Digital Commons Network^™

African American Women Employed In The Education Sector Who Have Biological Children With Mental Health Or Behavioral Problems: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Cynthia Henderson Porter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study is purposed to identify and describe the lived experiences of African American mothers employed in a pre-K-12 public school district in Virginia who have biological children with mental health or behavioral problems. The study was qualitative, as this method allowed challenges to be explored personally and humanistically. The theory guiding this study is social constructivism, as it relates to African American mothers’ views of their experiences in the work setting; the assumed perception of colleagues, administrators, and others; and challenges at work pertaining to limitations in functioning, performance, and interpersonal stressors that mothers may encounter. The central …

Mental Illness In African American Women: A Transcendental Phenomenology On Self-Efficacy And The Treatment-Seeking Behavior Of Secondary And Post-Secondary Educators, Sasha N. Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological research shows the influence of mental health treatment on the self-efficacy of African American women who are secondary or post-secondary educators in Northern Illinois. For African American women educators, taking care of their mental well- being and being aware of mental health conditions are crucial. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues are vital in our communities, and access to resources and support are necessary. Using self-identity theory can aid in comprehending motivations and behaviors, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment and the …

Understanding Firefighter Culture And Mental Health, Alyssa G. Chirillo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach, explores the lived experiences of firefighters, the cultural dynamics within the firefighting profession, and the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among this group. Drawing on previous research, the study examines how exposure to vicarious trauma, the roles and responsibilities of firefighters, and the inherent risks of the profession shape attitudes toward mental health treatment. The research investigates explicitly whether firefighter culture and lived experiences influence the pursuit of mental health support. Participants from the Summerville Fire Department in Summerville, South Carolina, were recruited voluntarily. Data were collected through …

Black Men’S Experiences Of Intergenerational Trauma And Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study, Richard N. Tabb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how Black men exposed to intergenerational trauma describe their experiences of identity development. Grounded in Vivian Rakoff’s Intergenerational Trauma Theory and William Cross’s Nigrescence Theory, the study employed a transcendental phenomenological design to examine how trauma is transmitted across generations and its implications for Black male identity. This research addresses a critical gap in the mental health field, particularly regarding the historical roots of trauma and their impact on contemporary counseling practices. Findings revealed that the enduring legacy of historical trauma rooted in slavery, systemic racism, and ongoing forms of oppression continues to profoundly shape …

Mental Health Impacts On African Refugees, Michelle Mailhiot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explores the mental health impacts of African refugee women traveling with children under the age of 18 during migration to Europe through Morocco, a key yet under examined transit country. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to examine the lived experiences of distress, coping, and barriers to mental health support. Twenty participants were recruited through local NGOs and community networks in Morocco, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns across participants’ narratives including hunger, homelessness, and exploitation intensifying psychological strain, particularly in relation to caregiving responsibilities …

What Are The Barriers And Facilitators To The Acceptance Of Information And Communication Technology-Based Interventions For Improving Resilience And Mental Health Of Healthcare Workers: A Scoping Review Protocol, Elisabete Alves, Ricardo Rodrigues, César Fonseca, Manuel Lopes, Inês Faria, Nina Dalkner, Paul Barach, Frans Folkvord, Jim Ingebretsen Carlson, Eva Reininghaus, Michele Wessa, Yvonne Prinzellner, Vanessa Leung, Eva Turk, Lara Guedes De Pinho

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) report overwhelming demands and experience crisis levels of burnout and unique challenges that further impair their mental health. Promotion of mental health among HCWs using information and communication technology (ICT) has received little empirical research attention and interventions for improving mental health resilience in HCWs are not well established.

DESIGN: Scoping review to map existing evidence and identify gaps for future research regarding the main barriers and facilitators of the acceptance of ICT-based interventions for improving resilience and mental health among HCWs working in all healthcare settings.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol was developed in accordance …

Reliability And Validity Of A Modified Version Of The Consumer Assessment Of Healthcare Providers And Systems (Cahps®) Clinician And Group Visit Survey 4.0 (Beta) For Ambulatory Behavioral Health Care, Jessica K. Jeffrey, Ron D. Hays, Randi Hissom, Mark Grossman, Samuel A. Skootsky

Patient Experience Journal

Patient experience is a fundamental indicator of healthcare quality. A patient experience survey that assesses telemedicine and in-person ambulatory behavioral health care is needed. This study aims to adapt the CAHPS Clinician and Group Visit Survey 4.0 (beta) to assess adult patient experience with ambulatory behavioral health services and its reliability and validity. Seven behavioral health subject matter experts (psychiatrists, therapists with master’s degrees, and primary care physicians) at an integrated delivery system aligned with an academic institution provided input to select a subset of items and make minor wording adjustments to the CAHPS survey. The adapted survey was administered …

Communicating Effectively When Engaging People With Lived Experience In Mental Health And Substance Use Health Research: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Lisa D. Hawke, Wuraola Dada-Phillips, Charlotte Munro, Shoshana Hauer, Claudia Sendanyoye, Yona Lunsky, Gillian Strudwick, Tanya Halsall, Natasha Y. Sheikhan

Patient Experience Journal

Background. People with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges and families (PWLE/F) are increasingly engaged in research, providing positive impacts. However, effective engagement can be challenging, including ensuring effective communication. This qualitative study sought to understand the communication preferences of PWLE/F who are engaged in mental health and substance use health research. Method. A total of 18 participants (aged 19 to 79) took part in one of four focus group discussions. A semi-structured interview guide was used to facilitate the discussions. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. PWLE/F were engaged in all stages of …

“Better Than Any Medicine:” Understanding How Therapy Dogs Support Patients Presenting With Mental Health And Substance Use Concerns In An Emergency Department Setting, Alexandria R. Pavelich, Colleen A. Dell, James Stempien, Holly Mckenzie, Aimee Hozack, Jane Smith, Alexis Rowsell, Janet Gunderson, Elizabeth Pease

Patient Experience Journal

In Canada, emergency departments have a large number of patients with mental health and substance use concerns passing through their doors. Our research aim was to assess the impact that therapy dog visits may have for patients presenting with mental health and/or substance use concerns to an emergency department based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Working alongside an active patient advisory group and community-based therapy dog program volunteers, our mixed method approach utilizing ethnography, surveys, and interviews showed that therapy dog visitation had a beneficial impact on both patients and staff, thus improving the overall patient experience. Our study displays how the …

The Impact Of Athletic Retirement On Anxiety In Elite Athletes, A Critically Appraised Topic, Jordan Gorham, Emily Madrak

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

Though there is growing interest in athletic mental health, this interest appears to diminish significantly once an athlete enters athletic retirement. The abrupt transition can precipitate mental health struggles, exacerbated by the lack of adequate preparation for lifestyle after retirement and the attachment of athletic identity to their sport. Consequently, these circumstances may increase symptoms associated with poor mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety. As the athlete retires and moves into different stages of life, research notes that athletes with stronger athletic identities have poorer mental health than those who had weaker athletic identity^. While the scrutiny …

Role Conflict And Burnout: How Can Employed Graduate Students Thrive, Not Just Survive?, Eric M. Douthirt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates several of the multifaceted challenges faced by employed graduate students, a growing demographic within U.S. higher education. Against a backdrop of intensifying technological change, evolving labor market dynamics, and increased educational attainment, these individuals encounter pronounced school-work-family conflict (SWFC), resulting in a heightened risk for personal burnout (PB).

Building upon the job demands-resources theory, this research explores whether school-work facilitation (SWF) and student emotional engagement (EE) might attenuate the deleterious relationship between school-work-family conflict (SWFC) and personal burnout (PB), with gender and number of children included as controls.

Data from 489 participants, collected via a single cross-sectional …

A Socioecological Needs Assessment Of Alternative Learning Environments: Implications For Occupational And Mental Well-Being In School Settings, Glenda Hux, Sydney Rice, Lexus Brettell Wicinski, John V. Rider

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Alternative learning environments (ALEs) support students with complex behavioral, emotional, and social needs, yet only a small amount of research has examined their occupational and mental health needs using a socioecological approach. This study aimed to demonstrate the process of conducting a socioecological needs assessment in an ALE and identify needs from multiple stakeholder perspectives. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 24 stakeholders, including students, educators, counselors, administrators, and a dietitian. Data were analyzed thematically by stakeholder group. Four overarching themes emerged: This School is a Shelter, We Believe in Resilience, We …

Advancing Children's Mental Health In Nevada, Kelliann Beavers, Christopher Kearney

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada ranks 51st nationally in youth mental health access and services, underscoring persistent shortages and disparities across the state. Nearly one in four youths aged 12–17 (23.5%) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, and 73% did not receive treatment. Approximately 34,000 Nevada youths have reported suicidal thoughts—an urgent call for prevention and coordinated support.

During the 2024–2025 school year, 31.3% of Clark County School District students were chronically absent (missing 10% or more of school days), a challenge closely linked to mental health struggles and socioeconomic barriers.

This community forum provided an opportunity to generate dialogue and …

Electrochemical Breath Sensors In Medical Diagnostics: Emerging Trends And Future Directions, Natalie E. Strom, Courtney J. Weber, Olja Simoska

Faculty Publications

With the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases, infections, and mental health disorders, there is a growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic tools that enable early detection and continuous health monitoring. In this context, exhaled breath biomarkers provide insight into physiological and pathological processes. Electrochemical breath sensors (EBSs) have emerged as a promising platform for rapid, real-time, and cost-effective disease tracking via the detection of volatile breath biomarkers, such as NH₃, NO, and CO₂. Recent advancements in electrode materials, biological recognition elements, and sensor architectures—spanning nanomaterials, enzymes, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers—have enhanced the analytical performance of EBSs. …

Electrochemical Breath Sensors In Medical Diagnostics: Emerging Trends And Future Directions, Natalie E. Strom, Courtney J. Weber, Olja Simoska

Faculty Publications

With the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases, infections, and mental health disorders, there is a growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic tools that enable early detection and continuous health monitoring. In this context, exhaled breath biomarkers provide insight into physiological and pathological processes. Electrochemical breath sensors (EBSs) have emerged as a promising platform for rapid, real-time, and cost-effective disease tracking via the detection of volatile breath biomarkers, such as NH₃, NO, and CO₂. Recent advancements in electrode materials, biological recognition elements, and sensor architectures—spanning nanomaterials, enzymes, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers—have enhanced the analytical performance of EBSs. …

Refugee Stigma And Its Toll On Mental Health: Development And Validation Of The Refugee Stigma Scale (Rss), Hamed Abdollahpour Ranjbar, Khaled Elazab, Ibrahim Yigit, Fatema Almeamari, Ceren Acartürk, Gülşah Kurt, Janet Turan, Andrea Norcini Pala, Bulent Turan

Student Publications [Scholarly]

Background Unprecedented, forced displacement, especially from conflict and war areas, requires addressing resultant mental health issues. Aim Refugees experience mental and physical health problems due to post-displacement stressors, and the pervasive stigma associated with refugee status can exacerbate these difficulties, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment tool to understand various facets of refugee stigma. Method We developed the refugee stigma scale (RSS), consisting of 43 items informed by the literature, qualitative and quantitative data. The scale includes four theoretical dimensions of stigma: perceived community stigma, experienced stigma, anticipated stigma and internalised stigma. To examine convergent validity, validated self-report measures …

Food Insecurity Is Associated With Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Among Caregivers Of Young Children In Arid And Semi-Arid Regions Of Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study, Esther Chongwo, Daisy Chelangat, Eunice Njoroge, Barack Aoko, Martha Kaniala, Moses Wesala, Phillis Magoma, Joyce Marangu, Margaret Kabue, Daniel Rabok

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Introduction: This study fills a critical gap by assessing the prevalence and association between food insecurity and depressive and anxiety symptoms among caregivers of young children in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from caregivers of children aged 0–3 years from Lamu, Isiolo and Turkana Counties (N = 446). Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scales were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. We also administered the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, alongside sociodemographic and health-related questionnaires.

Results: The mean caregiver age was 29.37 years …

Prevalence And Determinants Of Nomophobia Among Healthcare Workers In Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study, Prakash Banjade, Asmita Itani, Munish Sharma, Reena Shah, Jasmit Shah, Aakansha Singh, Rahul Kashyap, Salim Surani

Brain and Mind Institute

Introduction: Nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, has become a significant concern in the current digital age. Healthcare professionals rely heavily on mobile devices for communication and information access. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of nomophobia among healthcare workers in Nepal.

Methods: A modified Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) was used to determine nomophobia scores. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender, race, type of smartphone, hours spent on a smartphone, and type of medical specialty were considered to evaluate nomophobia in diverse groups of healthcare workers. Summary statistics were presented as frequencies …

When Performance Takes Priority, Matthew D. Whitwer, Joseph H. Hammer, Brenna Gomer, Elahe Vahidi, Sarah A. Wilson

Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications

Engineering education is at a critical juncture where supporting student mental health is essential for fostering persistence, equity, and the development of a resilient and innovative workforce. Yet, undergraduate engineering students experiencing mental health concerns are often unlikely to seek professional help. To identify factors that account for this gap in treatment, this project administered the Undergraduate Engineering Mental Health Help Seeking Instrument to 1903 engineering undergraduates across five institutions. Correlations and regression were used to examine the links between help-seeking intention and (a) help-seeking mechanisms (e.g., attitude, perceived norm, self-efficacy) and (b) beliefs about seeking help. Students’ personal evaluation …

The Link Between Mental Health And Physical Health : A Study On Seafarers In Southeast Asia, - Dewi Balqis Binti Azfar

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Study Of Black College Students’ Perceptions Of Law Enforcement After Police Brutality, Alisia L. Collins

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Police brutality is a social issue that has tormented the mental health of the Black community for decades. Seeing brethren battered and bruised countless times has taken an emotional toll on the relationship of the Black community with the American justice system and the officers meant to uphold it. Previous research has shown that the Black community primarily has a negative perception of law enforcement because of factors like police brutality, unjustified shootings, and legal policies within the justice system. Compounding experiences can occur for people with disabilities within the Black community. Specifically, autistic people have a higher risk of …

Anxiety Among Adolescents Aged 15-18 In The City Of Prizren, Besarta Sadriu, Kosovare Hamiti

UBT International Conference

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among adolescents, significantly impacting their well-being and daily functioning. This study explores the level of anxiety among adolescents aged 15-18 in the city of Prizren, focusing on differences by gender, age groups, and type of school (public vs. private). The methodology employs a quantitative approach, with data collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), a well-known instrument for measuring anxiety symptoms. The study included 60 students from two high schools, one public and one private, comprising 31 girls and 29 boys. The findings aim to shed light on how demographic …

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

Impact Of Advisory On Differentiated Instruction In Middle Schools, Nicole L. Johnson

Graduate Teacher Education

This literature review studied existing research in the areas of middle school advisory, mental health of students, and social-emotional learning and its impact on student achievement. Research regarding the purpose of advisory, along with partnering with families to be a part of their middle school student’s education, was also examined. The purpose of these themes was to find a correlation between relationships and knowledge of students outside of the curricular areas and the impact it may have on abilities for teachers to differentiate for students. This research focused primarily on middle school studies, with some information on elementary and high …

Developing Empathy In Paramedic Students Using Didactic And Deliberate Practice Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study, Nick J. Waltrich, Jade Sheen Phd, Mathew Ling, Melissa O'Shea

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Paramedics often attend to patients presenting with a mental illness, however research suggests paramedics have difficulties when attending to this patient cohort. Conversely, clinical psychologists receive training that focuses on developing strong therapeutic relationships with their patients through the use of empathy. As research has highlighted that paramedic students are known to demonstrate low levels of empathy, this study aimed to investigate the utility of two education methods used in clinical psychology training, didactic teaching and deliberate practice (DP), to develop the skill of empathy in paramedic students. Method: Students currently enrolled in an Australian paramedic university degree were …

The Practice Of Perfect Mistakes, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Cheryl VanderMolen Neway, a fashion designer and textile artist residing in Fairfax, Virginia, provided the cover art for the Fall 2025 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph features a flowing, floor-length duster jacket entitled, The Free Spirit, 2024, made from an upcycled denim jacket with lace and hand-dyed linen, using shibori and indigo-dyeing techniques, modeled by Shamola Crosbie. Cheryl’s designs serve to express emotion, meet her need for creative exploration, and empower her community through fashion. Using resist-dyeing techniques paired with upcycled textiles and salvaged materials, she creates vibrantly unique clothing and mixed-media artwork …

The Role Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Intimate Partner Violence And Changes In Mental Health From Late Adolescence To Young Adulthood, Eric J Connolly, Elizabeth Baumler, Deborah M Little, Meghan L Royle, Anne C Wingert, Leila Wood, Jeff R Temple

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common correlates of mental health problems in adolescence. However, research has yet to investigate whether IPV victimization is related to developmental changes in mental health, as well as the contributing role that TBI may play in conditioning this association. We address this gap by analyzing longitudinal data with well-validated measures of mental health from an ethnically diverse sample of adolescents.

Methods: Prospective data from the Dating it Safe sample (n = 699) were used to measure IPV victimization, depression, post-traumatic stress, binge drinking, and TBI from 2015 to …

Research Chatgpt Mental Health Stigma, Scott Hannah, Deirdre Drake, Chris Huntley, Joanne M. Dickson

Research Datasets

Individuals are increasingly using the artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to seek conversational support for their personal mental health difficulties. Heightened concerns about mental health stigma may make anonymous, on-demand chatbot interactions more appealing for some than traditional face-toface support. This study examined if using ChatGPT for personal mental health difficulties is associated with two distinct forms of stigma, anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Our main aim investigated if the perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT use for mental health issues mediates the relationship between ChatGPT usage and anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Participants (n = 73) completed online self-report measures assessing ChatGPT …

Mental Health And Wellbeing Practices In Design Education: A Call For Action, Daniela Sangiorgi, Martina Čaić, Amalia De Götzen De Götzen, Rike Neuhoff, Rebecca Prices, Nuria Solsona Caba, Josina Vink, Hena Ali

ServDes Conference Series

Alarming numbers of university design students are experiencing significant issues related to their mental health and wellbeing. While the conditions affecting their mental health are systemic, universities play a key role in addressing academic related factors. This paper aims to better understand the stressors impacting design students’ wellbeing and identify strategies for addressing them. It reviews general academic and design-specific stressors highlighted in the literature. Drawing from a small sample of European design schools, the paper also shares promising practices for addressing these stressors. Kick-starting cross-institutional sharing, it offers a starting point for further collective efforts to improve student wellbeing.