Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Collaborative Role Of Occupational Therapists And Personal Trainers With Young Onset Parkinson’S Populations, Anthony Cervania

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The lack of resources and research on YOPD decreases overall quality of life for individuals with YOPD and decreases treatment quality provided by healthcare professionals due to lacking Evidence Based Practice (EBP).

Navigating Sensory Challenges: Understanding The Sensory Experience Of Adults With Dementia In Adult Day Centers, Bailey Stewart

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Staff had not yet received formal training on how to identify a variety of sensory based behaviors and how to best utilize the sensory room and tailor its use to meet specific individual’s needs from an OT lens.

Advancing The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Diabetes Self-Management: A Community-Focused Approach In Stockton, Benjamin Angel Magallon

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Key Barriers: Lower Socioeconomic Status (LSES), low health literacy, and lack of culturally appropriate diabetes care hinder effective self-management. Gap in Services: Occupational therapy is underutilized in chronic disease care, with unmet needs in addressing diabetes-related depression, physical rehabilitation, and health education. Purpose: Equip occupational therapy students and early-career practitioners to address gaps in diabetes care using evidence-based, client-centered approaches.

Mindfulness, Meaning, And Mental Health: Occupational Therapy At The Heart Of Community Wellness At Acc, Hazel Hyeonjin Yang

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite growth, limited research exists on culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and utilization patterns in this group. Aimed to increase awareness and support older adults in accessing mental health services, promotes mindfulness and highlights the role of occupational therapy in community wellness by addressing cultural and generational barriers through workshops.

From Trauma To Triumph: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Addressing Aces And Empowering Change, Kayla Livingston

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem statement: Despite the number of children who are exposed to ACEs, there is limited literature that mentions the relationship between current interventions and the scope of OT.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Addressing Physical & Psychosocial Health Needs Within The Dance Community To Optimize Artist-Athlete Longevity, Krista Narvasa Antonio

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project seeks to advocate for holisitc and sustainable training approaches in dance by creating a system of improving awareness of current evidence-based protocols and practices surrounding dancer health.

Traumatic Brain Injury In The Criminal Justice System, Molly Mcdavid

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Between 51 - 60.25% of incarcerated individuals and 47% of those on probation have one or more traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) in their lifetime. Despite this, the criminal justice system (CJS) lacks: • Routine screening for TBI, • CJS worker education, on TBI and it’s impact, • TBI specific resources for clients and workers.

A Single-Blind Active-Control Randomized Controlled Trial Of Group-Based Social Competence Intervention, Erin Kang, Tamara E. Rosen, Cara M. Keifer, Alan H. Gerber, Matthew D. Lerner

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This study evaluated specific effects of a blinded randomized controlled trial of a group-based social skills intervention, Socio-Dramatic Affective-Relational Intervention (SDARI), against an active attention control (AC) intervention. Fifty-five autistic youth (Mage=12.40; SDage=2.92; 73% boys) were randomly allocated to either the SDARI or the AC condition. Both interventions comprised 10 weekly sessions and were tightly matched for structure, participant age, IQ, and gender, such that the specific activities of SDARI were directly examined. Multimethod assessments at pre-, post-treatment, and 10-week follow-up included informant-reported social skills and autism-related behaviors, observer-rated spontaneous peer interaction, peer-rated friendships, and …

"Check-The-Box" Enrollment Will Limit Participation In Trump Accounts: Lessons From Asset-Building Research, Jin Huang, Margaret M. Clancy, Stephen Roll, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

As the U.S. Treasury Department considers the implementation of Trump Accounts, one proposed enrollment method is a “check-the-box” option on the federal tax return, requiring parents to actively grant permission to open an account. This policy brief draws on evidence from prior research to explain why such a check-the-box opt-in model is very unlikely to achieve full participation in Trump Accounts

Implementation Of Cognitive Therapy Online Modules To Impact Advanced Practice Leader Burnout: A Quality Improvement Project, Courtney Cambell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) leaders face unique stressors due to their dual roles as clinicians and administrators, which places them at an elevated risk for burnout. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of self-paced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, specifically Learn to Live and Lyra, on burnout among APP leaders at a medical center affiliated with a university and a children's hospital. Theproject spanned over six weeks, during which participants completed the Mini-Z Worklife Questionnaire for Leaders, assessing the effectiveness of the CBT programs. Although the original statistical analysis plan included a …

Quality Improvement Project Nursing Lab Instructors’ Experiences Using A Structured Prebriefing Tool In Simulation Education, Avion Smith-Samms

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) endorses the inclusion of prebriefing as a Standard of Best Practice to enhance psychological safety, clarity, and engagement in simulation; without a structured approach, nursing students often experience anxiety, reduced confidence, and a lack of preparedness. At the project site, a university’s simulation learning lab, nursing lab instructors reported inconsistent prebriefing practices, leading to suboptimal simulation experiences. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing the INACSL prebriefing tool on nursing lab instructors’ perceptions of preparedness, confidence, and student performance. A quasi-experimental design was used over …

Set Up For Success: The Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of Nonviolent Offenders And Their Challenges Of Successfully Reentering Society, Ciera Lee'nette Day

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This dissertation firmly highlighted the critical necessity for effective diversion plans tailored to nonviolent offenders, presenting a compelling qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of 12 former nonviolent offenders and their views on diversion centers. The research employed in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method, engaging participants aged 18 and older who had committed nonviolent offenses, had no pending legal cases, and had been released from incarceration or probation within the past six months. To analyze the data, NVivo 15 and MAXQDA software were utilized, ensuring a rigorous and systematic approach to organizing and interpreting unstructured data, developing robust …

Discontinuation Rates And Predictors Of Medical Cannabis Cessation For Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Mohammad Khak, Sina Ramtin, Juliet Chung, Asif M. Ilyas, Ari Greis

Rothman Institute Papers

Medical cannabis (MC) is increasingly used as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain, but there is limited data on factors influencing its discontinuation. This study aims to investigate the rates of MC discontinuation and explore factors influencing it in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 patients certified for medical cannabis over a 2 year period. Patient demographics, pain origin, and Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) scores were collected before intervention. Discontinuation rates were measured at three-month and one-year follow-up. Statistical analyses, including Fisher's Exact Test and two-sample t-tests, were performed …

Branching Out: Expanding Pediatric Occupational Therapy Through Nature-Based Practice, Sarah Kelly

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The current intake and outtake process lacks uniformity and there is no structured system in place to effectively monitor client progress and outcomes during the program or after its completion. Develop a streamlined process for screening, goal setting, and following up on goal progression at the end of camp.

Independence Beyond Sight: Occupational Therapy's Role In Promoting Functional Independence In Low Vision Communities, Kristina Holcomb

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Many individuals with low vision experience a multitude of barriers limiting access to community and healthcare services. Interviews highlighted the need to expand outreach to youth, build an updated community resource guide, and the need for community events for all programs.

Play With Intent: A Community Based-Approach In Promoting Inclusive And Child-Led Engagement With Easterseals Superior California, Margerie Vergara Vinoya

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Neurodiverse children may require additional environmental support to successfully engage, socialize, and adapt due to differences in their sensory systems. However, there’s a lack of inclusive, child-led, and sensory-rich environments that promote meaningful participation and social success.

Implications Of Occupational Therapy In Veterans Returning And Reintegrating Into Higher Education, Michael Siyluy

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

There is the need to expand the resources and support in the student veteran population for return and reintegration in higher education.

Exploring Mental Health Utilization Among First-Generation College Students, Sophia Kohgadai

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Background & Purpose: One or more parents did not earn a 4-year college degree. Compared to their non-firstgeneration peers, First Generation College Students face higher rates of unaddressed mental health issues and other unique challenges. Despite reporting greater symptom distress, they are less likely to utilize psychological services on campuses.

Enhancing Health Literacy Among Spanish-Speaking Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Christie Ledezma

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Parkinson’s disease may be significantly under-represented and inadequately treated in rural areas, specifically in the Spanish-speaking community due to lower health literacy levels and limited resources. Project: Determine barriers faced by Spanish-speaking individuals with Parkinson’s disease and implement into solutions.

Growing Through The Senses: A Sensory Garden Approach To Support Emotional Regulation And Sensory Awareness In Young Adults With Visual Impairments, Deanne Nguyen

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Young adults with visual impairments are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Encounter unique challenges that impact emotional, social, and personal development.

From Plan To Practice: Enhancing Lifestyle Management Through Effective Carry Over Strategies Using Occupational Therapy Perspective, Josephine Hernandez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Explore and build on existing knowledge of occupational therapy’s role in lifestyle management techniques through embodied experience. Explore evidence-based research on embodied interventions with multidisciplinary care. Explore and exercise advocacy skills within a multidisciplinary team. Explore and apply marketing and outreach initiatives for increased community awareness of resources.

Reclaiming Your Body, Reframing Your Mind: An Ot Perspective On Postpartum Exercise Participation, Abigail Waisner

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Perinatal Mental Health conditions affect up to 84% of birthing women. These include: Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, and Psychosis. These mental health challenges may be influenced by stress, lack of sleep, role changes, family history, social determinants of health, etc.

Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Infections In Genital And Extragenital Samples Among Men And Women, Kristal J. Aaron, Charlotte A. Gaydos, Edward W. Hook, Max Chernesky, Jeanne Moncada, Stephanie N. Taylor, Harold C. Wiesenfeld, Kenneth H. Mayer, Matthew R. Golden, Alexander Boutwell, Barbara Van Der Pol

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background For people who have anal and/or oral sex, many programs recommend genital and extragenital (defined here as anorectal and oropharyngeal) screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) to identify all potential sites of infection. Methods We assessed genital and extragenital CT and NG prevalence among people reporting extragenital sexual exposure. Results Among 343 gay and bisexual men who reported sex with men (GBMSM), 42 (12.2%) had CT with positivity of 3.5%, 9.3% and 1.8% in the genital, anal, and oral samples, respectively. In this same group, 55 (16.0%) had NG with positivity of 5.2%, 8.5%, and 7.6% …

A Multi-Measurement Study Of The Relation Between Deliberation And Volition, Guillaume P. Pech, Emilie A. Caspar, Elisabeth Pacherie, Axel Cleeremans, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Historically, voluntary action and volition more generally have been investigated through the lens of meaningless decisions. Importantly, these findings have been used in the debate about key notions like free will and moral responsibility. However, more recent claims have challenged the possibility of generalizing findings from a meaningless context to a more meaningful one. The current study investigates the markers of volition, specifically comparing meaningful and meaningless decisions. In an effort to maximize their monetary gain, 50 participants repeatedly deliberated between two options, making either rewarded choices—hard-deliberation decisions (where the options differed along two dimensions) or easy-deliberation decisions (where the …

Amputation Trends Among People Who Use Drugs In The Context Of Philadelphia’S Increasingly Xylazine Adulterated Drug Supply, Rose Laurano, Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz, Traci C. Green, Sara Beachy, Kristin L. Rising, Jeffrey K. Hom, Megan K. Reed

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Xylazine-adulterated fentanyl has rapidly spread across the United States and has been increasingly detected in overdose deaths in Philadelphia, PA through medical examiner reports, clinical testing, and widescale drug checking. Xylazine use has been associated with wounds which may lead to amputation, but the extent of this outcome has not been explored.

METHODS: Utilizing the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes, we conducted a de-identified retrospective analysis of data for patients identified with opioid related disorders (ICD-10 code F11) admitted to four different hospitals in Philadelphia, PA between 2018 and 2023. Exposure to xylazine use …

Enhancing Digital Health Development Through Speech Act Theory: Application To Peripartum Depression Management, Alexandra Zingg, Tavleen Singh, Michael Truong, Sahiti Myneni

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The peripartum period is a time of complex transition into motherhood when women may develop peripartum depression (PPD). Digital information sources can help prevent and monitor symptoms through social support and mental health knowledge. However, few studies have characterized the content and form of peer interactions in PPD online forums to inform interventions. In this paper, we present preliminary work using a dataset of 55,301 interactions to inform our digital health development. We combine manual coding for speech acts, behavioral theory mapping, and user engagement modeling to conceptualize dynamic digital education modules for PPD. Results reveal "Expressive" speech act, where …

Asdat: Evaluating Autism Symptom Severity, Anne F. Coffey, Amanda Oliver, Laura Phipps, Patricia Zemantic, Alice Shillingsburg

Posters: 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This study aims to develop and validate the Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Tool (ASDAT), a user-friendly, objective tool for assessing the severity of ASD symptoms and informing treatment planning. Currently, there are no tools that both evaluate ASD severity across DSM-5 criteria and guide treatment dosage recommendations. The ASDAT will address this gap by providing a standardized measure that aids diagnosticians and practitioners in determining appropriate care and treatment levels. Children aged 16 months to 14 years who are receiving diagnostic services at MMI’s Autism Diagnostic Clinic, along with their caregivers, will be recruited for this study. While the children …

The Illusion Of “El Chingon”: A Scoping Review On How Machismo Affects Mental Health And Behavior, Vanessa Estrada Garza

McNair Summer Research Program

Machismo is a set of cultural values tethered to the gender binary, defined by the specific gender roles and expectations that men have to act upon. These ideals create a male archetype based on aggression, stoicism, superiority, and the enabling of sexist attitudes. Research has shown that rigid hypermasculine attitudes have a negative effect on mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety symptoms) and behavior (e.g., aggression and substance abuse). However, given its cultural context, much less is known about how machismo may manifest based on different demographic variables. Therefore, the goal of this scoping review was to understand the relation …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Nurse Managers: Leadership Development And Competency Acquisition During Role Transition, Jasmine Yvette Mc Gee Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The transition from a clinical nursing role to a nurse manager position is often challenging and stressful. Nurse managers are expected to possess a complex set of leadership competencies; however, many feel unprepared and unsupported during this critical transition. This qualitative interpretive study explored the lived experiences of nurse managers in relation to their leadership development and competency acquisition within the hospital setting, focusing on challenges and successes encountered during the transition into the nurse manager role. Using Interpretive Phenomenological methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurse managers from various hospital settings across the United States. Two areas of …

Black Lives In Ivory Towers: Unveiling The Racialized Experiences And Belonging Of African American Students At A Predominantly White Institution In The Southeast, Caitlin Erin Moore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This qualitative study employs Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a guiding framework to examine the perceptions and experiences of African American and Black students at a predominantly White institution (PWI), specifically focusing on their racialized encounters and the persistent challenges they face. Historically, the pursuit of education by African Americans in the United States has been profoundly influenced by a longstanding interplay of racial segregation, deeply embedded societal norms, and discriminatory practices. Despite notable legal advances and social reforms intended to promote equality, racism remains a pervasive issue within educational systems, continually shaping the experiences of students of color. Critical …