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Exposure To Nature: An Underutilized Component Of Student Mental Health, Jeremy S. Bekker

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Nature-exposure interventions on university campuses may serve as an effective addition to overburdened counseling and student support centers. Nature-exposure interventions can work as a preventative health measure on campuses, which can be used adjacently with existing health resources. This paper outlines the potential benefits of nature exposure for students’ physical health, mental well-being, and academic success. Previous research has demonstrated that nature exposure may help reduce cognitive load, decrease negative psychological symptoms, increase psychological coping ability, and lead to better physical health. Many campuses already contain green spaces, defined as any part of an environment that is predominately made of …

“The Impact Of Self-Stigma Of Seeking Help And Perceived Social Support On Burnout Among Clinical Psychologists”, Aavrita A

Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

“Comparative Study Of Emotional Labor And Burnout On Life Satisfaction Among School Teachers Across Different Educational Settings”, Meghana V. Dharmapalan

Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Mental Health And The Impact Of Friendship, Ian Adkins

WRIT: Journal of First-Year Writing

Mental health issues are a very large problem in the United States today. For a long time, mental health issues were ignored and not even seen as something worth looking into or studying, let alone being a real medical condition. When they finally started to come to light, they were only associated with adults. In the United States, children’s mental health issues were largely ignored. It has only been recently that mental health in adolescents is being addressed, and phycologist and scientists are finding important information about how friendships can impact the way these at-risk adolescents deal with mental health …

Making Meaning Of The Family's Immigrant Experience, Distress, And Help-Seeking: A Critical Inquiry Of Mental Health Support For Second-Generation Korean Americans, Kristin Kim-Martin

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The Korean American community is a predominantly immigrant population with a long history of historical and cultural trauma, including the continued losses, hardships, and violence endured through the immigration process, that continues to impact the well-being and functioning of individuals and families today. Second-generation Korean Americans play critical roles in establishing and maintaining the livelihoods and security of their immigrant families; however, they have been underrepresented and under-researched within the literature on immigration and its effects on the mental health and help-seeking patterns of this population. Although there is strong evidence for the influence of culture in the intergenerational patterns …

Challenges For Children And Adolescents With Autism And Their Families During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Orsolya Pachner, Gabor Aranyi

Journal of Global Awareness

The restrictions and lockdown measures implemented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic have posed a pronounced risk to the mental health of people with autism and their families. We discuss specific difficulties affecting children and adolescents with autism and their families during the pandemic, drawing on a broad range of recently published research in many countries and regions. A global perspective is adopted to provide an overview of the state of affairs and identify good practices. We consider challenges in four areas: research and practice related to autism, challenges facing children and adolescents with autism, specific difficulties in their education …

Balancing Provider Stress And Resilience In The Time Of Covid, Zachary Love

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to improve secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion satisfaction, and burnout amongst providers—physicians, residents, and nurse practitioners—within the acute psychiatry units of the La Jolla Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through a one-time educational training session.

Background: Mental health providers at the VHA acute psychiatry units experience one of the highest risks for the development of STS, CF, and burnout amongst all professions due to a number of individual and institutional factors. STS is characterized by secondhand traumatization with symptoms similar to that of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—difficulty sleeping, mood changes, upsetting images appearing …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Prenatal Stress, Anxiety, And Depression, Fiona Kate Rice

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Pregnant people in the United States (US) face myriad barriers to resource accessibility when seeking support, including financial gatekeeping, discrimination, and cis-gendering of the process. Commodification of prenatal support is exhaustive and contributes to a growing exclusivity of traditionally accessible interventions designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to promote positive fetal outcomes and parent-child bond. Mindfulness-based interventions are particularly appropriate for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnancy. Mindfulness-based interventions are intersectional, accessible means of pregnancy and childbirth support with evidence-based outcomes of positive birth experiences and results. Mindfulness is defined as nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. …

Community Art For Rebuilding College Communities Following The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review, Amber Haney

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper is an examination of arts-based community engagement projects as a way to creatively engage, support, and endorse healing in college communities. This paper was written with consideration for potential long-term impacts on college students, individually and collectively, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this paper, college student mental health trends in the United States are addressed and existing community engagement projects that center around community, healing, and resilience are examined. This paper argues that art therapy practices that are meant to advance societal healing can occur outside of the traditional, clinical individual or group therapy session …

Storytelling And Performance As Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Taylor Ottley

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Inspired by a personal experience, this thesis discusses the use of storytelling and performance as dance/movement therapy. I answer these research questions: What practices, if any, exist in the field of DMT? What is the full spectrum of benefits for dancers and witnesses? What populations are best suited for this work? Non-DMT resources were chosen for their therapeutic value and adaptability to DMT contexts. I categorize the literature by these themes: “Making the Invisible Visible: Stories of Mental Illness”; “Processing Tragedy”; “Storytelling and Performance with a Social Justice Aim”; “Exploring Individuality”; “Crafted by Intuition: DMT’s Authentic Movement”; and “Physical Storytelling.” …

The Effectiveness Of Art Therapy As A Treatment Modality In Improving Quality Of Life For Adults With Chronic Pain, Kayley Nelson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The efficacy of art therapy is explored in the context of improving the quality of life and mental health of individuals experiencing chronic pain. The exploration and examination of previous research on chronic pain and art therapy have led to various interconnected themes that tie together the needs of this population with the healing aspects of this treatment method. Through gathering data on both the negative impact of chronic pain and the healing aspects of art therapy and exploring research on chronic pain art therapy groups already in action, it can be deduced that future research may further illuminate the …

Drama Therapy For Actor Training Programs, Emily Faith

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review synthesizes the literature on the mental health trends and developmental stages of student actors in university theatre programs and the mental health issues they may suffer because of their field of training. I then review the potential negative impacts of COVID-19. Special attention is paid to drama therapy techniques to weave into college and university theatre programs to mitigate mental health concerns invoked by training.

Creating A Movement Group In The 2-Dimensional World: Using Dance/Movement Therapy Interventions To Build Connections For Children, Naomi E. Muhs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The world experienced many changes after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, including counseling sessions transitioning to being delivered through the service of distance counseling. As a growing field, dance/movement therapy must explore distance counseling services to expand and have relevancy within the demands of current society. This project addressed the gap in the research on the integrating of distance counseling services and dance/movement therapy while presenting an interactive remote method for facilitating a group therapy session with a dance/movement therapy approach. Every piece of literature that was researched helped in creating the interventions that were implemented with the clients. The following …

Providing The Opportunity To Access Playfulness In Music Therapy With Adults In A Partial Hospital Program: The Implementation Of A Method, Carolynn Walker

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores playfulness in the therapeutic relationship and in music therapy with adults in a partial hospital program. Playfulness is shown to be an effective tool in mental health treatment, aiding in the development of coping skills (Magnuson & Barnett, 2013). A method was applied in order to establish to what extent that playfulness is present and able to be accessed. Five music therapy groups took place with adults age eighteen and older in a partial hospital program that was being conducted in a hybrid (both virtual and in-person) format. Clinical observations concluded that playfulness can be accessed in …

The Experience Of Women On A High-Risk Pregnancy Unit Engaged In Art Therapy, Emili Sherfield

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Considering the significant changes that occur throughout pregnancy, coping with such changes may be challenging, affecting those experiencing high-risk pregnancies in particular. Women facing high-risk pregnancies often endure heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, ultimately impacting their well-being and mental health. Medical concerns may lead to hospitalization, which has the potential to exacerbate an already distressing situation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While evaluating beneficial therapeutic interventions to address the needs of this population, art therapy and art-making has proven to reduce anxiety, encourage coping strategies, provide an emotional outlet, and improve overall well-being. In light of these …

Storytelling As An Expressive Arts Therapy Intervention With Children Via Telehealth, Sidney Marie Joines

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As an expressive arts therapist in training working in the midst of a global pandemic, I sought to develop a creative, safe, accessible, and effective intervention for children via telehealth during a time of great uncertainty. Coronavirus 2019 has had a massive impact on mental and physical health and disrupted the lives of billions across the globe; the pandemic also forced mental health professionals to online formats. I found a significant lack of literature around expressive arts therapy via telehealth. Through considering theoretical approaches from cinematherapy, narrative therapy, metaphor therapy, play therapy, and expressive arts therapy, I developed an eight-week …

The Effect Of Architecture And Design On Mental Health And Implications For Open Art Studios, Alyssa Chappe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this literature review I will discuss the history of architecture and design in the mental health field. I investigate what has been studied on how different aspects of design, such as safety and security, noise and external stressors, space and interior layout, nature, lighting and atmosphere, art, community, and the therapeutic milieu all impacts mental health. With the understanding of these aspects, I explore the importance of and how to utilize purpose-built design in open art studio spaces. Incorporating elements such as natural lighting, open floor plans, private and open community spaces, artwork, safety procedures, and nature/views of nature, …

A Crisis Of Needs: Coordinating Mental Health And Psychosocial Support Responses In Syria And Europe, Lira Low

New England Journal of Public Policy

This article offers recommendations for coordinating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs for Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons in the Middle East with those available to Syrian asylum seekers in Europe.

It examines the Netherlands’ progressive policies toward MHPSS programs in conflict crises that can provide examples of good practice in policy and advocacy. It calls on host governments to address their support for the enhanced provision of MHPSS not just in humanitarian responses overseas but also for refugee populations in their own countries. It seeks to identify challenges and obstacles in existing programming and proposes the creation …

The Effects Of Racial Discrimination On Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Students’ Mental Health, Alana M. Hall Ms.

Honors College Theses

Racial discrimination and its relationship with mental health outcomes in BIPOC students, specifically psychological distress, the focus of this study. This was deemed important because these students may have responded by using certain coping strategies that could be harmful to their mental health and overall health, in the long term. It is already known that racism has been a problem in the world, but has morphed over the years to that of subtle, and often more harmful, forms of racism (e.g. microaggressions). The goal of this study was to examine the discriminatory experiences of BIPOC students at a predominantly white …

Making The Case For Psychedelics: Comparing Alternative Treatment Options For Depression, Nicole Amavisca

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the number of people who are treated for depression each year and the knowledge that treatments work differently for everyone, there is a pressing need to provide a variety of treatment options. Although psychedelic research had been halted for a few decades due to recreational abuse, there has been revived interest due to its therapeutic potential in the treatment of mood disorders and addiction. As an example, the hallucinogen ketamine has recently been approved as a treatment for depression, which has opened the door for broadening the discussion on psychedelic research. Although the research is limited, psilocybin mimics ketamine …

The Canine-Campus Connection, Mary Renck Jalongo

New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond

A primary mission of universities is promoting student success and well-being. Many college and university personnel have implemented initiatives that offer students the documented benefits of positive human-animal interaction (HAI). Accumulating evidence suggests that assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and shelter dogs can support student wellness and learning. The best programs balance the welfare of humans and canines while assessing students’ needs and complying with all laws and regulations. Contributors to this edited volume have drawn upon research across many disciplines as well as their extensive practical experiences to produce a timely and valuable resource—for administrators and students. Whether readers are …

Unforeseen Connections, Miranda Mattson

Theses

Using floriography within my own work, I captured the essence of human emotion and used its familiarity to bring mental health issues to the foreground of conversation. The parallels of hidden emotion and social discordance between the Victorian era and the 21st Century inspired my introspective research into "invisible" illnesses: health issues that affect both the mind and the body, respectively. Utilizing knowledge in mixed media, as well as traditional metalsmithing techniques, these ideas manifested into a series of wearable art and sculpture with the intention of prompting in-depth discussions on mental health stigmas. Without compromising the ambiguity of floriography, …

Libraries And Mental Health Initiatives: A Literature Review, Megan Smith

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic has increased the mental health needs of communities across America. Public libraries have responded by utilizing the existing resources they developed such as training staff in Mental Health First Aid and employing social workers and nurses. In addition, libraries have created new targeted programs to address mental health during the covid-19 pandemic. This literature review discusses how these various factors relate and further directions for research.

Anxiety In Elementary Classrooms, Stephanie Kane

Honors Program Theses and Projects

As the number of students with anxiety increases, elementary school professionals are becoming more aware of the signs, behaviors, and negative outcomes that are shown in a young student with anxiety. This study examined the impact that anxiety has on elementary students’ social and academic growth in the classroom. Interviews were conducted with seven elementary school teachers, two school counselors, and one school nurse from a variety of districts in Eastern Massachusetts. The purpose of the study was to identify the different ways that young students express their anxieties and the effect that this has on their schooling. Several different …

Learnings From The Impact Of Online Learning On Elementary Students' Mental And Social-Emotional Well-Being Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nadeen Hamzeh

Education | Master's Theses

This research examined practices that might foster students’ mental and emotional well-being, quality relationships among students and staff and safe and inclusive school climates through online platforms, especially during times of crisis such as during the COVID 19 pandemic. In order to achieve that goal, this study sought to identify the kinds of protective and risk factors that help or hinder students’ ability to cope and thrive, through a scholarly framework of Critical Race Theory (Yosso, 2005), Online Learning (Hughes, 2004) and Social-emotional Learning (Durlak et al., 2011). The researcher conducted personal interviews with a variety of educators serving at …

Addressing Mental Health In The Medical School Setting Using A Peer Forum, Erica Stagliano, Christina Bascara, Bliss Rogers, Ruth Conboy, Denah Appelt

Research Day

Background: Medical students have a particularly higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Consequently, there is a need to address students’ mental health as a component of professional development. At a medical school in the northeastern United States, we utilize a student-led, medical student-only forum that focuses on mental health topics and experiences. The intent is to educate and advocate for mental health acceptance and treatment through open discussion among peers. It is anticipated that this forum results in professional help-seeking behaviors and continued mental health discussions both inside and outside of the school …

Assessment Of Patient And Employee Mental Health During Covid-19, Lanerica Rogers, Tammy Phillips, Aerial Petty, Gabriana Freire, Carline Denis-Barnes

Research Day

Background: Many individuals in the United States have anecdotally reported a decline in their mental health due to worry and stress over the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much research has been dedicated to populations across the country, patients and employees at community health centers have been overlooked in terms of the effect of pandemic conditions on their mental health. The present study seeks to understand how the mental health of these populations has been impacted and offer recommendations for what can be done to address any unmet mental health needs.

Methods: Survey responses were compiled from patients and employees of the …

A Perfect Storm: Nonfiction On The Progression And Regression Of Anxiety, Amanda Guindon

Honors Program Theses and Projects

From the moment I decided to write a creative nonfiction collection of essays for my thesis, I knew that anxiety would be my focus. Mental health awareness is on the uprise as it’s estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that 31.1% of all United States adults will experience any anxiety disorder in their lives. While I knew anxiety would be an important topic to discuss in order to bring awareness to causes and effects of anxiety, I had no concept of the challenges I would face in portraying my mental health to an audience who may know nothing …

Coping And Suicide Among At-Risk Community College Students, Laura E. Martin, Lynn Bohecker

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

The authors investigated the complex relationships of coping associated with suicide risk among community college students. Survey responses were obtained from 733 participants. A multiple linear regression demonstrated that maladaptive coping such as self-distraction, substance use, and denial were predictive factors of suicide among students in the 18–29 age group. Self-distraction and denial were significant coping protective factors of suicide risk for students aged 29–67. Implications for increasing suicide awareness and prevention in education are discussed.

Keywords: suicide, coping, community college, mental health

Implementation Of A Mental Health Screening In A Gastroenterology Office, Kayla Craig

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The growing prevalence of depression in gastrointestinal patients is the reason why outpatient offices, gastrointestinal offices included, need to screen for mental health problems in their appointments. Many outpatient settings don't have a standard tool to screen for depression in patients, and therefore many patients are not being treated or diagnosed with depression in the process. The PHQ-9 has been shown to have strong validity and specificity in diagnosing depression in the outpatient setting.