Mechanisms Of Change, Andrew J. Smith, David Pincus, Bernard P. Ricca

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The current study presents and preliminarily tests a brief, theory driven intervention designed to target social connectivity as a transdiagnostic mechanism of health. We tested four hypotheses to examine whether and how explicitly targeting social behavior engagement (activating values-led behaviors towards specific network members) may improve other downstream aspects of social connectivity (i.e., social cognitions measured as loneliness, interpersonal closeness, perceived social support) and functioning (quality of life [QOL] and posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTS]). Methods. Participants included 15 patients (10 veterans, 5 firefighters) who completed the six-session intervention. Demographics: age (M = 46, SD = 17), 87% male, race (80% …

Suicide Among Adolescents In South Korea, Alyssa Kang

Ballard Brief

Suicide is a prevalent issue that widely affects all demographics in South Korea. Among adolescents, it is the leading cause of mortality with an average rate of 7 deaths per 100,000 people. Some of the most significant factors that influence the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts are cultural stigma and academic stress. Other factors, such as bullying and family structure, also increase the likelihood of suicide. There are also specific characteristics which predict suicide, including internet addiction, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse. Adolescent suicide attempts in Korea also increase the individual's risk for future attempts. Additionally, completed suicides can …

Social Support And Perceptions Of Covid-19-Related Emotional Impact On Mental Health Among Early Adolescents In Appalachia, Hannah M. Layman, Michael J. Mann, Megan L. Smith, Steven M. Kogan, Alfgeir L. Kristjansson

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Young people who experience higher levels of social support from their schools and families have been shown to be less likely to develop symptoms of negative mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.1–4 This raises questions concerning how young people's stress and psychological changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as social support during this time have affected their overall mental health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between sources of parental- and school-level social support and youth perceptions of COVID-19-related emotional impact on mental health among early adolescent girls and boys in …