Digital Commons Network^™

Legislative Debate-Attributed Suicidality Among Lgbtq+ Adults: The Buffering Effect Of Community Belongingness, Keith J. Watts, Shawndaya S. Thrasher, Laneshia R. Conner, Nicole Campbell, Louis G. Baser, Dekeitra Griffin, Sydney P. Howard, Missy Spears, Justin X. Moore

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Background: In recent years, the sociopolitical landscape in the United States has shifted due to an increase in state-level legislation regarding LGBTQ+ rights, a trend that has been particularly pronounced in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. While the mental health impacts of enacted laws are increasingly documented, a critical gap remains in understanding the psychological toll of the legislative debates themselves—the prolonged periods of public discourse surrounding the restriction of rights. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2025 Queer Kentucky Survey (N = 817), this exploratory study examined the association between LGBTQ+ community belongingness and acute suicidality attributed specifically to anti-LGBTQ+ legislative …

Asynchronous Lgbtq+ Affirming Counseling Training With Early Career Counselors: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation, Amber L. Pope, Kelli Hartzell, Matt B. Siroty, Jeff Moe, Noelle St. Germain-Sehr, Bianca R. Augustine, Amanda St. Germain-Sehr, Tai Lexumé

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

A growing body of research shows that training in LGBTQ+ affirming counseling (LGBTQ+ AC) positively impacts counselors’ perceived knowledge and skills in providing mental health services to LGBTQ+ communities. Existing program evaluations of LGBTQ+ AC, however, have primarily used synchronous delivery formats and cultural competency models for the training design. This study is part of an action research agenda to develop an introductory training in LGBTQ+ AC, using asynchronous online delivery and cultural humility as the conceptual framework for the training design. We used a fixed convergent parallel mixed methods quasi-experimental design to examine the impact of our LGBTQ+ AC …

"Oh, You've Come To Visit The Yard?": Phenotypic Capital, Intragroup Marginalization, And The Gated Sanctuary In Black Lgbtq+ Communities, Keith J. Watts, Shawndaya S. Thrasher, Nicole Campbell, Laneshia R. Conner, Julian K. Glover, Janet K. Otachi, Dekeitra Griffin

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Identity-based communities that share common characteristics, beliefs, and experiences (e.g., Black LGBTQ+ communities) have historically been conceptualized as protective bubbles that buffer Black LGBTQ+ individuals against the deleterious effects of systemic racism and cisheterosexism. However, this monolithic narrative often masks the internal power dynamics that divide belonging. This study explores the exclusionary dynamics embedded within these safe spaces, examining how internal hierarchies of skin tone, socioeconomic status, and gender performance function as proximal stressors. Guided by a critical constructivist paradigm, this study utilized Reflexive Thematic Analysis to analyze open-ended survey responses from 74 Black LGBTQ+ adults. Data were drawn from …

Contemporary Approaches To Group Psychotherapy Supervision, Michelle A. Collins-Greene (Ed.), Molyn Leszcz, Nina W. Brown, Ellen Wright, Scott Giacomucci, Les R. Greene, Susan P. Gantt, Leah M. Niehaus, Francis Kaklauskas, Tony L. Sheppard

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

This chapter captures the work of contemporary supervisors of group psychotherapy, all of whom have practiced many years and have trained and supervised innumerable group leaders. They demonstrate the diversity of settings and theoretical orientations that are prominent in the current era. Their essays speak for themselves and provide wonderful illustrations and models for supervisors-in-training and consultation to emulate. They also talk about who influenced, mentored, and supervised them.

Cultivating Connections: Empowering Agricultural Community Members Through Collaborative Care, Kearyn E. Nelsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Agriculture and mental health – two words not typically used in the same sentence; however, considering the rate of suicide among those working in the agriculture profession is significantly higher than the general population, the need for both awareness and action is critically important. Despite a lack of research specific to occupational therapy and the agricultural population, occupational therapists on an interprofessional healthcare team are uniquely positioned to serve this population. Interprofessional collaboration is essential when serving agricultural community members, whose needs involve a complexity of physical, mental, social, and environmental factors, each impacting the overall health and well-being …

Introduction Of Occupational Therapy Into A Suburban Supportive Housing Organization, Madeline Kuntz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Abstract: Unhoused individuals experience compounded barriers beyond housing access and are often underserved within occupational therapy practice. This doctoral capstone project partnered with a nonprofit residential program to develop a research-informed onboarding manual grounded in the holistic occupational therapy framework, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO, O’Brien, 2017). The manual was designed to clarify expectations of the supportive housing program, address diverse resident needs, and promote independence as the organization expands. Development was informed by a comprehensive literature review and informal needs assessment of the organization, identifying anticipatory barriers and supports commonly experienced prior to program entry. Key areas of need …

Understanding Adaptation, Resilience, And Thriving Among Vietnamese Catholic Missionary Sisters In The United States Through The Lens Of Traditions, Transitions, And Leadership, Huyen T. Nguyen

Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership Dissertations

While the presence of international Catholic Sisters serving in the United States has grown (Johnson et al., 2019), the lived experiences of Vietnamese Catholic Missionary Sisters remain largely absent from the scholarly literature. Addressing this gap, this qualitative study examined adaptation, resilience, and thriving among the Sisters serving in the United States by centering their voices through in-depth narratives. Their experiences were interpreted through Social Identity Theory, Servant Leadership, and Transformational Leadership Theory within the context of Vietnamese Catholicism and the charism of the Lovers of the Holy Cross. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Sisters ministering in …

Child Maltreatment Risk Identification In Complex Caregiving Environments: A Public Health Review Of Split-Custody And Multi-Household Family Contexts, Makenzie Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Child maltreatment remains a significant public health concern with lifelong consequences for children's health, development, and well-being. As children's caregiving environments become increasingly diverse through split-custody arrangements, blended families, kinship care, and other multi-household contexts, recognizing and assessing child safety concerns may become more complex. Although these family structures are not inherently associated with maltreatment, the distribution of caregiving responsibilities and information across multiple households may complicate child maltreatment risk identification.

This capstone presents a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature examining child maltreatment risk identification within complex caregiving environments. The review synthesized evidence related to caregiving environments, caregiver relationships, child …

Bipoc Affinity Groups: Native Educator Perspectives, Kayla Kneeland-Jaimes

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study explored two questions related to BIPOC affinity groups for Native educators. The first research question explored “In what ways are BIPOC affinity spaces meaningful for Native educators?” The second research question this study explored “What are Native educators’ perspectives on best practices for BIPOC affinity spaces?” The problem addressed in this study explored how to support Native educators through BIPOC affinity groups by addressing the impact and value of BIPOC affinity groups from the experience and perspectives of Native educators. This study used Tribal Crit theory–developed by scholar Brayboy. Tribal Crit draws from fields and disciplines like anthropology, …

Annual Report Of Undergraduate Research Fellows From August 2025 To May 2026, Office Of Research And Sponsored Programs. Morehead State University.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Reports and Publications

Annual Report of Undergraduate Research Fellows from August 2025 to May 2026.

Clinical And Community-Based Recovery Models: The Focus On How They Can Be Better Together, Alicia Wilder

Graduate Research Papers

Two of the main pathways for individuals to access recovery services are clinical and community-based. The clinical model focuses on medical stabilization and treatment, followed by community-based care that provides peer-driven support and sustainability through connection. The purpose is to examine how recovery models aim to support those in recovery and pinpoint the ways they can integrate medical and social systems to meet client needs. Comparing the two will allow us to understand how each model supports sustained recovery and overall well-being. The question that will be researched in this study is: How do acute clinical treatment and community- based …

Social Media Usage And Its Effects On Adolescent Mental Health, Kloey K. Thill

Graduate Research Papers

As social media increasingly becomes incorporated in many daily routines of adolescents, there is a growing concern about the psychological impacts associated with problematic social media use. This research study explores the relationship between social media habits and mental health outcomes among adolescents. The research found by conducting a comprehensive literature review indicates associations between problematic social media use and mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality. Further research raises the question of whether there are different vulnerabilities and outcomes across different demographics of adolescents. Findings from this research study can be used when creating …

The Mental Health Mastermind: How Noah Kahan Reduces Stigma, Meghan Deeley

ENG 490 Senior Seminar Capstone

Mental health anti-stigma strategies have been largely studied; however, limited research examines how musicians integrate lyrics and marketing strategies to reduce mental health stigma. This study fills the gap by analyzing the work of Noah Kahan, whose cultural prominence places him as an influential individual in normalizing mental health discourse. Drawing on existing research in anti-stigma campaigns, social media storytelling, and lyrical analysis, this study examines The Busyhead Project Instagram content and “Stick Season” lyrics. Using qualitative methods, findings illustrate that Kahan's incorporation of open reading lyrics with contact-based content enhances effectiveness of anti-stigma messaging. This research is a framework …

Celebrating Faculty Scholarship And Service, Salve Regina University 2025-2026, Office Of Academic Affairs

Faculty and Staff - Ebooks

This e-book celebrates the diverse accomplishments of Salve Regina University faculty across scholarship, teaching, experiential learning, creative expression, community engagement, and service in 2026-2026. It highlights peer-reviewed research, books, artistic works, conference presentations, grant-funded projects, innovative teaching initiatives, and collaborations that extend learning beyond the classroom. Faculty achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to student mentorship, undergraduate research, interdisciplinary inquiry, and partnerships that benefit local and global communities. The e-book also recognizes significant external funding, Compass Summer leadership, sabbatical recipients, promotions, and new faculty appointments, reflecting the university’s ongoing dedication to academic excellence and mission-driven engagement.

Factors That Impact K-6th Grade Teachers’ Sense Of Self-Efficacy: A Mixed Methods Study, Becky A. Eckburg

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Although there have been efforts to narrow the "achievement gap," research shows that the academic achievement levels of students in low socioeconomic school settings are likely to be significantly lower than the academic achievement levels of students in higher socioeconomic school settings (Babayiğit et al., 2021; Rahman et al., 2024). Studies also show that teachers have a significant impact on their students' growth, no matter what their academic setting may be (Petek & Pope, 2023), and that collective teacher self-efficacy is a significant factor in positive student achievement (Hattie, 2008). If targeted professional development could support teachers' self-efficacy, student achievement …

Transforming Lives For Eternity: 2025-2026 Year End Summary, Southern Adventist University

Strategic Plans

Transforming Lives for Eternity 2025-2026 Year End Summary.

The Multidimensional Impacts Of Poverty On Adolescent Outcomes, Klarence Baker

Graduate Research Papers

Poverty is a pervasive, multidimensional phenomenon that extends beyond financial scarcity to encompass a lack of both tangible and intangible resources necessary for healthy development. This research article synthesizes current literature to explore the profound impacts of poverty on adolescents specifically examining how economic hardship influences long term outcomes in financial attainment, educational success, and physical and mental health. This study investigates how cooccurring risk factors can disrupt neural development and social trajectories. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the duration and severity of poverty exposure and its lasting effects extending into adulthood. This research examines three …

Selling Ideals: Sexualization In Teen Girl Magazines, 2007-2017, Megan Coogan

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

Magazines are made to sell more than just a product; they sell lifestyles and ideals. Teen girl magazines target adolescents starting as young as twelve years old, but is the content in its pages appropriate and identifiable for that demographic? This study investigated how levels of perceived sexualization changed between 2007, 2012, and 2017, in Seventeen and Teen Vogue magazines. A decrease in perceived sexualization was expected across the ten-year period of time. This window of time reflects the last ten years of publication for both magazines. Research was conducted by creating and utilizing a grading system for non-explicit sexualized …

Transforming Lives For Eternity: 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, Southern Adventist University

Strategic Plans

Southern Adventist University's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.

Applying Photovoice To Uncover Fundamental Causes Of Health Inequality In Local Health Contexts, Marisa Booty, Madelyne G. Culbertson, Mason Taylor, Dakota Heise, Heather Stone, Katherine Leanne Kommer, Jennifer Gulley, Jeanette Hart, Christina Nentwick, Margaret Mcgladrey

Sociology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Participatory action research methods like Photovoice are uniquely equipped to identify structural determinants of health based on lived experiences of how they influence proximal and distal population health outcomes. This study uses Photovoice data to examine how structural determinants impact community health needs.

Methods: Qualitative thematic analysis used focus group discussion data (25 transcripts) from four Kentucky counties that embedded Photovoice into their local health department community health assessment processes. Coded excerpts were examined for ways in which participants' community health concerns reflected structural issues rather than individual health behaviors.

Results: Participants perceived issues such as houselessness, food insecurity, …

Risk Factors Of Child Sex Trafficking: A Gender-Based Scoping Review In The U.S. And Cross-Border Contexts, Peyton Forbes

Social Work Theses

Child sex trafficking is a major public health issue affecting the youth population of the United States and internationally. This scoping review examines risk factors on multiple levels including individual, family, community, and macro and digital contexts. A systematic search of databases identified 32 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that individual-level risk includes cumulative exposure to violence and trauma, substance use, mental health and behavioral problems, child welfare and justice involvement, runaway behavior, educational disruption, limited social support, and intersection demographic vulnerabilities (e.g., gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, disability). Family‑level risk reflects unstable or unsafe home environments characterized by substance use, …

Medications For Opioid Use Disorder In Correctional Facilities: A 2022 Cross-Sectional Survey Of Health Care Staff, Claire Wolfe, Sabrina Gaiazov, Dr. Pamela Valera, Will Mullen, Ross Macdonald, Christian Heidbreder

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

A national, anonymous, online survey was administered inviting 3,161 correctional health professionals to examine the associations between facility characteristics and the availability of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails and prisons. Responses from 268 participants representing 212 correctional facilities were analyzed. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify associated facility characteristics, and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis. Facilities in the Western United States had higher odds of providing MOUD compared with those in the Midwest (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–10.99). Jails had higher odds of offering MOUD than prisons (AOR …

“If You Can Do This Job, You Can Do Anything”: An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Early Career Social Workers Engaged With People Living With Hiv/Aids, John J. Edwards

Bryn Mawr College Dissertations and Theses

The HIV/AIDS epidemic, now in its fifth decade, is one of the most consequential health, social, scientific, and political challenges of the modern era. Since its emergence, social work has played a critical role in service provision and advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Tremendous biomedical advancements over the years have fundamentally transformed HIV from an invariably fatal illness to a chronic and manageable condition. As the profile of HIV has changed over time, less is known about the contemporary experiences of social workers engaged with PLWHA. To address this gap, semi-structured interviews were conducted with early …

Poppers, Apps, And Pleasure: From Set To Setting Among Sexually Diverse Men In Mexico, Juan Carlos Mendoza-Pérez, Keith J. Watts

Social Work Faculty Publications

Background: Poppers (alkyl nitrites) are widely used among sexually diverse men to enhance sexual pleasure. However, research has historically been dominated by risk-centered frameworks such as associations with HIV or other STIs, overlooking user motivations related to hedonic reward, intimacy, and agency. This conceptual oversight is particularly evident in the Global South. This study explores the benefits, motivations, and social meanings of poppers consumption among sexually diverse men in Mexico, emphasizing its relationship with dating applications.   Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study used an electronic survey administered in 2023 to sexually diverse cisgender men. The analytic sample included participants who reported …

Childhood Mental Health And Major Depression In Later Life: A Survival Analysis Across 12 Years, Xiaoling Xiang, Xiafei Wang, Xinyin Zhang, Josephine Abrials

Social Work Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between childhood mental health conditions and incident major depression in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: This longitudinal panel study used 12 years of data from 27,220 adults aged 51 and older in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. Childhood mental health conditions were assessed retrospectively with a question about having a depression, drug/alcohol, or other emotional problem before age 16. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

Results: Childhood mental health conditions were reported by 6.04% of the unweighted sample (n = 1643) and were associated with a more than 2-fold …

Eastern Michigan University, Spring Commencement, May 2, 2026, Eastern Michigan University

Commencement Programs and Materials

No abstract provided.

Developing An Educational Session And Epic-Based Tools To Help Nurses Provide Culturally Sensitive Care To Their Muslim Patients, Laila Albutmeh

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world and the chances of nurses having a Muslim patient is exceptionally high yet many nurses lack the knowledge and resources on how to accurately provide culturally sensitive care to Muslim patients. Hospitals lack educational sessions/training as well as Epic tools to help nurses provide culturally sensitive care to Muslim patients which leads to a knowledge deficit in cultural sensitivity of Islamic beliefs, values, and practices. Purpose: This thesis paper proposes a research design for a nurse education/training program on Islamic beliefs, values, and practices along with an implementation of …

A Contextual Proposal Toward Ministerial Competency: The Theological Education Of Pastors In The African American Baptist Churches Of Central Mississippi, Kevin Thomas

Doctor of Ministry

There is a critical issue affecting some African American Baptist churches in Central Mississippi: the absence of formal theological training among a significant number of pastors. While these ministers are spiritually mature and deeply committed to their congregations, the gap in theological preparedness tends to pose challenges to doctrinal accuracy, exegetical soundness, and the long-term effectiveness of their ministries. This study aims to address the following question: How can a contextually informed and practically accessible theological education model equip African American Baptist pastors in Central Mississippi for faithful ministry? The argument presented asserts that theological education is not a luxury …

Contrasting Visions Of Age: Manifestations Of Ageism In Law, Art, And Health Care, Janet L. Dolgin

Health Matrix: The Journal of Law-Medicine

Ageism has befuddled the law’s attempts at remediation. Each “ism” (e.g., sexism, racism) differs from the others. Ageism, however, differs fundamentally from other “isms.” That difference explains the law’s failure to limit it. This article describes the difference, and it explains why that difference has rendered ageism resistant to legal remedies. Legal scholars and gerontologists have asked why the law’s efforts to limit the bias, stigma and discrimination that stem from ageism have largely failed. A remarkable framework for responding to that query derive from literary and artistic depictions of old people over time.

This article has identified shifting visions …

Developing Empathy In Business Students Through Humanities-Based Study Abroad: An Exploratory Empirical Study, Jorge Colazo, Makiko Fukuda, Katsuo Nishikawa Chávez

School of Business Faculty Research

No abstract provided.