An Investigation Of How High School Teachers Can Positively Influence The Mental Health Of High School Students, Anthony Mahady

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to better understand student mental health needs to advocate for intentional change within the school district where the study occurred. A critical case study approach was taken to learn about student and teacher needs, within a bounded location and time, to invoke intentional change for students in the school district. The study elicited responses from a student focus group of seven students, where they addressed the current mental health needs of students in the district. Responses from the focus group were used to inform the questions in the six semi-structured interviews conducted with high …

Addressing Mental Health Challenges In Graduate Education, Obed A. Boateng

Culminating Experience Projects

Graduate students face a multitude of stressors that can negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing, including academic pressures, work-life balance issues, and financial strains. However, minimal attention has been focused the needs of graduate student population, and existing support are limited. More so, student affairs professionals and practitioners (SAPPs) often engage and interact with graduate student. Yet, many SAPPs who are interested in helping address graduate students’ mental health needs lack sufficient training to effectively support graduate students experiencing mental health challenges. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a comprehensive training program to equip SAPPs …

How Has Military Service Affected Veteran Who Become Teachers, Jason Opalinski

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Academic Outcomes Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: Awareness And Action, Tanner B. Howe

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has shown that the online learning implemented during the COVID-19-related school closures had impacts on academic outcomes among secondary students. As schools operate in proximity to this event, it is crucial to investigate and understand those academic outcomes. Research suggests that mathematics and reading/language courses displayed negative academic outcomes for the period of online learning. Through this investigation, stress was observed to have played a major role during this period for secondary students and may have also contributed to the academic outcomes observed. This project seeks to raise awareness of possible student educational needs by shining light on the …

Resilience In Adolescent American Students, Steffan R. Larson

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The current study sought to determine if any meaningful relationship existed between perceived mental, emotional/behavioral, and academic resilience and overall resilience in adolescent American students. The current quantitative study was conducting using convenience sampling though a national school counselors’ website. Respondents were asked to respond to a modified version of the ARS-30 resiliency questionnaire as well as respond to a few demographic questions. The findings of the study demonstrated that each aspect of adolescent student resilience (mental, emotional/behavioral, and academic) were statistically significant predictors of overall student resilience; with academic resilience being the most statistically significant predictor of perceived overall …

Anxiety Disorders In Elementary Students: Interventions For Classroom Use, Jillian Maloney

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Many elementary students suffer from anxiety disorders. There are various types of anxiety disorders, risk factors, and effects on elementary students. The disorders described include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism. These can be influenced by interpersonal and environmental factors, leading to academic, social, emotional, and physiological effects.Research shows that educators can provide accommodations and classroom strategies to support students. The capstone project developed as a result of this research is a website that serves as a resource for educators. It explains the different types of anxiety disorders, their …

An Examination Of Mental Health In Educators, Hannah F. Sanderson

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has revealed the significance and importance of mental health and its incorporation into overall well-being. A survey conducted by RAND Corp revealed that one in four teachers has experienced symptoms of depression (Kidger, 2021). Along those same lines, educators have expressed that due to their job and the school climate, they have experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and large amounts of stress (Merida et al., 2017). This project explores the various stressors that are felt by educators within their educational institutions and delivers solutions to reduce the symptoms associated with mental illness and improve the school climate. Through surveys …

One Year Impact Of The Advancing Coping And Engagement (Ace) Program On Advanced Placement And International Baccalaureate Student Success, Amanda C. Moseley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Student success hinges on educational settings that feature a well-developed, comprehensive mental health support system (Hoover et al., 2019). Salient pieces of well-functioning mental health supports adhere to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) principles, including evidence-based practices with incremental intensity (Stoiber & Gettinger, 2015). Adolescents pursuing accelerated curricula in high school, specifically Advanced Placement courses (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), display a need for psychosocial support related to the stressors inherent to a rigorous curriculum (Suldo & Shaunessy-Dedrick, 2013b). Suldo and colleagues’ (2018) research on AP and pre-IBDP youth identified malleable predictors of success that became intervention …

Addressing Sexual Assault And Supporting Survivors’ Mental Health And Academic Performance Through Peer Advocate Support, Elizabeth G. Clark

Culminating Experience Projects

Sexual assault has been a concern on college campuses that has only been increasing, primarily affecting first-year women. The shame and trauma that survivors of sexual assault often experience can have a drastic impact on their mental health and academic performance. While institutions have some support resources for students victimized by sexual assault, they are underutilized. This project explains the negative consequences experienced by sexual assault survivors and what needs to be addressed by campus resources. To adequately support survivors of sexual assault and work towards changing campus culture, college campuses need to expand their support resources based in trauma-informed …

Improving Student-Athlete Mental Health Through Wellness Check-Ins, Emma Erin Strasberger

Culminating Experience Projects

Mental health is an urgent topic in higher education as many college students are feeling an overwhelming sense of stress, anxiety, and depression. A population of students that significantly struggles with their mental health but does not utilize campus mental health services are student-athletes. Many student-athletes have reported wanting to reach out for help with their mental health, but they do now want to due to the stigma that seeking help makes an individual appear weak. This project explores the recent research regarding access to mental health services among collegiate student-athletes and how removing those barriers can encourage this population …

Exploring The Impact Of School Connectedness On Students’ Mental Health And Academic Achievement, Matthew Scott Posthuma

Culminating Experience Projects

Abstract

Research and relevant literature have shown that school connectedness is not only associated with but has a profound impact on students’ mental health and academic achievement. School connectedness is a factor that can be influenced directly by the school environment and by interventions aimed at helping students that take place during school. School counselors carry out many of these interventions and have a responsibility to promote safe and protective environments for all students. Through the use of data and screening tools, school counselors are able to identify students that could benefit from participating in interventions. Interventions regarding school connectedness …

Educating Nurses On Mental Fatigue, Tawanna Ann Canty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education correlates with nurse performance and avoiding mental fatigue. This project attempted to answer the question, “Educating nurses on mental fatigue will increase knowledge” focusing on educating rehabilitative nurses regarding mental fatigue. The project was guided by the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty rehabilitative nurses were administered a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice test questions. They received education on mental fatigue through PowerPoint presentations and handouts. After completing the education, participants were administered a posttest with the same 10 questions. An evaluation tool consisting of six questions was completed measuring an increase in knowledge after the posttest. …

The Student’S Perspective Of Therapeutic Day Treatment, Krystal Vaughan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has continued to be diagnosed in school-aged children at a high rate. Students with this diagnosis often display negative behaviors and poor academic performance, leading to the need for school-based interventions. Although the use of school-based interventions has shown to be moderately effective, the need to identify the student’s perspective is warranted. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore the effectiveness of therapeutic day treatment from the student’s perspective. While parents and teachers have found therapeutic day treatment useful, research to date from the student’s perspective is lacking. Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive …

The Student’S Perspective Of Therapeutic Day Treatment, Krystal Vaughan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has continued to be diagnosed in school-aged children at a high rate. Students with this diagnosis often display negative behaviors and poor academic performance, leading to the need for school-based interventions. Although the use of school-based interventions has shown to be moderately effective, the need to identify the student’s perspective is warranted. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore the effectiveness of therapeutic day treatment from the student’s perspective. While parents and teachers have found therapeutic day treatment useful, research to date from the student’s perspective is lacking. Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive …

Faculty And Staff Perceptions Of Mental Health Services In The Elementary Schools Of A Rural District, Vera Collins Richardson

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This case study focused on the perceptions of faculty and staff of mental health services at the elementary level in a rural district. Mental health services provided in elementary school settings can ultimately change the outcome of individuals’ lives. Many districts in North Carolina lack the funds to hire mental health counselors, and must rely on elementary school counselors to take the lead in providing students with the mental health care they need. This qualitative case study focused on the perceptions of faculty and staff and was the primary focus of this research. An analysis of feedback from three elementary …

Educating Nurses On Mental Fatigue, Tawanna Ann Canty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education correlates with nurse performance and avoiding mental fatigue. This project attempted to answer the question, “Educating nurses on mental fatigue will increase knowledge” focusing on educating rehabilitative nurses regarding mental fatigue. The project was guided by the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty rehabilitative nurses were administered a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice test questions. They received education on mental fatigue through PowerPoint presentations and handouts. After completing the education, participants were administered a posttest with the same 10 questions. An evaluation tool consisting of six questions was completed measuring an increase in knowledge after the posttest. …

The Effect Of A Music Therapy Video In-Service On Staffs' Beliefs About Music Therapy In Behavioral Health, Jesus Javier Garcia

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a short video presentation, about music therapy in behavioral health, had a positive effect on staff members’ beliefs about music therapy in that setting. A total of 26 staff members, from different departments, participated in the study and completed a pre- and post-presentation questionnaire. Responses were analyzed and compared to investigate whether the video had a positive effect on staff members’ beliefs about music therapy in behavioral health. Participant demographics and pre- and post-video questionnaire responses were also analyzed and compared to explore the differential impact of the video by subgroups …

The Child Care Crisis: Through The Social Ecological Lens, Jocelyne Saldana

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Objective - Working mothers face mental strain when returning to work due to the challenges of the current child care system. It is unclear how the instability of the child care sector impacts the mental health of working mothers.

Methods - The systematic review of literature was conducted to identify existing evidence to determine the influence access to quality, dependable, and affordable child care has on maternal mental health outcomes in working mothers. Multiple databases were used including PubMed and Scopus.

Results - Subsidized programs help reduce the cost of child care, however, income eligibility criteria makes it difficult …

Developing Teacher Capacity And Resilience To Support Vulnerable High School Learners, Carla K. Walsh

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) explores ways students designated with mental health and/or moderate to severe behaviour disorders can be supported to successfully transition between grades and through to graduation at Creekside Secondary School, a large secondary school in British Columbia. Current data shows these students are not experiencing the same success as their non-designated peers, feel less connected to their school, and have much lower rates of graduation. Referrals to tier-three alternate programs is the current practice if the school is unable to meet the needs of the students to fully include them in their mainstream classes. This OIP …

How The Rise In Social Media Use Impacts The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Adam Meyer

Graduate Teacher Education

Social media is more available now than ever before. More platforms are available and access to each platform is just one click away for anyone with a cell phone, tablet, iPad, or computer. Since social media was introduced, there has also been a steady rise in mental health concerns, especially in adolescents (Ellis et al., 2020). This leads to the question, how does social media impact mental health of adolescents? The potential implications of this question impact both educators, parents, and adolescents. This literature review examined how the rise in social media use has impacted mental health of adolescents, both …

Hiding Behind The Title: Bridging The Gap Between Identity And Leadership Through Neuroscience, Emotional Intelligence And Ethical Management, Alicia S. Huddleston

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Leadership is the key determinant in the success of any organization, and leaders have an immeasurable impact on the lives and performances of those they have been entrusted to develop, support and lead. School principals are an integral part of the leadership tapestry within society and many people have been impacted by a school principal. Often enough, there are individuals who lead with or behind their title versus understanding first who they are intrinsically, and then working through those dynamics to effectively lead their own lives. When leaders are able to do this, then and only then are they equipped …

A College Campus Crisis: Are Students Getting The Mental Health Support That They Need During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Shannon Relevant

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to address the increased need for mental health support among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-May 2021), and to ensure students are getting the full mental health support that they need from their campus counseling center. The study will include residential undergraduate and graduate students from Rowan University who have utilized the university's Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) office. Mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative data will be used to collect student responses and answer the research questions. The first step will include participation in an online survey that collects student …

Distress, Burnout, And Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Working In Self-Contained Classrooms With Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders: Illuminating Their Perspectives And Experiences., Jennifer L. Wooldridge-Mccormick

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

This study was conducted to give voice to local special education teachers working with students with emotional disabilities, and to allow them to co-create meanings from their lived experiences in the classroom. It utilized a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological approach through a series of three individual interviews over the course of a six-month period. Five special education teachers from three local school divisions and private day schools participated in the study between July 2021 and December 2021. Over the course of the three interviews, the five special education teachers in the study were situated as co-researchers. In addition to the three …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Early Childhood Mental Health Development, Taylor Ybanez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

A child’s development is of the highest importance to any person that has the opportunity to teach them. Due to the impact of COVID-19, many people, especially developing children have struggled with their mental health development. With the lack of resources and outreach opportunities, some of them had to be left alone for a good portion of their time during their stay-at-home orders due to not being allowed to attend school. This senior capstone is to bring awareness of the toll COVID-19 has taken on children’s development in terms of their emotional, physiological, and physical well-being. The findings offer some …

The Effects Of The Transition From Pre-Nursing To Nursing On Mental Health, Andrew J. Davis, Paige R. Mullins, Kimberly A. Sell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mental health is an ever-growing crisis among adolescents and young adults, with suicide as second leading cause of death and the number of those negatively affected continually on the rise. Transitions are one of the major stressors prevalent among these age groups, placing individuals at risk for mental health deficits. This quantitative voluntary response comparative study assesses the transitional mental health of pre-nursing students and students in the nursing program at East Tennessee State University. Emailed to all with a declared major of pre-nursing or nursing, this study measured mental health using evidenced based assessment tools. The PHQ-9 for depression …

An Examination Of The Underutilization Of Mental Health Resources In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Kathleen Olivia Glover

Masters Theses

Previous and developing literature indicates that collegiate student-athletes, while more susceptible to psychological problems, are underutilizing mental health resources. This project examines the aforementioned problem through the use of extensive student-athlete mental health literature to identify themes that are affecting student-athlete’s likeliness of seeking psychological services. Throughout the themes, the need for additional support from student-athlete stakeholders is presented. A workshop series to guide increased mental health literacy in student-athlete stakeholders to create opportunities to recognize signs of mental illness and form cultures that encourage the utilization of psychological services is constructed. It is anticipated that by including stakeholders in …

Making Mental Health Information Accessible To Latinxs Through The Use Of Internet Forums, April Martinez

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

This study was conducted to explore the use of Internet memes as a way to address mental health stigma within the Latinx community. The study measured participants’ mental health prejudice both before and after exposure to a series of memes over a two-week span. The control group was shown memes that did not relate to mental health and the experimental group was shown mental health memes. The results were analyzed both quantitatively, for significant between group differences in posttest prejudice, and qualitatively for emerging themes in the participants’ comments on the memes. Results showed no significant decrease of stigma between …

Honor Thyself, Alonzo O. Williams

Dance (MFA) Theses

The black male experience and identity in America are filled with complexity. We struggle to know ourselves. We work to see the way of love and the peace of an unviolated free spirit. We want to engage with ourselves with the highest degree of freedom and comfort, not to continue to question our identity in a life-threatening white patriarchal masculinity ideal. Honoring oneself from the lenses of the Reconstruction era of the United States is essential. Reconceptualizing this history explores the significance of emphasizing Reconstruction in my life as a black male to go through a process of self-discovery and …

The Influence Of Losing A Parent In The Development Of Anxiety, Depression, And Academic Motivation In Latino College Students, Sandra Luz Galvan

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The current study focuses on understanding how the potential consequences of losing a parent before the age of eighteen influence depression, anxiety, and academic motivation in Latino college students. The study also explored how social support could interfere with these consequences. Five participants were recruited from various universities, and they were interviewed virtually, guided by a phenomenology design. The data was analyzed using a narrative approach. The results show that social support is fundamental to mitigating the consequences of losing a parent at a young age. It is recommended that future research consider the difference between losing a mother and …

Administrators’ Perceptions Of Mindfulness Practices In Southeastern, Racially And Ethnically Diverse Urban Elementary Schools, Sakima Romero-Chandler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMindfulness practices are increasingly used in schools; however, there is a gap in practice when it comes to their use. The problem investigated through this basic qualitative study was the implementation of school mindfulness practice (SMP) of elementary school administrators in a large, urban area in the southeast United States. The purpose of this project study was to understand urban elementary school administrators’ perceptions of the implementation of SMP in predominantly racially and ethnically diverse, urban elementary schools. The conceptual framework was the instructional leadership model of Murphey, Hallinger, Weil, and Mittman that emphasizes the importance of understanding administrative functions, …