Digital Commons Network^™

Action Crisis Intervention Response, Dwayne Pine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Establishing a peer-to-peer mental health intervention program for healthcare workers at Henry Mayo Hospital is imperative for addressing stress, anxiety, depression, job burnout, and compassion fatigue. The growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, leading to a significant number leaving the industry due to lack of support from management, underscores the urgency of this initiative. This action research project emphasizes the need for such a program in conjunction with the established Mental Health First Aid. While the latter provides tools to recognize a mental health crisis, it lacks holistic approaches to aid healthcare workers in immediate crisis mode. The project …

Coping With Loneliness (Part 4): Support Others Who Experience Loneliness, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

It is natural to want to offer help and support when someone we love or care about is experiencing loneliness. Paradoxically, this is one of the best ways to reduce our own loneliness. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed three fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This fourth fact sheet suggests ways to ensure our efforts to support others who are experiencing loneliness are helpful and supportive.

A Phenomenological Examination Of The Perception Of Psychopathological Misdiagnosis In Gifted Men, Tina Glass

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the exact prevalence of psychopathological misdiagnosis in gifted children is unknown, it is an occurrence within the gifted population (Amend & Beljan, 2009; Batstra et al., 2012; Bishop & Rinn, 2019; Bishop & Rinn, 2020; Coon, 2014; Webb et al., 2016). However, there is a gap in the literature related to psychopathological misdiagnosis specific to gifted males. (Desmet & Pereira, 2021; Ecklund et al., 2014; Eren et al., 2018; Neu & Weinfeld, 2007; OECD, 2015; Preckel et al., 2015; Watts, 2022). This transcendental phenomenological study leveraged Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model for Human Development (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006) as a theoretical …

Naturalistic Evaluation Of Embedded Social-Emotional Services In Early Childcare And Education Settings: Teacher Outcomes, Andrew B. Mcgee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In two studies, this dissertation evaluated relations among early childhood education (ECE) teachers’ well-being and embedded social-emotional services. Study 1 focused on occupational stress, burnout, and mental health, exploring the relations among stress and mental health, and the associations with social-emotional services. Study 1 also explored group differences in stress, burnout, mental health, and social-emotional services for teachers who identified as Latinx. Results showed that occupational stress and social emotional services had significant main effects on mental health (burnout, depression, anxiety), with associations varying across mental health measures. Occupational stress was associated with adverse mental health outcomes, while social-emotional support …

Risk And Protective Factors For Psychopathology During The Developmental Period 0-25 Years, Pamela Cotton

Master of Arts in Human Services

Research has shown that mental health disorders can have their onset in the period of

childhood and adolescence. This is a relatively recent discovery, as most of history

has studied mental health conditions only in adults. Today it is known that the global

onset of first mental health disorder occurs before age 14 in one third of the cases and

before the age of 18 in almost half of cases across the world (Solmi et al., 2022;

Dragioti et al., 2022). Research has uncovered risk and protective factors for

psychopathology in certain mental health conditions, such as Autism Spectrum

Disorder …

Investigating Veterinarians' Interest In Mental Health, Loren C. Beggs, Jisook Park

Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research

Stress affects all individuals though individuals’ response to stressors can be different. When stress is not managed effectively, it can lead to severe physiological concerns as well as psychological damages such as depressive symptoms and even suicidal ideations. Veterinarians are known to have a higher depression level and suicide rate than the general population which could be attributed to higher occupational stress. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the mental health state of veterinarians and the relationship between psychological distress and pursuit of mental health resources. We also explored the relationship between psychological distress and perceived importance …

Adapted Cheerleading Program For The Pediatric Population, Hailee Cantrell, Mary Greer, Jasmine Mathew

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

There are limited adapted programs with educated professionals that exist for children with childhood disabilities to be able to adapt activities to the specific needs of the child. Due to the limited opportunities for participation in leisure activities, these children have limited opportunities to improve physical, verbal, or emotional skills with their peers. The objective of this capstone was to create an adapted cheerleading program for the pediatric population to improve their physical, emotional, and verbal abilities as well as improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Evaluation Of A Statewide Suicide Awareness And Prevention Program, Darien Collins

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health challenges are prevalent among young people in South Carolina, with suicide being a leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 24. Ending the Silence (ETS) serves as a gatekeeper training to engage students, school staff, families, and community members in conversations surrounding mental health challenges and suicide awareness. The University of South Carolina School Behavioral Health Team (SBHT), led by Dr. Mark Weist, with funding from the South Carolina (SC) Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation (BCBS), worked with the South Carolina National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on a three-year evaluation of their ETS program. Results …

Exploring The Impact Of Mental Health Screening On Anxiety And Depression Scores Among Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players., Christina Seber

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Background: Mental health and well-being are essential to being able to perform one’s best in career, academics, relationships, and sport (Egan, 2019). In young adults ages 18- to 25- years old, there is a growing prevalence in the types, severity, and percentage of mental illness. This is the age group of traditional college students and student-athletes, and it is highly recognized (Neal et al., 2013).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between anxiety and depression levels with mental health screenings. What contribution do mental health screenings make towards decreasing levels of anxiety and depression?

Methods: …

Layers Of Support: Cognitive, Psychological, And Social Factors That Contribute To Success In The High School-To-College Transition, Paige Cristine Mckeown

Theses and Dissertations

The future of individual and societal progress is largely dependent on students’ success following completion of K-12 education. For most traditionally aged students, this entails a journey into higher education at colleges and universities. This transition is rife with pitfalls that may lead students to stop out, fail out, or make inadequate progress towards completion – which further compounds social, psychological, financial, and personal challenges they may be facing. However, the challenges that contribute to these outcomes can be addressed and interventions can be designed to best support students in transition. This dissertation addresses these factors through a thematic literature …

Nutrition And Mental Health Related Factors Across Historically Black College And University Students, Nancy Anai Uriegas

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of food insecurity across college campus in the United States has been widely explored, with the primary focus placed on large, 4-year, primarily White institutions. Less is known about the prevalence of food insecurity and the impact it may have on health behaviors among minority serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Young adults attending college, and more specifically student-athletes (SAs), are typically in a new place, facing new stressors and high rates of food insecurity, which in turn may play a critical role in their current health status as it pertains to meeting their energy …

Exploring The Mental Health Impact Of Incidents Of Mass Violence On First Responders, Alexandra Rothrock

Master of Arts in Human Services

The mental health impacts first responders face due to work-related stress can be extensive and severe. These impacts are understudied and often simply not considered. First responders, while trained to perform superhuman acts, are simply human beings who are not impervious to feeling the effects of the extraordinary events they are called to witness and partake in. Common mental health impacts can include sleep disorders, substance disorders, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and suicidal ideation. First responders are deserving of more time, attention, and study by great researchers who are willing to better understand associated risk factors, the severity of negative …

How Has Telehealth Impacted Access To Mental Health Services In The Hispanic Population In Minnesota?, Jesse Ochoa

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: The Hispanic population in the US continues to grow and mental health services still have barriers lowering access to care.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to look at the stressors and perceptions of mental health in Hispanics and analyze how telehealth has impacted access to care despite the barriers present.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using google scholar using the search terms With this search criteria, 600 articles were available. Inclusion criteria were studies that provided a comprehensive view about specific topics like telehealth with the hispanic population, mental health specific to Hispanic needs, …

Increasing Occupational Engagement In Adults With Anxiety And Depression Through Martial Arts, Alfred Franklin, Keisa Boykin

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster is for a capstone project that developed a martial arts program for adults with anxiety and depression to increase occupational engagement in these individuals.

A Quantitative Survey Exploring The Types Of Internet Accessible Mental Health Resources Recognized By U.S. Long-Haul Truck Drivers, Cristal Angela Reyna

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) are an important part of the supply chain in the United States. Their work schedules include holidays, weekends, night shifts, and can last anywhere from 60–70 hours for a single 6- to 8-day run to meet the demands of society. Poor work–life balance, high job demands, and poor sleep quality that can be experienced on the job as an LHTD can negatively affect not only their physical health but also their mental health. Depression, anxiety, and stress are three psychological effects that can develop from an unhealthy lifestyle and inability to maintain any healthcare appointments, despite …

Investigating Help-Seeking Behaviors Of Adult Children With Parents With Mental Health Conditions, Logan Dasher

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This study intended to address the topic of mental health and help-seeking behaviors in college-aged children of a parent with a mental health condition. For this study a locally developed survey was administered on three different days with six different sessions that participants were able to sign up for. Participants were all volunteers from a preexisting subject pool at one southeastern public university who received course credit for participating. In total, 34 college-aged children signed up and completed the entirety of the survey. From their response, descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were run and open-ended qualitative questions were explored for …

The Mental Effect Of Obesity On Active-Duty Service Members In The United States: A Phenomenological Approach, Tegan M. Quigley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological research was intended to explore the impact that obesity has on the mental health of soldiers in the U.S. military. The U.S. military has stringent physical fitness standards that must be met by each soldier regardless of sex. These standards can be challenging to maintain. Obesity is an increasing issue in the United States, and soldiers are not immune. Research regarding the physical issues that occur from obesity has been performed, but this study aimed to explore the behavioral or mental health effects that obesity can have within the military community. This study explored the following questions: In …

Differences In Stress Among Healthcare Workers In Rural And Urban Healthcare Settings--The Role Of Spirituality, Lisa Yancey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent years, stress has become an unspoken epidemic that has affected many working adults. Many adults spend much of their waking hours working, contributing to their stress. This quantitative study examined the relationship between spirituality and stress among rural and urban healthcare workers. The data for this study was collected through social media platforms, email, and word of mouth. An online survey consisting of ten demographic questions, twenty questions from the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and ten questions from the Perceived Stress Scale was administered to healthcare workers at least 18 years old through an anonymous survey. Pearson correlations were …

Exploring The Link Between Travel Behavior And Mental Health, Emily Kae Youngs

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the critical link between travel behavior and mental health, focusing on young adults who have expressed suicidal ideation. By analyzing how daily activities and movement patterns impact mental well being, the research aims to explore travel related mental health approaches for individuals. The importance of this work lies in its potential to improve the quality of life for individuals by informing more personalized and effective mental health strategies. Through comprehensive data analysis and statistical modeling, the research aims to uncover insights into how travel behavior influences motivation levels and mental well-being across different neurological and physiological groups. …

When The Tide Comes: A Critical Examination Of The Novel-Screenplay Hybrid With Example Chapters, Morgan F. Taylor Moore

Masters Theses

This thesis presents my research on the psychological realism genre, the stream of consciousness narrative technique, the usage of second person and the present tense, the biblical reasoning behind depicting the ordinary as extraordinary, the role of the demonic in domestic violence, the incorporation of screenplay styles, the scientific reasoning and personal findings of my project’s formatting, the examination of primary sources (novels) that have inspired my project, and finally, the research on ADHD, PTSD, and C-PTSD as the results of domestic abuse. Sample chapters of my project are included.

Disparities And Protective Factors In Pandemic-Related Mental Health Outcomes: A Louisiana-Based Study, Ariane L. Rung, Evrim Oral, Tyler Prusisz, Edward S. Peters

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on mental health. Diverse populations experienced the pandemic differently, highlighting pre-existing inequalities and creating new challenges in recovery. Understanding the effects across diverse populations and identifying protective factors is crucial for guiding future pandemic preparedness. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the specific COVID-19-related impacts associated with general well-being, (2) identify protective factors associated with better mental health outcomes, and (3) assess racial disparities in pandemic impact and protective factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of Louisiana residents was conducted in summer 2020, yielding a sample of 986 Black …

You Never Walk Alone: Bts As A Symbol Of Light For Youth, Aaliyah Robinson

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This essay examines how the South Korean music group, BTS, has utilized their platform to bring awareness to mental health in youth. I specifically analyze the use of their personal stories and experiences as a means of communication or outreach to their fans, also known as the ARMY. Exploring the theory of identification, or a direct sense of connectedness between a speaker and an audience, I argue that through their music and personalized rhetoric speech patterns, BTS seeks to allow their fans to view their experiences as the same. This has created a dynamic encompassing a sense of friendship and …

Unmc Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model For Health Profession Student Appointments With Mental Health Counseling Services, Hannah K. Tandon Md, Taylor J. Kratochvil Md, Ms, Katherine L. Keiser Ms, Limhp, Nicole J. Kent Bs, Kaitlyn E. Schultis Bs, Jeffrey W. Knapp Msw, Jeffrey P. Gold

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Background: Health professions trainees experience high rates of anxiety and depression but are often reluctant to seek help. Institutional outreach during pre-clinical training may identify vulnerable students, improve resource awareness, and destigmatize psychological counseling. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Quick Check program is a novel opt-out program connecting health professions students to mental health counselors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate student perceptions and utilization of mental health resources after participation in the UNMC Quick Check program.

Methods: For this limited pilot study, second-year pharmacy students were assigned to UNMC Quick Check appointments with UNMC …

Understanding Athletes’ Experience When Transitioning To Life Beyond Sport: A Pilot Study, Alyssa L. Moore

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

It’S More Than Skin Deep: Evaluating Mental Health Care In Dermatology Settings, Emma Kraft

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: There is a high prevalence of mental health comorbidities in those with dermatologic conditions given the visible nature of many conditions. However, mental health often fails to be addressed due to lack of mental health education, stigma around mental health, and lack of mental health resources for patients. Purpose: This research study aims to assess how patients and providers experience and address mental health in dermatology settings. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed analyzing the relationship between dermatologic conditions and mental health. Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess how dermatology providers approach mental health in dermatology settings. …

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Community-Based Setting Through The Use Of Journaling For Individuals With Chronic Mental Illness, Taylor Muzik-Eversdijk

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Individuals who battle severe mental illness (SMI) experience a range of deficits that affect various aspects of daily life, including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), social participation, sleep and rest, education, work, leisure, and play. Research suggests that journaling can help individuals with SMI express their emotions and provide a healthy outlet for coping with symptoms. This doctoral capstone project aimed to identify the unique needs of individuals with SMI and explore how journaling and other occupational therapy (OT) interventions could expand the scope of practice within Boley Centers' assertive community treatment (ACT) teams …

A Qualitative Study On Workplace Mental Wellbeing In The Singapore Context, Chad C E Yip, M. Anthony Machin, Yong Wah Goh

The Qualitative Report

Workplace wellbeing is essential for the employee as well as the organisation, but it may not adequately capture the way wellbeing is experienced in Singapore due to its diverse multi-ethnic society imbued with Eastern and Western values. The present study explores Singaporean employees’ understanding and perspectives in relation to how they experience wellbeing at the Singapore workplace. With a total of 31 participants consisting of full-time Singaporean employees from 17 industries, we used reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2013) to interpret the data and develop the themes. These 13 themes are: accomplishment, autonomy, co-worker relationship, employee recognition, fairness, learning …

A Qualitative Description Of Graduate Students’ Perceived Decline In Physical Activity From Undergraduate School, Kristin M. Jett, Bryce T. Daniels, Max Brigance, Jessica L. Passarelli, Erin Howie

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1038-1055, 2024. Many university students, especially graduate students, are experiencing poor physical and psychological health. Thus, universities are initiating programs like Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) to promote positive physical activity behavior to improve physical and mental health for primarily undergraduate university students. However, the influences on physical activity when transitioning from an undergraduate to a graduate student are unknown. To explore perceptions of if and how the physical activity levels of graduate students changed from their time as undergraduate students while considering environmental and lifestyle factors. METHODS: Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, …

Examining The Dual Nature Of Post-Mission Mental Health: An Analysis Of Mental Health Symptoms And Positive Well-Being Among Returned Missionaries Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Blaise Dobson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores mental health and general well-being amongst returned missionaries who served and completed full-time proselyting missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Through a combination of survey data and semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, the research investigated emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental changes experienced during their missions, and how those experiences affected them post-mission. Findings show that majority of participants viewed their mission as a positive experience overall, with few reporting on negative experiences. Very few studies have explored returned missionaries and their mental health; not touching on the specific population of missionaries who finish …

Yoga-Based Occupational Therapy For People With Upper Extremity Dysfunction: An Educational Video Series, Bianca Salgado, Steven Gerardi, Mary Smith

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The upper extremity (UE) is essential for daily activities and occupational tasks. The inability to perform these tasks can negatively impact self-efficacy and hinder injury recovery. Current hand therapy often focuses on biomechanical approaches, neglecting these psychosocial aspects and deviating from core occupational therapy (OT) principles. Integrating yoga into OT for UE injuries and disorders can fill the gap in hand therapy needed to address psychosocial factors. However, Certified hand therapists who are occupational therapists lack the knowledge to integrate yoga-based interventions into OT practice for clients with UE conditions. The purpose of this project was to create an educational …