Digital Commons Network^™

The Siloed Effect: Connecting The Health Equity Dots In The Oral Health Industry, Dwinta M. Tyler Ph.D.

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This op-ed highlights the detrimental effects of siloed approaches to health, emphasizing the need to integrate preventative, mental, and oral health into a holistic healthcare model. It discusses the importance of overcoming cognitive and structural fixedness to achieve health equity and underscores the interconnectedness of oral health with overall physical and mental well-being.

Articulator Q2 2023

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

In this second quarter issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• The Siloed Effect: Connecting the Health Equity Dots in the Oral Health Industry
• A Generational Transition is Coming
• The POWR Act: An Employment Law Update
• The Pursuit of Excellence
• The Road Forward: An Update on the MDDS Strategic Plan

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the Metro Denver membership including: editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Online Mental Health Help Seeking Behaviors Among College Students, Rachel Johnson, Monica Nandan, Brian Culp, Dominic Thomas

Faculty Articles

Even before the pandemic, utilization of online mental health resources continues to grow among young adults. There is limited research on online help seeking behaviors, let alone specific research on college students’ online mental health help seeking behaviors. This study aims to identify which terminology college students utilize on online search engines to seek assistance related to mental health. A cross-sectional survey design was used during the 2019-2020 academic year. The respondents consisted of 259 college students at one of the 50 largest public institutions of higher education in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the sample data suggests that college …

Emotional Regulation On Modulating Associations Between Depression And Physical Activity As Characterized Via Deep Learning, Franklin Ye Ruan

Computer Science Senior Theses

Emotional regulation and physical activity are known to be associated with depression; however, a deeper understanding of how emotional regulation may strengthen or weaken the bonds between depressive symptoms and physical activity may aid clinicians and researchers in developing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for those adversely affected by depression. As part of the Tracking Depression Study, this analysis uses data collected from 306 participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. To study their behavior, we analyze actigraphy data, or longitudinal physical activity intensity data, as it relates to depression severity, quantified by the daily PHQ-9 questionnaires. We study these associations through …

Social/Emotional Health, Mental Health And Quality Of Life Among Adults With Comorbid Diabetes And Hypertension: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Ranjita Misra, Sara Nayeem

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: West Virginia has a disproportionately large population of rural adults with diabetes and hypertension, two common chronic, comorbid conditions that represent a national economic, social, and public health burden. Anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness are associated with poor motivation to engage in coping/self-care behaviors and related increased morbidity/mortality.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between self-reported mental health, selected social and emotional health factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical outcomes among adults with comorbid diabetes and hypertension.

Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 75 participants who participated in a diabetes and hypertension self-management program (DHSMP) in …

Understanding Parasocial Relationships And The Mental Health Impact, Leslee Lynae Bennett

Master's Theses

Parasocial relationships have recently become a topic of discussion in our society. This is because individuals are still looking for something to connect with after the COVID-19 pandemic. These relationships originally were more common among young people, but due to the constant usage of media, individuals have become more attached to popularity which results in an unrealistic online connection. Parasocial relationships are both a fascination and a danger due to the mental connections an individual makes within themselves. This research is a qualitative study of previous research done on parasocial relationships. Topics discussed in this thesis will cover multiple facets …

Mental Health Training For Teachers Since Covid-19, Patricia M. Van Prooyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study used a qualitative case study approach to examine teachers’ experiences returning to school following the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if mental health training for teachers to support student mental health would ease the return to school. The researcher recruited 12 Christian school teachers that taught in the classroom pre- and post-COVID-19. Inclusive criteria included teaching two years before the shutdown, teaching during the shutdown, returning to in-person teaching, and being at least 25 years old with no gaps in teaching between 2018-2022. All participants participated in a 30-45-minute audio-recorded, semi-structured, one-on-one interview in a discreet safe venue, such …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Rural Texas School Counselors Working With Students’ Mental Health After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lanessa K. Allman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of rural Texas counselors when working with students’ mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to answer questions of what school counselors describe as the mental health environment for students in rural Texas schools prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in the mental health environment of rural students. Most existing research has been focused on how COVID-19 changed school counselors’ roles and responsibilities and how the pandemic affected students’ mental health. The current study concentrated on the …

Mental Health And Spiritual Well-Being: The Generational Differences Of Worship Experiences In The Multicultural Church, Lashawna S. Wills

Masters Theses

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, 52.9 million people in 2020. “Mental health and well-being are an asset whatever an individual’s age, race or ethnicity, and mental health problems [do not] discriminate [based on] these attributes.” The execution of this research is to facilitate healing within a community in need and open avenues of conversation for understanding, relativity, and oneness within the body of Christ. The researcher will use the qualitative design method through research in literature and population cohorts. Using research sources of panel discussions, …

Moral Injury In Active Service And Veteran Female Military Combatants, William Curtis Neal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A topic of concern and discussion in the mental health community, and maybe a special concern from both governmental and civilian practitioners, is the subject of moral injury. Moral Injury has been widely researched over the last 10 years and is a known and discussed condition that is linked to military personnel and veterans who have experienced events while deployed or operating in adverse conditions such as combat. The following descriptive study focuses on one group from which they have been excluded or overlooked in past studies. This creates a gap in the published literature: female servicewomen and veterans. Both …

The Perceived Impact Of Direct Patient Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Mental Health Status, Emilee N. Sasser, Kathleen French, Alison Lecompte, Carrie C. Slade, Jasper Queen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Aim: To identify the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) on the mental health status of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners providing direct patient care.

Methods: The researchers administered a survey to identify OT practitioners’ perceptions of mental health prior to and during the pandemic. The survey was posted online via a link on social media pages related to occupational therapy professional groups. Participants completed the self-administered survey consisting of 16 questions. Some participants provided narrative responses to select survey questions, which asked about their mental health prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: One hundred and …

Past Experiences And Current Attitudes: Is Everything Connected?, Miranda Oddy

Honors Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the ways past experiences with mental health issues affect current stigma and outlook on life. I investigated whether a personal experience or the experience of someone close (e.g., family, friend) with mental health issues impacted stigma and outlook more than other. The sample included 242 participants who were 18 to 86 years old (M_age = 27.44, SD_age = 16.58), 51.7% white, and 77.3% female. Surveys were advertised on a small liberal arts university offering class credit for students and online. The survey included questions on life satisfaction, optimism, stigma, and …

Theatrical Intimacy Direction And Drama Therapy: A Community Workshop, Caitlin Mcfann

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the last several years, the field of intimacy direction and coordination has grown exponentially, both in usage within theatre and film and within public consciousness. Contributing to this rise is an increased awareness of and consideration for the potential psychological and emotional harm of production processes on performers. Both intimacy directors and drama therapists are uniquely equipped to handle such concerns: intimacy directors, due to their their frequent engagement with sensitive and potentially activating material, and drama therapists, due to their background in and understanding of both artistic and clinical processes.This thesis presents the process and results of a …

Engagement With Nature For The Well-Being Of All Beings As Applied To An Urban Environment: A Literature Review, Jen Mcmanus

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is much research on nature-based therapy approaches and the benefits of nature to human health and well-being, which include stress-reduction, improved cognitive functioning, feelings of growth and non-judgment, and awareness of the larger world and a sense of belonging to that world (Luo & Jiang, 2022; Naor & Mayseless, 2021). Research has suggested that hearing sounds of nature, witnessing the life cycle of plants, and relating to the diversity found in nature are just a few of the many ways that connecting to nature can contribute to well-being (McEwan et al., 2023; Subirana-Malaret et al., 2023; Yao & Chen, …

The Therapeutic Use Of Heavy Music: Challenging Stigmas And Uncovering Interventions, Lenny Schwartz

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The present review of literature aims to explore the therapeutic use of heavier forms of music including heavy metal, metalcore, and hardcore punk in a music therapy context to decrease mental health symptomology. Mental health symptomology explored within this review includes anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) among others. Most literature reviewed revealed institutional and individual stigmatization of heavy music genres; all literature reviewed served to challenge these stigmas. Even researchers who purported a negative bias towards both the general listening and playing of heavy music and the use of heavy music in clinical music …

Expressive Arts Therapy And Oncology Care Teams, Edwige Raimbault

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review offers an overview of the mental health of oncology care team members, medical professionals as well as oncology floor hospital staff, and the therapeutic benefits of expressive therapies on that specific population. Working on an oncology floor means interacting with patients and their loved ones at a time of utmost suffering, uncertainty, and possible death. This environment presents risks of burnout, compassion fatigue, and a sense of isolation for the medical and non-medical professionals working with cancer patients. The results of qualitative, quantitative, and art-based studies conducted pre-and post-Covid-19 pandemic show multi-faceted and multi-layered positive impacts of …

Nourishing Movement: The Role Of Food In A Dance/Movement Therapist’S Practice: A Literature Review, Gabriele Dunkley

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is an inquiry into the role of food in dance/movement therapy (DMT). It aims to deepen the understanding of how essential nutritional requirements, nourishment, and an individual's relationship with food can integrate into the practice of a dance/movement therapist. The review explores the impact of nutrition on physical energy and brain function, underscoring its significance. It also examines factors influencing food choices and delves into the historical relationship between dancers and food and DMT's connection with eating disorders. Ultimately, the review proposes practical methods for DMT practitioners to integrate this knowledge into their work by introducing a …

Barriers To Mental Health Treatment Among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel, Aric James Raus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Safe and effective Army aviation operations require a clear focus from all involved. Yet, after more than two decades of U.S. combat aviation operations, little is known about the barriers experienced by aviators when considering mental health evaluation and treatment. An extensive literature review found no published studies examining mental health treatment hesitance among Army Aviation personnel or the perceived acceptability of self-help treatment options. This study identifies the relationships between age, gender, and aviation career specialty on the self-disclosed instrumental, attitudinal, and stigma-based barriers to care among U.S. Army aviation personnel. Additionally, the research determines relationships between the population’s …

The Effects Of Online Learning On Mental Health During A Pandemic, Christina J. Mcrae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effects of online learning on mental health. The focus included six aspects: academic performance, physical activity, social isolation, food insecurity and other stressors, pros and cons, and religion and mental health. Each aspect included advantages and disadvantages that adolescent students experienced. The study included 6th - 12th graders attending a Charter school. The eligibility requirement was that participants participated in online learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Academic performance data was obtained from the school office for students who attended the school during online learning and requested from parents if they attended other schools. Both positive …

The Effects Of Period Poverty On Women Around The World, Sagelyn Shoell

Student Works

Period poverty involves girl’s and women’s lack of access to menstruation supplies, clean and private facilities, and education due in large part to negative attitudes surrounding the female menstrual cycle (Mann & Byrne, 2023). It is estimated that up to 500 million women around the world live in period poverty (The World Bank, 2022). Period poverty can adversely influence a women’s physical health, mental health, and educational opportunities and is usually associated with hostile sexism (at worst) and misunderstanding (at best) (Eyring et al., 2023; Marvan et al, 2013). Women who are experiencing period poverty often resort to unsanitary products, …

Reframing Latine & Indigenous Newcomer Students As Policymakers: Addressing Barriers To Attendance Through Ypar, Amanda Monique Vivanco

Master's Theses

This youth participatory action research investigates the barriers to attendance that recently immigrated Latine/Indigenous-identifying emergent multilingual high school students aged 18- 21 face. This action research aims to restore power to this population by providing the opportunity to participate as co-researchers, sharing their perspectives, opinions, and solutions to the issues that directly affect them. A group of six students from a small continuation school participated as co-researchers in a single session student-led focus group designed to elicit student perspectives, including their attitudes towards school attendance policies, experiences with attendance, and ideas for improvement. The first chapter explains the problem, demonstrating …

Beyond The Myth: Uncovering Mental Health Research Gaps In Asian American Communities, Maile Sit

Washington Semester Program

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Race On The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experience And Mental Health In The Minnesota Homeless Population, Sally Keckeisen

Theses and Graduate Projects

It is well established that the homeless population endorses more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than the general population and is also more susceptible to mental health and substance use disorders. Of note, individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are disproportionally affected by homelessness compared to their White counterparts. Little is known about the relationships between ACEs, mental health, and substance use in the homeless community. The present study examined the relationship between ACEs and a number of psychosocial outcomes, including mental health diagnoses, current substance use, and long-term substance use in an adult homeless population …

Addressing Mental Disability Head On: The Challenges Of Reasonable Accommodation Requests For Virginia Housing Providers, Haley Fortner

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

A person’s home should be a sanctuary of safety, security, and comfortability away from the demands of the outside world. Yet for many people living with mental illness, a home can all too easily become a sort of temporary prison. Nowhere is this more apparent than when a housing provider stands in the way of allowing someone with a mental disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. Fair housing law’s reasonable accommodation requirement works to ensure those living with mental illness receive the accommodations they need in order to live safely and comfortably in their own home. …

Revisiting Snack-Time: Analyzing How A Food Prescription Program In Charleston, Ms Affects The Children Of Participating Parents And Caregivers, Aubrey Bethay

Honors Theses

This study examines how Food Rx programs impact the children of enrolled families. Currently, research in this area is limited to data that focuses on produce consumption rates and BMI; however, there are other measures of physical and mental well-being that require evaluation. Consequently, this paper takes a more comprehensive approach, looking into childrens’ sense of security and perception of healthy food. 10 parents (representing 23 children) were interviewed and participated in recorded focus groups in order to gather information. From here, their responses were organized into domains in order to categorize the data.

Many parents reported that their children …

Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Neurodivergence: University Of San Diego Accommodations And Resources, Carina Mendoza

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

This research focuses on better understanding the unique classroom experiences faced by autistic and neurodiverse students at the University of San Diego (USD) and offers recommendations to improve their college experience. Through a well-studied literature review and data collection through semi structured interviews and focus groups, the overall goal was to have a more holistic understanding of the current support services from faculty and staff that are available for students at USD. The study will provide unique challenges and curated recommendations for students with autism spectrum disorder and neurodiverse identities. This research also identifies specific areas where the USD can …

Dungeons And Dragons As A Therapeutic Intervention Training, Samuel Grove

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a role-playing game that gives players’ versatility by allowing them to dictate, customize, or create their own experience. There are many different iterations of role-playing games with varying presentations for in-person and online play; table-top role-playing games and video games (Connell, 2024) (Kowal et al, 2021). Through the 3 pillars of play (Exploration, Role-play, and Combat) player are able to customize their own experience to their preference or collective preference of the group. The balance between the 3 frames of play (Player, Game, and Character) optimizes the players role-playing experience (Connell, 2023). D&D is the …

Trends In Substance Use And Mental Health Among Adolescents In Georgia, 2002-2022, Saumya S. Palipudi, Bangaru Talli Palipudi, Murty Komanduri

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Background: While substance use and absence of mental health disorders among youth in the United States (US) have declined over the past two decades, post COVID-19 pandemic, these conditions have increased significantly with notable disparities, and witnessed a crisis in public health. In 2022, 24.7% or 6.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the US had either Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and 3.7 percent had both in the prior year². Increased stress, lack of peer connections, parental abuse, and poor mental health conditions were attributed to this increase in substance use^{3-7 …}

Supporting International Students' Emotional And Social Wellbeing: Addressing Pressing Issues Related To Tuition And Visa Status Anxiety, Jinyi Chen

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to engage and build community with international students and to find ways to support them emotionally and socially leading to better mental health outcomes. My research question was: how can I support international college students to alleviate common mental health issues many continue to experience as a result of their international status? This occurs particularly when they must deal with tuition and visa status anxiety. I did three cycles in the research process using online surveys, interviews, and a large debriefing group meeting. Findings indicated that visa status anxiety is one of the most …

Spin Coating Multilayer Polymer Films To Improve The Consistency And Longevity Of Interval Drug Release, Katherine Nevils

Honors Theses

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a clinical diagnosis for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). An inadequate response to the dosage or duration of antidepressant medication can lead to the diagnosis of TRD. This diagnosis is common in up to 50% of patients with MDD following treatment. Microdosing of classical psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has been shown to have positive cognitive and therapeutic effects on patients with TRD. However, issues of patient compliance to the complex regimen and abuse/diversion of the schedule I controlled substances remain unresolved. The goal of this project is to create an implantable, …