Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Exposure To War & Attachment Disruption On Children Of War Leading To Negative Mental Health Outcomes, Chantal Daley

Theses and Dissertations

Children of war tend to endure abuse, witness deaths, killings, and sexual violence, and are also often coerced into committing violent acts. They are subjected to exposure to war-related traumas and as a result often become displaced from their primary caregiver and attachment figure and this relationship is disrupted. The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the negative mental health outcomes in children of war into adulthood following attachment disruption and exposure to war. It also aimed to examine what protective factors mitigated these negative mental health outcomes and whether outcomes and protective factors varied according to …

Accessible Mental Health Chicago, Guadalupe Cuevas

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: My prevention-focused goal statement for Accessible Mental Health Chicago is to create a program that focuses on providing mental health resources for all in all areas of Chicago. This is by having community based low-cost or no-cost mental health services throughout the city, in the local languages that are of that community.

Significant Findings: While there are some limited resources in the areas with the highest calls for mental health crisis, they are not accessible for most of the city. While there are mental health centers throughout the city there aren’t many low or no cost resources. This …

Inadequate Healthcare For Women In The United States, Grace Loveless

Ballard Brief

Barriers to adequate healthcare for women stem from a lack of research on their specific health needs, gender-based biases in healthcare, and harmful societal norms. One key aspect highlighting these disparities is the menstrual cycle—a topic unique to women. Menstrual health, defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, illustrates the urgent need for greater focus on reproductive health. Despite its significance, the dialogue and knowledge about reproductive health remain limited, exacerbated by societal attitudes of secrecy and shame. These attitudes create barriers that hinder many women in the United States from accessing adequate healthcare. As a …

Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives From General Population In Mysuru, Lekhashree A, Manirsha P V, Paranthaman Chinnasamy, Srishti Arya, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 400 participants, …

A Mixed Methods Study: High School Teachers’ Perspectives On Incorporating Mindful Artmaking In Their Classroom As A Mental Health Resource, Sherry A. Bosarge

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health concerns and the need for mental health resources for high school students continue to rise in Virginia. Some of the reported benefits to the current mental health services and resources offered in Virginia schools are increased academic outcomes, attendance, and positive behaviors. The reported barriers to current mental health services and resources are lack of participation, lack of training, time constraints, funding, and resources. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study examined high school teachers’ perspectives on the benefits and barriers to incorporating mindful artmaking in their classrooms as a mental health resource at a local high school. This …

Yoga As A Self-Care Practice For Mental Health Counselors Who Treat Trauma, Kari Michelle Fitzgerald

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Given the high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue among trauma-exposed counselors, understanding effective self-care practices is critical for sustaining clinical effectiveness and well-being. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), exploration of the lived experiences of licensed mental health counselors who treat trauma and use yoga as a self-care practice was conducted. Eight participants who were regular yoga practitioners each participated in one semi-structured interview and submitted one pre- and one post-interview reflective journal entry. Thematic analysis was used to identify six major themes; 1) emotional impact and sacred responsibility of clinical work, 2) yoga as a regulating and restorative practice, …

Evolving Perceptions Of Self And Others: The Effects Of Communing With Nature While Thru Hiking The Florida National Scenic Trail, Stella P. Arbeláez Tascón

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This body of artwork comprises a thesis that documents and exposes the artist’s inner workings as she regained balance after experiencing deep emotional trauma. This individual’s healing transformation was prompted by her immersion in nature while walking the Florida National Scenic Trail in its entirety, 1,130 miles (or 1,818 km), from the Everglades to the panhandle, in three and a half months. The artistic research conducted, and autobiographical body of work created from it, aims to help others reconnect with their own strengths and to seek wellness in the restorative properties of Nature, while advocating for an empathetic approach to …

Confirming The Factor Structure Of The Police Officer Stigma Scale, Daniel R. Horning

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

First responders routinely face exposure to critical incidents within the line of duty, resulting in higher prevalence of psychopathological conditions compared to the general population. However, a growing body of research identified a severe underutilization of mental health-related services among this population, with stigma towards mental illness being the most cited barrier to seeking care. Stigma as a construct is being actively measured, but the factor structure of stigma towards mental health remains contested in literature. Optimal model fit for Stuart’s Police Officer Stigma Scale is an example of these empirical debates, as both single-factor and two-factor models are offered …

Knowledge And Education Of Minnesota High School Coaches Regarding The Signs And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders In High School Athletes, Mikaela Whiteford

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of education and knowledge among Minnesota high school coaches regarding the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in high school athletes. Data were collected through a researcher-developed survey, adapted from three existing instruments. The survey was administered through Qualtrics and distributed to participants through email. The findings indicate that while Minnesota high school coaches possess some knowledge of eating disorder signs and symptoms, their formal training and education on the topic are limited. Most of the education or training received by coaches was obtained for reasons unrelated to their responsibilities …

Studying Associations Among Mental Health And Psycap In Persons With Stuttering, Jasmine Lydia Selvaraj, James R. Spears, Priscilla Rose Prasath, Gayathri Purushothaman

Counseling Faculty Publications and Presentations

This cross-sectional, psychometric validation and comparative analysis study investigates the associations between mental health and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in persons with stuttering (PWS; n = 60) and fluent speakers (FS; n = 60), while validating the Tamil translations of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). Exploratory Factor Analyses, Cronbach’s alphas, and item-total correlations were used to evaluate the scales with a sample size of 120 participants. The conducted factor analyses demonstrated that the translated MHC-SF aligns structurally with prior studies, as compared to the PCQ, which diverged in factor loadings. The study also applied Independent …

To Be Soft Again: A Phenomenological Study Of Uncertainty And Resilience In Childbearing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Marcianna Nosek

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty was exacerbated in experiences of pregnancy and childbirth as people navigated through uncharted territory. Building resilience may be one effective way to cope. However, for those who carry a heavier burden in upholding others, a societal expectation of “toughness” and the ability to endure may lead to an appearance of resilience, while on the inside, well-being may be compromised.

Objectives:

This study is part of a larger phenomenological study that explored the broad research question: What is the lived experience of childbearing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Specific themes of uncertainty and resilience are reported …

Évolution Des Troubles Mentaux Liés Au Travail Au Québec Entre 2012 Et 2021, Jaunathan Bilodeau, Martin Lebeau, Marc-Antoine Busque, Alain Marchand

Études primaires

Introduction : Plusieurs pays ont connu une augmentation du nombre de troubles mentaux acceptés au cours des dernières années, mais les variations possibles de cette évolution dans la main-d’œuvre demeurent à explorer.

But de l’étude : Cette étude examine la distribution dans le temps des troubles mentaux acceptés selon la profession, le secteur industriel, le sexe et l’âge au Québec.

Résultats : Les taux d’incidence des troubles mentaux et leur évolution varient selon la profession et le secteur industriel. Alors que le taux est généralement plus élevé dans les professions mixtes et le secteur tertiaire, l’augmentation de ces taux s’observe …

From Guns To Mental Health And Accountability: Decoding Media Narratives And Audience Reactions In Public Mass Shootings, Maurice Emelu, Brent Brossmann

2025 Faculty Bibliography

Public mass shootings pose a critical safety challenge in the U.S. This study investigates how media framing relates to public online engagement, focusing on gun regulation, mental health, and individual and political accountability across five major TV networks: ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NBC. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes 678 news reports and 7605 audience comments. Findings reveal significant differences in audience engagement based on framing, and in key variables show audiences taking opposite positions to their news network’s narratives. ABC, CNN, and NBC’s thematic framing, highlighting systemic failures, elicits more balanced responses, whereas Fox News and …

Young Adult Chronic Disease And Midlife Subjective Well-Being And Mental Health: Does Social Milestone Achievement Mediate The Link?, Hannah M. Lindl

All ETDs from UAB

Nearly one-in-four young adults ages 18-34 have a chronic disease, which has been linked to worse midlife mental health. Prior studies have little-examined the mechanism behind this association. The life course perspective suggests that because chronic disease in young adulthood is an unexpected and “off-time” event it may disrupt the achievement and timing of key social milestones. Inability to achieve or perceived delays in achieving the social markers of adulthood (e.g., completing school, homeownership, marriage) may therefore lead to worse midlife mental health. To address this proposition, I used panel data from the Youth Development Study (YDS and multivariate regression …

Girl, You Crazy, Stefani T. Flanagan

Master's Projects

The main premise behind Girl, You Crazy is to inform others of what life is like as someone who experiences psychosis (specifically schizoaffective disorder), as well as show the warning signs that I believe people should be aware of. This text is a nonlinear narrative of my personal experience that explores themes of substance abuse, hallucinations, religion, interpersonal conflict, and family dynamics starting from 2019 through 2025, through the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. This work also entails some of my experiences as a gay Black woman who was raised in a religious family, bullied throughout my …

Evaluating Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education And Practice: A Qualitative Swot Study In The Philippines, Paolo Miguel P. Bulan, Janice A. Rojas, John Ray O. Suerte, Nikki Y. Pestaño, Maria Menierva G. Lagria, Cristito P. Dimitiman Jr., April Grace A. Chiongbian, Frances Vince E. Dimitiman, Martina Nicole A. Ligutom, Debbie Rose D. Cabañero, Jay Arr M. Sale

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy education plays a pivotal role in equipping professionals to meet the dynamic demands of healthcare systems. This study evaluated the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT) program at Velez College in the Philippines, utilizing a qualitative analysis framework to explore its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) as perceived by educators, students, alumni, and practitioners. Findings highlight the program’s robust generalist curriculum, strong community-based partnerships, and interprofessional collaboration opportunities. However, challenges such as limited access to standardized assessment tools, high educator turnover, and insufficient specialization opportunities were identified. Notably, emerging demands in mental health and holistic care …

Exploring Student Experiences And Perceptions Of Digital Storytelling In Occupational Therapy Education: A Comprehensive Analysis And Evaluation, Alexis M. F. Morin, Justin R. Eck

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the need for digital transformation in higher education, emphasizing the importance of incorporating digital pedagogy. This study explored student experiences and perceptions of digital storytelling, a multimedia-based narrative technique, as an innovative assessment method in occupational therapy education. First-year, first-semester entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy students created digital stories on mental health topics and completed self-reflection papers. A retrospective qualitative descriptive method was employed, analyzing 14 consented self-reflection papers. Emerging qualitative themes revealed that digital storytelling enhanced students' understanding of occupational performance impacts, led to the development and utilization of transferrable skills for clinical practice, and …

Exploring Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Experiences In Mental Health, Behavioral Health, And Psychosocial Level I Fieldwork, Tiffany L. Benaroya, Michelle Zechner, Meredith Cimmino, Ann A. Murphy, Margaret Swarbrick, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy services offered in behavioral health remain low despite the growing number of individuals with behavioral health and psychosocial needs who could benefit from these services. Concurrently, in academia, all occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students must complete at least one fieldwork focused primarily on mental health, behavioral health, and/or psychosocial needs. Research is limited regarding these fieldwork experiences, especially among occupational therapy assistant students. This project aimed to understand this gap better and comprehend how these experiences impact readiness to work with individuals labeled with a serious mental illness. Forty-five occupational therapy assistant students completed pre- and …

Assessing The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological And Physical Pain In Adults With Orthopedic Pain, Daniel C. Karimi Dehkordi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.

Homophobic And Transphobic Bullying: Impacts On The Mental And Physical Health Of Queer Black Adolescents In Kacen Callender’S Young Adult Fiction, Uthra Devi R.K., C. Jothi, S. Rema Devi

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper examines how homophobic bullying profoundly impacts the mental and physical health of Black queer children, with a particular focus on the rising suicide rate within this marginalized community. Analysing the representation of homophobic and transphobic bullying in Kacen Callender’s young adult fiction, this study explores the devastating impact of both verbal and nonverbal forms of abuse, including rejection, intimidation, and social isolation. These negative experiences contribute to long-term emotional distress, leading to an increased vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Meyer’s minority stress theory is used to examine how systematic ignorance and rejection of queerness render Black …

Exploring The Mental Health Of Korean-American Elderly Immigrants, Iris Minkyung Kim

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study sought to understand the mental health of Korean-American elderly immigrants using the theoretical frameworks Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Theory (IPT). To achieve this purpose, this study incorporated a qualitative thematic analysis and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 elderly Korean immigrants living in the United States. From these interviews, eight themes were identified: (a) multifaceted immigration experiences, (b) immigration challenges, (c) complex language barriers, (d) personality constructs impacting experience, (e) the importance of relationships, (f) limited information and access to support, (g) life satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and (h) advice for future immigrants. These themes indicate …

Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc)., Phebe Brako

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing …

Mental Health In The Post-Deployment Transition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study Of National Guard Members' Experiences, Alayna L. Collins

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Objective: National Guard post-deployment and reintegration processes leave servicemembers with a unique urgency to return to their families, homes, and civilian lives due to the timing and location of the post-deployment Transition Assistance Program (TAP); consequently, National Guard members have reported “checking the boxes” on mental health screeners to prioritize a quick and smooth transition (Salahi, 2023). Although researchers have called for data on the experiences of National Guard members undergoing post-deployment TAP since 2005 (Bascetta), no research to date has answered this call. Method: Eight National Guard members who had been deployed and had undergone post-deployment were individually interviewed …

Exploring Mental Health Concerns And Loneliness Among East Asian International Students In U.S. Universities, Shihan Xu

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examined the unique stressors encountered by international college students, with particular attention to East Asian international students, whose collectivistic cultural values contribute to their mental health status and reported symptoms. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in stress levels and loneliness highlighted the need for further examination. Using data collected in 2024 through the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-34 (CCAPS-34) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the study surveyed East Asian international students enrolled in universities in the United States to identify prevalent mental health concerns and explore the correlation between loneliness and self-reported symptoms among East Asian …

“Take Eight Bits And Call Me In The Morning” Video Games, Well-Being, And The Psychology Of Nostalgia, Nicholas Bowman

Media Studies - All Scholarship

For nearly 60 years, video games have arrested the attention of players, inviting us to interact and interface with on-screen content. More than just short-term entertainment experiences, video games are part of a broader cultural milieu—they are the most profitable media entertainment sector (global revenues nearly $400 billion USD in 2023) with more than 3.5 billion players globally (Clement, 2023). Similar to other entertainment media, some video game intellectual properties have transcended generations and, in many cases, grown beyond the medium itself: common cultural touchstones include Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, along with seemingly endless subcultures of devoted …

Scalable Mental Health Analysis Using Big Data: A Demographic And Geographic Study Of Depressive Symptoms, Saikrishna Katamneni, Anitha Bommana, Naman Pandya, Gokul Kareti, Sangwhan Cha

Harrisburg University Other Works

This project explores the application of Big Data technologies for large-scale mental health analysis, focusing on the prevalence of depressive disorder symptoms across diverse demographic and geographic subgroups. Utilizing Apache Spark on Google Cloud Dataproc, the system efficiently processed millions of survey records stored in Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS). Through comprehensive data preprocessing, aggregation, and visualization, the analysis revealed critical trends and disparities in mental health outcomes related to age, race, education level, gender, and state. Seasonal variations and subgroup-specific confidence intervals were also examined to identify high-risk populations and areas of measurement uncertainty. The results offer actionable insights …

Psychosocial Impacts Of Non-Fatal Firearm Injuries On Youth: Findings From A Qualitative Study, Annalyn S Demello, Jeff R Temple, Liam De Vassal, Irma Alvarado, Angela Waguespack, Monique R Pappadis, Jong O Lee, Leila G Wood

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Most adolescents and young adult victims of firearm violence survive, yet the mental and behavioral health outcomes associated with these incidents remain understudied. Given the potential for recurrent violence victimization and long-term psychosocial sequela after being shot, understanding the experiences of firearm injury survivors is a critical area for development. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the development of attitudes, describe psychosocial consequences, and contextualize behavioral and social outcomes among young, gunshot wounded (GSW) patients from a Level 1 trauma center in southeast Texas. A retrospective chart review and prospective recruitment of GSW patients aged 15 to 29 years …

Self-Awareness And Self-Efficacy In The Novice Professional Phase Of Marriage And Family Therapists After Person Of The Therapist Training, A Comparative Survey, Rubio Betsabé

Dissertations

The study focuses on examining the influence of person-of-the-therapist or self-of-the-therapist training on therapists’ self-reports of self-awareness (as a conscious awareness of one’s internal states and interactions with others) and self-efficacy (perceived beliefs in personal capabilities to perform in ways that give control over events that affect their lives) at the novice professional stage of their career. The study will examine the experiences reported by mental health providers actively providing clinical care by utilizing a survey design focusing on person of the therapist connecting through alumni lists and online solicitation. This research adds to the current literature by using a …

Exploration Of Mystical Experiences And Relationship Changes: An Ayahuasca Study, Ginny Jo Reyes

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This mixed-methodology dissertation explores how participation in ayahuasca ceremonies at Rythmia Life Advancement Center (Costa Rica) influences relationship dynamics within couples. Looking at this in combination with self-reported mental health changes, the connection to mystical experiences are navigated. Statistical significance and narratives are explored; this study steps into the gap between ancient plant medicine traditions and the modern search for meaning, healing, and connection. Grounded in a social constructionist lens, the study combines pre- and post-surveys (CAGE-AID pre-only; MAT, KMS, RHS, PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9; MEQ-30 post-only) with semistructured interviews. Quantitatively, participants showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with …

Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Use Of Mental Health Applications: A Phenomenological Study, Chelsea D. Fullilove

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This phenomenological dissertation explored undergraduate students' lived experiences of using mental health mobile apps, AI, and other technology to manage mental health symptoms. The research focused on exploring three research questions: (a) perceptions of app effectiveness, usability, and features; (b) barriers and integration into mental health care routines; and (c) influences of privacy, peer influence, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs on app use.

Data were collected via purposive sampling through semi-structured interviews (N=12), each consisting of 15 open-ended questions, with students using a mental health app to improve their mental health. The interpretive data analysis was conducted by …