Digital Commons Network^™

Lower Suicidal Ideation Linked To Easier Access To Urban Green Spaces During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study In Japan, Zheng Xian, Tomoki Nakaya, Clive E. Sabel, Ryo Okubo, Kun Liu, Jinguang Zhang, Takahiro Tabuchi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Urban green spaces (UGSs) have been linked to improved mental health and lower suicide rates, yet their protective role during large-scale crises remains underexplored. We examined associations of UGS accessibility with long-term and pandemic induced new-onset suicidal ideation during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in urban Japan, using data from a nationwide health survey of 17,376 participants (August 2020). Modified Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for suicidal ideation by UGS accessibility (area, number, and type) within 5, 10, and 15-minute walking thresholds from home, controlling for individual and area-level confounders. UGS accessibility exhibited dose-response relationships with …

Effects Of Mental Health Services On Adolescents’ Mental Health-Related Behavior Problems And Academic Performance, Marsha Bernard

Theses and Dissertations

The problem to be addressed in the research study was that students who are marginalized and racially profiled exhibit behavioral problems in school and lack the resources to understand and manage their emotional behaviors. The purpose of the study was to determine how mental health counselors in schools and in the community can assist marginalized families with adequate mental health services. The study sought an understanding of the underlying causes of disruptive behaviors and miscommunication between students and administrators. Overall, the study revealed that mental health has an impact and plays a critical role in the day-to-day experiences of marginalized …

An Exploratory Study Of The Relationship Between Social Factors And Social Connectivity; How Do Our Social Behaviors Impact Our Physical And Cognitive Health?, Tayler K. Errera

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Social connectedness has reportedly seen significant declines in the last two and a half decades (Hsiao et al., 2022). These trends correlate with social media, related technological advances, and COVID-19 quarantine responses. With signs that this decline has started to stagnate, interest in what individuals and communities can do to reverse this adverse impact arises. While many factors are known to correlate to social connectivity, this study demonstrates the significance of specific factors regarding college students. This study highlights the importance of exercise and technological restraint in fostering social connection.

Children’S And Adult Perspectives On Mental Health In Children’S Youth Literature And Media, Edcel J. Cintron-Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

My dissertation extends existing work on mental health in children’s literature to examine the different narratives strategies that text, film, and media for young audiences use to connect childhood, caregiving, and emotional wellbeing. Three areas of scholarship—children’s literature scholarship, health humanities work, and feminist care ethics—inform my project. Overall, I am interested in how a variety of genres for young readers represent mental health not only as an individual experience, but also as something shaped by family, culture, community, and adult-child relationships. It is therefore important to delineate the different concepts and frameworks that help make sense of how mental …

The Victimization Of Immigrant Adolescents, Stephanie Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

Immigrant adolescents may experience social and structural challenges that increase their vulnerability to victimization and influence long-term developmental outcomes. However, there is little longitudinal research has examined whether immigration generation is associated with adolescent victimization and adult behavioral outcomes using nationally representative data. This study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to examine the relationships among immigration generation, adolescent victimization, and adult criminal justice, mental health, and substance use outcomes. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether first- and second-generation immigrants differed from third-generation respondents after controlling for race/ethnicity, family structure, …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Anxiety And Depression Symptoms Among Medical Students: The Role Of Student Debt Burden, Foroozan Afsharchi, Joshua F. Edwards, Kailash S. Ram, Jingru Huang, Valicia Hale, Ismail El Moudden

Department of Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

This cross-sectional study examined whether anxiety and depression symptoms decrease as medical students progress through training (suggesting adjustment disorder) or persist (suggesting chronic conditions), while identifying associated risk factors, including student debt burden and treatment effectiveness.

Methods

We surveyed medical students (years 1-4) at VHS-ODU using a sociodemographic questionnaire and validated screening instruments (GAD-7 for anxiety and PHQ-9 for depression) via RedCap from September to November 2024.

Results

Among 126 students, Scores were higher in Years 2-3 than in Years 1 and 4, but differences by year were not significant (GAD-7 p=0.055; PHQ-9 p=0.352). Students with a prior mental-health …

Exploring Barriers And Facilitators Of Mental Health Treatment For Law Enforcement Officers: The Impact Of Police Occupational Culture, April Reed

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Prior research has explored the impact of police culture on mental health stigma among law enforcement, however, a deeper understanding about how different aspects of police culture may inhibit or facilitate mental health treatment utilization is needed to inform policy and practice. This dissertation explores the relationship between police culture and mental health using a qualitative research design. Twenty-five (n=25) law enforcement officers from a county sheriff’s office in Central Florida were interviewed and participant observations were conducted during a three-month period. The present study sought to address the following research questions: What are the experiences of the job and …

Online Risk And Harm For Marginalized Users: How Social Influence Amplifies Or Mitigates Vulnerability, Tangila Islam Tanni

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Social media has reshaped how people connect, communicate, and influence one another, yet these environments also create harms that disproportionately affect marginalized users. Participation in online communities can expose users to identity-based harassment, emotional distress, and the normalization of harmful attitudes, shaping identity, well-being, and participation online and offline. Prior work has documented many forms of online harm, yet less is understood about how harmful norms and behaviors are reinforced across different forms of social media interaction, from private direct messages to online communities. Guided by the Social Ecological Model, this dissertation investigates how online harms toward marginalized users emerge …

Minority Stress And Drug Use Among 2slgbtq+ Canadians, Robert Chin-See, Todd Coleman

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Background: Several social and environmental factors influence drug use behaviors and contribute to frequent drug use among Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other (2SLGBTQ+) individuals. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between the minority stress, drug use, and other socio-ecological factors.

Methods: This study employed structural equation modelling on data (2021—2022) from a nationally representative pan-Canadian survey (N = 1542) on 2SLGBTQ+ health to examine the association between minority stress, drug use, and relevant socio-ecological predictors. A separate mediation analysis was conducted and controlled for socio-demographic characteristics.

Results: SEM results showed parsimonious fit …

Exploring Religious-Spiritual Struggles Among Muslim Immigrants In The Canadian Context, Ayse Erenay

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Migration to a new culture and adaptation to a different lifestyle may cause emotional and psychological stress. In some cases, immigrants may experience religious and/or spiritual (R/S) struggles due to challenges to their beliefs and practices in the country they have immigrated to. Based on Pargament (2007, 2013)’s R/S struggle framework, these struggles may include questions about the ultimate meaning of life, one’s relationship with God, or doubt about one’s belonging within a religious or spiritual community. Muslim immigrants face unique struggles since Islamic teachings require Muslims to visibly practice their faith and reflect on God’s presence as a central …

Emotional Support Friends: Creating Social Impact Through Art And Polite Humor, Kenyari Gil Rosario

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis aims to provide new imagery to the conversation of mental health and neurodivergence. It does this through forms of soft sculpture, digital paintings, marker drawings, and community murals. Inspired by the practices of Keith Haring, iconographic characters are used to portray common struggles and coping habits of mental conditions in an endearing light. With the goal of social impact, this project is affiliated with the non-profit organization Providing Autism Links and Support (P.A.L.S). This partnership has given the community an opportunity to share their compassion through art and donations and uses art as a means of social impact …

Ensuring That Marginalized Young People Feel Welcome, Understood, And Empowered In Health Services: A Qualitative Examination Of The Service Needs Of Aboriginal Lgbtqa+ Young People, Shakara Liddelow-Hunt, Ashleigh Lin, Yael Perry, Braden Hill, Bep Uink

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A lack of appropriate care and discrimination in healthcare settings likely compounds the existing risks to mental health and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBTQA+) young people. The current study contributes findings from Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people’s perspectives on their health service needs and preferences. Data consists of qualitative interviews and focus groups with N = 14 Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people aged 14–25 years in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis identified three major themes: (1) Unmet need for “whole self” care, (2) Communicating …

Is A Fear Of Death Keeping You Awake At Night? Death Anxiety Predicts Insomnia Through Nightmare Severity, Rachel E. Menzies, Jessie Brown, Mitchell Turner, David Cunnington, Malisa Burge, Ian C. Dunican, Hailey Meaklim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The fear of death (death anxiety) is a risk factor for various mental health conditions. Death anxiety has been theorized to elicit physiological arousal and worry and is empirically associated with attachment insecurity, each of which has been linked to disrupted sleep. However, limited research has explored the relationship between death anxiety, nightmares and insomnia. We examined the relationship between death anxiety and insomnia, as well as attachment style as a potential moderator, and nightmare severity as a possible mediator. Five hundred and fifteen adults completed an online survey; 70% were female, and 89% resided in Australia. Regression analyses revealed …

The Challenges Of International Travel Insurance For Leisure Travellers With Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Alison Mcintosh, Gregory Willson, Dhananjana Madushani Morayes Gajaweera Marthinna Moraslage

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

International leisure travel is deemed therapeutic for reducing stress and improving mental health and wellbeing, although unfamiliar environments can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions. Travel insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks for travellers. There is a lack of critical evaluation regarding how insurers assess risk, determine coverage eligibility and communicate exclusions. International travel insurance policies may contain restrictive clauses, ambiguous wording and outright exclusions that may disproportionately disadvantage travellers with pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions. This paper evaluates whether New Zealand’s international travel insurance policies adequately accommodate travellers with pre-existing mental health conditions. Analysis of 23 international …

Mental Health Professionals’ Perspectives On Essential Elements Of Telehealth Family Psychoeducation For Major Depressive Disorder: An Exploratory Study, Obumneke Obieche, Jing Yu Tan, Sita Sharma, Daniel Bressington, Tao Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Family-inclusive interventions, such as family psychoeducation (FPE), improve outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly when tailored to the needs of individuals with MDD, their families, and carers. This study explored mental health professionals’ (MHPs) perspectives on the essential elements of telehealth FPE for MDD, including patients’ and their families’ informational and support needs. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Supportive Program for Advancing Recovery, Knowledge, and Empowerment in Depression (SPARKED) research project, using an online questionnaire targeting MHPs within a regional area of Australia. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and quantitative and qualitative content analysis, …

Mental Health And Beliefs About Abortion Access Following Changes To Reproductive Healthcare Laws In 2022: Findings From Oklahoma, Munjireen Sifat, Laili K. Boozary, Tina N. Le, Julia Mcquoid, Brittany Zaring-Hinkle, Sarah Tonkin, Lizbeth Benson, Bingjing Mao, Motolani Ogunsanya, Ruosi Shao, Amy M. Cohn, Allyson Shortle, Darla E. Kendzor

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data was conducted to characterize beliefs about abortion access in Oklahoma, measure stress associated with the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (2022), and evaluate the potential relationship between post-Roe stress (PR stress) and mental health.

METHODS: From August through September 2022, adult Oklahomans (N = 1793) were surveyed about their sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs about abortion access, frequency of past-month stress related to the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and mental health. Beliefs about abortion access were characterized overall and within sociodemographic groups. The relationship between PR stress and mental health was evaluated, and …

Rethinking Wash: Innovative Pathways To Address Water, Health, And Poverty, Erica L. Jensen, Emma Indart, Faith Manchester, Sebastian Dorantes, Isabelle Stoddard

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

A Pilot Qualitative Study To Better Understand The Factors Related To Suicides And Inform Public Health Action Across A Predominantly Coastal And Rural Area: Cornwall, Southwest Of England: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, Paula Chappell, Jane Horrell, Kerryn Husk, Beth Simons, Richard A. Sharpe

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Better understanding factors leading to suicide and prevention opportunities is a global public health priority. This qualitative pilot study tested whether reviewing inquest recordings could generate insights during COVID-19 and inform public health prevention programmes across a predominantly rural and coastal area where there are significant health inequalities. Methods: Fifty-five inquest recordings reached a suicide conclusion between March 2020 and January 2021. Stratified sampling was used to obtain two samples from each month. Template analysis was employed to thematically analyse data from 30 inquests. Results: Risk factors during this period were social isolation, anxiety, difficulty in routine creation and …

Mapping Research Trends On Mental Health Literacy Among University Students: A Bibliometric Systematic Review, Eko Pramudya Laksana, Muslihati Muslihati, Arbin Janu Setiyowati, Salsabila Kholifahtun Nisa, Muhammad Nur Hudha, Margaret Kehinde Soetan

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Mental health is a global issue that has received increasing attention, particularly among university students. Mental health literacy (MHL) is an important factor in promoting students' psychological well-being through knowledge, attitudes, and the ability to recognize and address mental health problems. This study aims to map the developmental trends of MHL research among university students in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the direction and focus of studies in this field. This research employed a bibliometric literature review approach by analyzing 48 journal articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2021 and 2025. The findings indicate that …

The Influence Of Perceived Social Support On Mental Health During Injury In Female Gaa Athletes., Clodagh M. O’Connor, Samantha Glynn Kelly

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Injury recovery in sport involves not only physical rehabilitation but also significant psychological challenges, particularly for female athletes in amateur and elite environments. This study aimed to explore the perceived social support received by injured female Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes and the effect it had on their mental health during injury. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of injured female athletes. Data were collected through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, allowing for open-ended responses and the exploration of individual perspectives. The sample consisted of 10 female athletes aged between 18 and 32 years, …

The Kids Aren’T Alright, Amy B. Levin

Arkansas Law Review

It is not new that students struggle in law school. Research has shown for decades that, while students generally begin law school with healthy well-being, the competitive nature of law school combined with the stress of the Bar and securing post-Bar employment causes increased anxiety, depression, isolation, and related symptoms among students, especially women and underrepresented groups. What is new is the sheer number of law students struggling with serious mental health challenges today—a number that has reached crisis proportions.

This Article is divided into four parts. In Part I, I explore the mental health landscape for high school, college, …

Exploring K-Pop Fandom As A Space Of Support: The Case Of Lgbtq+ Fans From Australia And The Philippines During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Thomas Baudinette, Kelsey Scholes

Kritika Kultura

This article draws upon qualitative interviews with seventeen LGBTQ+ individuals to explore the role of K-pop fandom in providing support to queer communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article adds a new critical perspective into academic and journalistic accounts of K-pop fandom to insist on K-pop consumption as a practice that fundamentally improves fans’ mental health. Beginning by establishing how K-pop fandom spaces, particularly on social media, were considered to already support LGBTQ+ fans’ attempts to make sense of their gendered and sexual identities under societal heteronormativity, the article details specific benefits that LGBTQ+ fans experienced with regard to their …

Mind The Gap: Intergenerational Perspectives On Mental Illness Within Ghanaian American Communities, Ama Danso-Ayesu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores attitudes toward mental illness among Ghanaian immigrants and

first-generation Ghanaian Americans, with particular focus on factors that influence

stigma. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model, the study utilized the

Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI) Scale to measure four dimensions

of stigma, including authoritarianism, benevolence, social restrictiveness, and community

mental health ideology. A comparative, cross-sectional design was employed to examine

differences between immigrant and American-born participants. The findings revealed

generational differences where Ghanaian immigrants reported higher levels of

authoritarian and socially restrictive beliefs, while first-generation Ghanaian Americans

demonstrated more benevolent and inclusive attitudes. Interpreted through the ecological

systems …

Effect Of Spirituality On The Mental Health Of Adults Who Experienced Bullying In Their Childhood, Celiana Rodriguez-Gonzalez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Bullying experiences in childhood have been found to significantly affect mental health in adulthood, particularly through depression and anxiety. Spirituality has been identified as a protective factor for mental health, contributing to quality of life, satisfaction, and purpose. It may also buffer the effects of violence and bullying. This correlational study examined the relationships among childhood bullying, spirituality, and adult mental health in a sample of individuals from Puerto Rico (N=124). Specifically, whether spirituality moderates the relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes. Results indicated that childhood bullying was moderately associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Middle School Educators And The Need For Healthy Coping Techniques: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Dionne E. Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this transcendental phenomenological study, the researcher investigated how the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacted public middle school educators’ mental health and well-being (MHWB) and how they developed effective coping strategies in response. Using Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional stress and coping theory model and the social support theory as frameworks, the study explored the lived experiences of ten middle school instructors from the southeastern United States who taught during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and reflective diary entries were implemented as data collection methods. Thematic analysis identified several significant findings. Teachers faced professional challenges as they adapted …

The Invisible Struggle: Exploring The Experiences Of African American Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Their Interactions With Healthcare Providers, Trulissa L. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of African American women diagnosed with PCOS, focusing on their interactions with medical providers, perception of healthcare, and overall well-being. The cultural competence framework guided this study, and the patient-centered care model is a theory that operated within the broader cultural competence framework. The cultural competence framework and patient-centered care model took into consideration the systemic and individual issues that affect African American women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This study examined the difficulties African American women diagnosed with PCOS faced in healthcare, as well as their mental …

Is Ai Replacing Human Mental Health Professionals?, Michiko Ueda

Population Health Research Brief Series

An increasing number of people are turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and AI-assisted chatbots to manage mental health concerns. This data slice presents findings from a national survey of U.S. adults aged 18-49 (N = 1,805) conducted in October 2025. Among respondents, 35.2% reported using AI tools more than once a week for mental health support. Among those who had ever seen a human mental health professional, 28.4% reported visiting human providers less often since beginning to use AI for the same purpose. The findings suggest that a subset of users may be using AI to replace, rather …

Dance Movement For Wounded Warriors With Mental Health Diagnoses: A Phenomenology, Amelia Ann Forsmo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to understand how dance movement can improve the psychological health of military veterans who are experiencing a mental health disorder such as posttraumatic stress disorder. The theories guiding this study are Carl Rogers’ humanistic perspective, Schlossberg’s transition theory, and the post-traumatic growth theory. A purposive sample of 12 to 15 veterans will be selected for participation in this study. Each veteran will have different military backgrounds, various battle wounds, and unique experiences with dance movement or dance movement therapy. For this reason, these perspectives allow each participant to be prioritized and heard. …

Nurturing Mature Adolescents: An Advanced Psycho-Educational Program Exploring The Effectiveness Of Social-Emotional Competence Among Adolescent Middle School Students- Phase I Action Research Pilot Study, Nkeiruka M. Maduike

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescence is a critical period marked of development marked by increased emotional and social challenges that shapes adolescents’ future well-being. This Phase I qualitative action research pilot study examined the effectiveness of the Nurturing Mature Adolescents (N.M.A.) psychoeducational program in enhancing emotional regulation and interpersonal skills among middle school students. Guided by Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, nine participants aged 11–14 engaged in a four-week intervention featuring structured lessons, observational learning, and self-efficacy strategies. Pre- and post-interviews and demographic surveys were analyzed using descriptive, In Vivo, process, emotion, and evaluation coding methods. Findings revealed consistent improvements in emotional awareness, self-regulation, communication, …

Integrating Peer Specialists In Primary Care: Narrative Review With Illustrative Examples, And Pragmatic Recommendations To Support Implementation, Emily M. Johnson, Christina Shook, Kimberly Barrie, Kyle Possemato

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Behavioral health peer support specialists, peers, are health care system employees with lived experience of mental health or substance use concerns who are trained and hired to support others with behavioral health concerns in behavioral health clinics and medical settings. Peer-delivered services have a long history and research consistently demonstrates evidence of varied benefits for a wide range of patients. Peers are increasingly being hired to work within primary care settings to support the needs of primary care patients with behavioral health concerns and enhance the interdisciplinary nature of integrated primary care teams. However, integration of peers into this new …