Digital Commons Network^™

Clinical Considerations For Black Student Athlete Development, Jahnia Margarita Green

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Black student athletes exemplify the complexity of navigating intersecting identities at pivotal points in their development. They are also more likely to make premature commitments to their athletic identity and in turn suffer from psychological distress during times of transition (Beamon, 2012). The focus on Black collegiate athletes is informed by persistent mental health challenges associated with higher levels of competition or transitions (e.g., injury or retirement) within collegiate athletics (Brewer & Petitpas, 2017; Menke & Germany, 2019). This paper aims to develop culturally informed clinical considerations through the analysis of the Black student athlete experience and structural aspects of …

Navigating Mental Health Stigma And Disclosure Among Black Males On Social Media: A Qualitative Study Guided By Stigma Management Communication Theory, Kendall Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health stigma in the Black male community is a significant topic worth further investigation within the field of communication. Few current studies go into depth on the subject of mental health stigma, with the aim of understanding how communication is impacted by stigma. This work fills that gap. This qualitative research study sought to explicate the varied strategies employed by Black males when navigating disclosure in social media spaces. Stigma management communication theory is the guiding theory used to illuminate the communication choices made by Black males that shape their experiences. Factors such as racism, historical medical maltreatment, and …

The Nexus Between Social Media Use And Mental Health Among Tertiary Students, Claretah Makuvire, Pinias Chikuvadze, Sekai Kamba

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This study examines the connection between social media use and mental health among tertiary education students. The study was motivated by growing concerns about psychological well-being in digitally-connected educational environments and the need for evidence-based interventions in Zimbabwean contexts. The researchers used a mixed-methods case study design, and the participants consisted of 85 students from Seke Teachers College. The researchers employed questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to generate data. The research revealed that students use social media intensively. Usage averaged 6.45 hours daily with 100% WhatsApp penetration. The data revealed that 67.1% of participants experienced depressive symptoms, …

Effects Of Exercise On The Quality Of Life And Functional Capabilities For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Luis Ellerbe

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can significantly impact physical functioning, mental health, social support, and overall quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week standardized exercise program on quality of life and functional capabilities in adults with SCI. Participants completed a self-guided exercise program consisting of aerobic and strengthening activities performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Assessments were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month …

#Narctalk: Analysis Of Perceptions Of Personality Disorders In Tiktok Content, Amanda C. Dediego, Auna Nelson, Feven Seifu, Amanda D. Tracy, Madeline Grubb, R.J. Schoen

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

No abstract provided.

Dnp Final Report: Improving School Nurse Confidence In Managing Student Anxiety Through Simulation-Based Training, Jessica Marish

DNP Final Reports

Evidence has shown that students with untreated or poorly managed mental health concerns are at higher risk for absenteeism, psychiatric hospitalization, and school dropout. School nurses are often among the first healthcare professionals students encounter when experiencing emotional distress; however, many report limited preparation in mental health screening, grounding techniques, and referral support. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the feasibility of a simulation-based educational intervention for school nurses in managing student anxiety. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Neuman Systems Model, this initiative also included the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement model …

Hope Kit Program, Monica Reuber

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults, with a disproportionate burden of those deaths in rural areas such as Kansas. High rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal attempts, combined with a shortage of mental health providers, emphasize the need for community-based intervention.

This capstone is designed to develop a plan for Hope Kits, a proposed suicide prevention program, among youth in grades 7-12 in Sheridan County, Kansas to improve coping skills, promote help-seeking behavior, and reduce suicide risks.

A logic model guides the program development, which aligns with available literature and Social Cognitive …

Supporting Every Student: Optimizing School-Based Mental Health Services For Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Sarah K. Eggleston

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Youth with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at considerably greater risk of developing mental health problems compared with the general population; however, their needs are less likely to be identified, and they often face barriers to accessing quality mental health care. School-based mental health professionals (SBMHPs) are uniquely positioned to support students within their natural learning environments, where many common barriers to service provision have been removed. The present study examined the current state of practice among SBMHPs in Virginia in identifying and supporting the needs of students with ID, as well as SBMHPs’ training experiences. An online cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey …

The Resilient Women's Collective: Empowering Women To Recognize Their Worth, Mary Campbell Johnstone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Mothers experiencing homelessness face challenges related to chronic stress, trauma, disrupted routines, and limited access to supportive resources, all of which negatively impact health, well-being, and occupational participation (Anderson et al., 2024). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through occupation-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote resilience, empowerment, and engagement in meaningful activities. This doctoral capstone addressed these complex needs through a multifaceted approach that included a scoping review, program development, advocacy, and educational initiatives. A scoping review examined stress-management interventions supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness in the United States. Although positive outcomes were reported, the literature revealed limited …

Supporting Mental Health Through Occupation: Education For Women Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Rebekah Nicole Trammell, Lakeisa Boykin, Rebekah Jarrar

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and these women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and disruption to daily routines and meaningful occupations. Evidence shows that education on self-management strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and targeted occupational therapy interventions can support the mental health of women experiencing breast cancer. Furthermore, remaining engaged in meaningful occupations is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and deliver accessible, evidence-based education in digital and print formats that specifically target identifying mental health challenges, self-management strategies, and …

A Replication Study - Mental Health And Suicide Risk Among High School Students And Protective Factors — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023, Hannah Baiyor

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The original study (Verlenden et al., 2024) aims to analyze how various protective factors may buffer poor mental health and suicide risk outcomes among US students in grades 9-12, an important public health topic as suicide is one of the leading causes of death among US teens (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024a). Through studying these associations, this study aims to uncover pathways to positive mental health outcomes and reduced suicide risk. The study utilizes the 2023 YRBS dataset, a nationally representative sample of US public and private school students in grades 9-12, to estimate prevalence of four mental …

Weathering More Than Storms: Understanding The Mental Health Disparities Of Black Farmers In The Appalachian Region, Aliyah Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black farmers in Appalachia represent a vital and historically marginalized population within one of America’s most economically distressed regions. Black farmers have endured generations of systemic racism, resulting in land loss, economic hardship, and mental stressors. This study examines the intersection of race, agriculture, and behavioral health to illustrate how structural barriers and cultural stigmas shape the mental well-being of Black farmers across Appalachia.

Findings from the analysis will guide the development of a conceptual model based on constructs from the Social-Ecological Model (SEM), Intersectionality Theory, and Critical Race Theory (CRT). This study will use Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) conducted …

A Critical-Constructivist Grounded Theory Exploration Of The Mental Health Experiences Of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities In Post-Secondary Settings, Alyssa L. Decker

Dissertations, 2020-current

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) now have access to higher education, often through inclusive post-secondary education programs (IPSE), to increase employability and quality of life. IPSE programs, historically, have provided academic and life skill support and not mental health support within programs’ curricula. A recent review of IPSE programs reveals that if mental health services are included, they are often accessed through university health services. Transitioning from high school to college induces high levels of stress, which can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. Mental health care is defaulted to an already overburdened college counseling center without the knowledge and skills …

More Than A Movement: The Mental Health Toll Of Activism And The Shield Of Social Support At Hbcus, Feyisayo T. Oluwalana

All Theses

Student activism has historically contributed to sociopolitical change, with college campuses serving as important contexts for civic engagement and identity development (Ballard et al., 2024; Cabrera et al., 2017; Conner, 2020). At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), activism is often connected to students lived experiences and efforts to challenge systemic inequities (Byon et al., 2022; Patterson, 2021). Although activism may promote empowerment and collective identity, sustained advocacy may also contribute to psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, particularly among students of color (Chen et al., 2024; Hope et al., 2018). However, limited research has examined culturally relevant protective factors …

The Legacy Of Trauma: Exploring The Effect Of Generational Stress On Gut Health And Mental Well-Being In Black Women, Jocelynn Jones

Dissertations

This dissertation examines how generational trauma and chronic stress may relate to gut health and mood outcomes among Black women. Using a literature review design, this work brings together research on intergenerational trauma, gendered racism, Superwoman Schema, weathering, allostatic load, mood disorders, reproductive health disparities, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The central argument is that depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, reproductive vulnerability, and healthcare mistrust should not be understood as fully separate concerns when they may be shaped by shared stress conditions. The proposed integrated model does not claim that trauma directly causes gut dysbiosis or mood disorders. Instead, it suggests …

Evolving Roles: School Counselors Addressing Mental Health In Pk-12 Education, Evin Daines

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

A significant number of children and youth are currently experiencing poor mental health. School counselors work with all students and are in a position to provide support to students experiencing mental health challenges. School counselors can also identify what may hinder children and youth from accessing mental health resources in their communities. This study explores how many school counselors engage in mental health counseling, how school counselors view their roles in addressing student mental health, and what barriers they perceive as keeping children and youth from accessing mental health and behavior services.

Childhood Trauma, Mental Health, And Crime Commission Among Persons Deprived Of Liberty In A Selected City Jail: Toward A Trauma-Informed Intervention Program, Gerardo Sj. Gonzales Jr., Elmer G. De Jose

Social Sciences and Development Review

This study explores the relationship between childhood trauma and mental health among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Philippine jail system, focusing on Baliuag City Jail, Region III. It also examines whether significant differences in trauma and mental health exist across crime categories. While trauma-crime linkages are widely studied in Western contexts, research remains limited within Philippine jail/correctional settings. Grounded in General Strain Theory and supported by Social Learning Theory, Differential Association Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care Model, the study uses a descriptive correlational and comparative research design. A stratified sample of 212 PDLs completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form …

"It's Probably Like A Web": Complex Relationships Between Pain And Mental Health Among Bisexual+ Women With Chronic Pain, Aster Harrison, Mansha Mirza

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Bisexual+ women experience higher rates of both mental illness and chronic pain when compared to either straight or lesbian women. Their experiences of the relationship between their mental health and chronic pain remain underexplored. This article presents an intersectional Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the experiences of six bisexual+ women with chronic pain.

METHODS: Each woman completed two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, beginning with in-depth case study analysis of each person's interviews before moving to comparison across cases.

RESULTS: Results indicated a complex web of multidirectional relationships between mental health and chronic pain. These relationships …

Turning Sweat Into Smiles: How Zumba Enhances Psychological Well-Being And Enjoyment In Female Students, Mathew Sera, Eswar Chandana

Journal of Global South Sport Studies

This study, conducted in the field of Physical Education, examines the effect of Zumba on Psychological Well-being among women of a central university in India while also assessing their enjoyment levels during physical activity. Zumba is a group exercise program that blends aerobic workouts with structured dance movements performed to lively, upbeat music. The study also addresses the lack of research on Zumba’s psychological benefits in the Indian context. A quantitative study using an experimental study design was implemented with a sample size of 33 participants who underwent a four-week Zumba training program. A pretest-posttest model was used, and mental …

International Student Athletes And The Covid-19 Global Pandemic: Disruption, Uncertainty, And Coping, Isabella M. Franks, Trent A. Petrie, Whitney G. Moore, Carmyn Hayes

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

COVID-19 and its ripple effects (e.g., social distancing, sport cancellations, quarantining) negatively affected the careers of collegiate student-athletes. The disruption to university systems and collegiate athletics and the stress and uncertainty felt globally likely increased international student-athletes' (ISAs) risk for distress. Yet, ISAs also possessed unique characteristics and were immersed within supportive sport environments, which may have shaped their psychological responses in distinct ways. The COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to understand how ISAs, as individuals navigating both athletic and international identities, responded and coped. To date, no study has examined the initial coping experiences of international collegiate athletes, even …

A Qualitative Case Study: Learning, Teaching, And Using Social-Emotional Skills In A Post-Covid Era, Camille Louise Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to discover the influence that COVID-19 has had on teaching and learning social-emotional skills in grades K through 2 in a local public school in a central metropolitan area in the northeastern United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools worldwide were forced to shut down, providing online instruction using tablets and other media devices. Students and teachers suddenly became limited in how they socialized with each other. COVID-19 changed how teachers use social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. The study included 10 participants. This study’s purpose was to answer the central research …

Exploring The Practice Of Mindfulness In Ministry Among Kansas Assemblies Of God Clergy, Angela K. Sartain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Interest in integrating mindfulness into Christian counseling and pastoral practice increased; however, very little research has documented its experience among Assemblies of God clergy. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Kansas Assemblies of God clergy who have engaged mindfulness within a ministry context. Based on acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, viewed through a Christian lens; the research examined understanding, adaptation, and practice regarding worship, leadership, and pastoral care. Data from in-depth interviews with Kansas Assemblies of God clergy were analyzed thematically and patterns of meaning and practice were discovered. The results revealed how Kansas Assemblies …

The Truths Beneath The Story: Internal Conflict, Catharsis, And Psychological Allegory As The Catalyst For Transformation In Screenwriting, Heather Bixler

Masters Theses

The Tour is a psychological coming-of-age screenplay that constructs meaning through the interaction of the main character's internal contradictions, resulting in an emotionally and structurally driven transformation. The screenplay is an original feature-length screenplay that follows Claudia, a 17-year-old girl who finds herself in the Unknown World. There she meets The Heartmaker and discovers her heart is missing. She journeys to Pineville, a town that mirrors her life back home, where her late father is still alive, and the townspeople reflect hidden truths of those she loves. The Tour is a coming-of-age psychological drama with allegorical dimensions. The script explores …

A Critical Review On Enhancing Equity Of Mental Health Treatment Of African American Families Through Social Support And Social Capital, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, Morgan E. Cooley, Heather M. Thompson, Atensia Earp Bowen, Gabe Caress, Alicia Best

Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research

African American adults and children experience both disproportionality and disparity when in contact with the mental health delivery system. There are a number of contextual factors that influence the treatment of African American families, such as systemic oppression or racism in both society and the behavioral health system or individual expressions of mental health symptomology. This review will provide an overview of how mental health disparities crossover systems, perceptions of mental health and mental health treatment among African American families, provide some context for why this review was written, as well as discuss the context of social support and social …

Occupational Therapists’ Emerging Role In Running Bereavement Support Groups, Diana Daus, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Susan Taddonio

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Grief is well recognized as a stress response and, as such, significantly impacts engagement in meaningful occupational performance and engagement in meaningful occupations. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a newly recognized diagnosis, reflects the public health risk for the bereaved. Multiple client factors and performance patterns of those experiencing grief disrupt multiple areas of occupation. This opinion paper evaluates occupational therapy’s role in bereavement groups in the occupational therapy scope of practice.

The Role Of Mental Health In Postoperative Complications: A Literature Review, Kayla Monet Alwahhamy, Abbas Rasoul Alwahhamy

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Currently, it is not standard practice to screen all surgical patients both pre- and postoperatively for either a prior history of mental health disorders (MHD) or active symptoms of MHD at the time of surgery. This is despite growing evidence that MHDs may impact wound healing and are recognized as a mortality risk factor in many patients. Aim: This review aims to evaluate existing literature examining mental health (MH) in surgical patients, assess whether there is a relationship between MHDs and postoperative complication rates, and determine whether outcomes differ based on the timing of MHD manifestation (pre- …

The Use Of Breathing Meditation With Bipoc Trauma Survivors, Keerthi Sundaramurthy

Doctoral Dissertations

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness-based practices to reduce psychological distress. Although interest in mindfulness-based care is growing, studies investigating virtual interventions for BIPOC trauma survivors remain limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a breathing meditation intervention on mental health outcomes in a sample of trauma-exposed BIPOC adults, using a randomized post-test only design. Participants in the intervention group were asked to complete a 10-minute box breathing meditation daily for four weeks. Quantitative analyses revealed that those in the intervention group reported significantly lower symptoms of anxiety and …

Book Review: Don’T Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning And End Of Suffering, Monique Salcido

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This book review examines a recent publication on how individuals can learn to end negative thinking and spend more time living in abundance, peace, and joy. The review summarizes the central themes, highlights strengths and weaknesses, outlines contributions to mental health literature, and offers recommendations. Particular attention is given to how the author conveys his message, and examples from the book are provided. Although the book has several limitations, the review underlines how it can be incorporated into the mental health field through contributions to clinicians and their clients. Overall, the book provides a beneficial resource for social workers, counselors, …

A Review Of Juvenile Solitary Confinement In The United States: Why Developmental Science Supports Banning Isolation Of Youth, Morgan R. Wagner, Krystia Reed, April Thomas

Northwestern Journal of Human Rights

The use of solitary confinement in carceral settings has been prevalent in the United States for as long as the justice system has been in place. The practice of isolating people who are incarcerated from the general prison population was adopted in the juvenile justice system as well, despite the system’s purported focus on rehabilitation. This paper reviews the developmental psychological literature suggesting that solitary confinement can harm adolescents in a variety of ways (psychological, psychosocial, and physical). We then discuss the prevalence of juvenile solitary confinement in federal and state courts. Finally, considering this research, we identify goals for …

The Growing Needs For Young Adults’ Behavioral Health Services In Oregon And Pathways For Sustainable Service Deliveries, Anis Zaman

Hatfield Graduate Journal of Public Affairs

Recent OHA data indicate a significant surge in behavioral health cases among young adults ages 17-26 across Oregon. Every year in Oregon, the total number of young adults receiving medical treatment includes a significant number of them who have behavioral health challenges. This large group of young adults with mental health conditions is vulnerable to suicidal ideation and substance overdose. Despite sincere efforts by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the young adult mental health state of Oregon remains a concern. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive action plan for the sustainable delivery of mental health services to young …