Digital Commons Network^™

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

Counseling Faculty Publications and Presentations

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

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

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

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

All ETDs from UAB

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

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

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

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

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

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

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

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

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

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

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

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

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

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

Media Studies - All Scholarship

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

Family Stress Processes Underlying Covid-19-Related Economic Insecurity For Mothers And Fathers And Children's Internalizing Behavior Problems, Joyce Y. Lee, Shawna J. Lee, Sehun Oh, Amy Xu, Angelise Radney, Christina M. Rodriguez

Psychology Faculty Publications

COVID‐19 and its economic fallout have resulted in unprecedented financial insecurity and material hardship for many American families, with a disproportionately negative impact on children and families from socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts. The current study applied the family stress model to examine the family processes underlying pandemic‐related economic insecurity and children's internalizing behaviours. Online survey data from an economically diverse sample of mothers and fathers, who experienced at least one type of pandemic‐related economic insecurity in the United States (N = 259), were collected across two longitudinal time points in the early weeks of COVID‐19: (1) 14 April and (2) 30 …

Improving The Psychosocial Work Environment To Prevent Sickness Absence And Turnover In Nurses: A Systematic Review, Laurent Corthésy-Blondin, Alessia Negrini, Samantha Vila Masse, Christine Genest

Revues de littérature, synthèses de connaissances

In nurses, the high rates of sickness absence (SA) and turnover generate staggering costs. Their prevalence could be reduced by acting on the work-related psychosocial factors (WRPFs) that can impact the mental health of nurses and lead to their absences and departures. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the effectiveness of interventions that target WRPFs from a SA and turnover prevention perspective. This systematic review aims to identify interventions that target WRPFs to reduce SA and turnover in nurses, describe the methods used to evaluate their effectiveness, and report on their effectiveness at improving SA, turnover rates, and …

Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Immigrant Vs. U.S.-Born Populations In Urban Vs. Rural Areas In The United States, Zoë Gentles

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background

The immigration process to the United States creates distinct mental stressors. These stressors are influenced by socioeconomic factors including income, education level and insurance status. In rural America, these factors are intensified due to a poor healthcare infrastructure that is limited. This study examines the relationship between urban-rural residence and mental health outcomes among immigrants vs. native-born residents in the United States.

Methods

Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2019 and 2022 were used to examine the relationship. The exposure of interest was place of birth, and the outcome of interest was the presence of clinically …

Exploring Identity And Belonging Through Housing Pathways: Resettlement Experiences Of Female Ukrainian Refugees, Stephanie M. Duncan

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background: This dissertation examines the resettlement experiences of female Ukrainian refugees in Germany following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, which displaced over 8.5 million Ukrainians, including 1.2 million to Germany by April 2024. Focusing on Munich, the study explores the interplay of housing pathways, identity, and belonging, emphasizing gendered challenges faced by women, particularly single mothers and caregivers, navigating trauma, systemic barriers, and cultural adaptation. Organized into three articles, this work employs a social justice lens to address structural barriers, such as discriminatory housing markets, economic exclusion, and limited access to resources, which disproportionately impact marginalized women, …

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

Dissertations

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

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

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

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

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …

Experiences Of Civilian Mental Health Providers Who Work With Military Clients: A Dissertation, Lydia P. Perry

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Using a qualitative survey design, this study sought to understand the experiences of fully civilian providers who had achieved self-perceived military cultural competence when working with military or veteran clients or their families. This study also sought a better understanding of what pathways fully civilian providers took in this process, as well as their perceptions of how to better equip other fully civilian providers for work with military and veteran clients and their families. The results of this study yield recommendations for changes in graduate training programs; for example, through more inclusion of the military as a culture in cross …

Simulating A Multi-Tier Intervention For Refugee Mental Health Using Agent-Based Modeling, Bishan Huang

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Increasing numbers of people are fleeing political violence and becoming refugees who resettle all around the world.Compared to the general population in the countries where they resettle, refugees disproportionately suffer from depression and higher trauma-related mental health symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the experiences that led to their refugee status, as well as post-migration stressors, disadvantages in multiple social determinants of health, and lack of social support. New York City has received refugees from over 50 countries and may require policy and infrastructure changes to meet refugee mental health needs, especially in face of the recent surge …

The Impact Of Workplace Stressors On Anxiety Levels And Mental Health Among Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses, Kelsey Ang

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses work in a high-stress environment where they are exposed daily to traumatic situations. The demanding emotional and physical challenges contribute to significant psychological burdens, including increased stress and anxiety. Purpose: The current paper proposes a research design to examine the outcomes of stress, anxiety levels, and mental well-being on PICU nurses when workplace support and structured debriefing sessions take place following a traumatic event. Methods: Participants will be recruited from PICU hospitals in Northern California. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained prior to the study. The selection criteria will …

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of early maternal mental health interventions on child development, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. The study aims to evaluate whether children whose mothers receive mental health interventions, such as support for depression and anxiety, show improved developmental outcomes compared to children whose mothers do not receive such interventions.

Methods

The study will include 100 mother-child pairs, recruited from clinics in Northern California. Child developmental outcomes will be assessed using standardized tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS). Follow-ups will …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …

Panel Discussion: Mindfulness In The Law School Environment, Erika George, Nicky Boothe, Kellyn O. Mcgee

Faculty Scholarship

A 2016 study of 13,000 lawyers conducted by American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found that approximately 28 percent struggle with depression, 19 percent anxiety and 23 percent stress.¹² The study found “younger lawyers in the first ten years of practice and those working in private firms experience the highest rates of problem drinking and depression.”¹³ At least one study suggests that 40-70 percent of disciplinary proceedings and malpractice claims against lawyers involve substance abuse or depression.

According to a 2016 Survey of Law Student Well-Being including over 3,300 law …

Barriers To Mental Health Among International Students: Identifying Challenges And Developing Support Strategies For Depressive Symptoms, Esi Tb Afful

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine barriers to mental health service utilization among international students, with a specific focus on challenges related to depressive symptoms and their coping mechanisms. The study also sought to identify factors that influence international students’ engagement with mental health resources.

Method: A total of 30 international students enrolled at a midwestern university participated in this mixed-methods study. Data were collected through an online survey, which included both closed- and open-ended questions. The quantitative portion of the survey assessed demographics, cultural and immigration challenges, mental health service utilization, and social support. Hierarchical multiple …

“I Learned To Bottle Up My Feelings From A Young Age”: A Narrative Analysis Of Latina Young People’S Family Mental Health Socialization, Jenn M. Lilly

Social Service Faculty Publications

Latina young people report high levels of mental health problems and low levels of helpseeking

compared with their white peers, but little research has examined factors influencing

their mental health views. Inductive analysis of 25 participants’ narratives revealed that Latina

young people described three stages in the development of their mental health-related beliefs,

attitudes, and behaviors: undergoing a process of family mental health socialization, suffering

in silence, and attaining a new perspective. Within each of these phases, participants shared

stories that attest to their agency and resilience. This research uncovers a novel theoretical

construct, “family mental health socialization,” which elucidates …

Representative National Survey On Drug Use During The Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Order In The Usa, Soo-Hoon Lee, Bernadette Cullen, Alidon Athey, Calliope Holingue, Michelle R. Kaufman, Paul Nestadt, Jack Samuels, Tracy Vannorsdall, Phillip Phan

Management Faculty Publications

Objectives This study explores the drug use behaviour in the US general population in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on the relationship between sociopsychological factors, mobility restrictions from March to June 2020 and mental health conditions.

Design A retrospective anonymous online survey representing a cross-section of the US population in 2020.

Setting A qualified panel of 500 000 Qualtrics participants stratified by gender, race, age and geographical region to represent the US population.

Participants 3340 participants voluntarily consented to respond.

Measures Outcome measure for illicit and non-medical use of prescription drugs based on the National …

Exploring Psychological Implications Of The Contemporary Lung Transplant, Isaac C. Machar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Since its inception in 1963 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, more than 50,000 lung transplant procedures have been performed. During its 50-year anniversary, 2023 saw just over 3,000 lung transplants performed in the United Sates. However, as this procedure continues to increase in execution each year, it is critical that the psychological implications of this procedure are explored. In this paper, I hope to develop an understanding of the psychological background of contemporary lung transplantation. Reviewing the lung and double lung transplant, the goal is to apply biopsychology principles to the field. Background information about transplant science is …

Fleeing Structural Stigma: Psychological Outcomes For Transgender And Gender-Diverse Internally Displaced Persons, Max E. Cartagena

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In 2025, at least 1,000 bills targeting transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals were introduced across the United States, contributing to an environment of escalating structural stigma. As a result, many TGD individuals have relocated from states with high levels of stigma to those with lower levels in search of safety, access to care, and social affirmation. This study examines these individuals as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is informed by refugee psychological literature, as both experiences arise from coercive structural forces that compel individuals to relocate. This perspective highlights the involuntary nature of their migration, driven by the need for …

The Mediating Effect Of Injury On The Relationship Between Running Mileage And Depressive Symptoms In Division 2 Cross Country Athletes, Jaxon Leduc

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Training for a cross-country season requires athletes to accumulate a high volume of training miles at different intensities. Over a period of months and years, consistent high training volumes have been shown to contribute to overuse injuries in cross country athletes. Injuries have been shown to negatively impact athlete’s mental health; this is especially true in student athletes. The purpose of this research is to explore the mediating effect of injuries on the relationship between training volume and mental health in collegiate cross-country runners. Participants in this study were 40 members of NCAA Division 2 Cross Country teams with eligibility …

Social Media Through A Binary Lens: The Impact On College Students & Their Mental Health, Piper Mallchok

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

It is important to first understand how individuals use social media so that we can then understand how and why their use will change the individual impact social media will have. Some students experience a decline in their mental health when their social media use changes. There is an abundance of research on college students and social media, respectively, that also addresses gender as a variable. In this review, the research will be studied to further understand the voices of those who are not commonly included in research that operates under a gendered framework. Additionally, these ideas will be compared …

Joy In Teaching: Examining Teachers’ Perceived Experiences Of Choice, Self-Efficacy, And Sense Of Belonging, Shellie Hennings-Donow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Teacher joy is a critical yet often overlooked factor influencing teacher retention, instructional effectiveness, and student outcomes. This study explores how teachers describe their experiences of joy in the workplace, focusing on the roles of choice, self-efficacy, and belonging. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Attribution Theory, this research examines the extent to which teachers’ perceived autonomy, competence, and relational support contribute to teachers’ professional fulfillment. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study captures the perceptions of educators across diverse school settings. Findings reveal that teachers experience the highest levels of joy when they have meaningful autonomy …

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

Harrisburg University Other Works

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