Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Investigation Of Interpersonal Disruptions And Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Mental Health Therapists, Rachael Ann Robinson-Keilig

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Mental health therapists who work with victims of trauma are often exposed to vivid descriptions of traumatic events and strong emotional expressions from their clients. Research within the last fifteen years has started to explore the impact of this indirect form of trauma exposure on therapists who treat trauma clients.

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of interpersonal and sexual disruptions as symptoms of secondary traumatic stress/vicarious trauma among practicing mental health therapists, to understand how various therapist characteristics predict interpersonal and sexual disruptions, and to explore the role that gender and prior trauma history play …

Tongueless: Representation Of The Mentally Disabled And The Novel, Brent Walter Cline

Dissertations

This study examines the representation of the mentally disabled in the novel for two related outcomes. The first is to prove that the representation of the mentally disabled is not merely a subset of the representation of the disabled in general. This is intended less as a political statement as it is a literary one. Acknowledging and building off the work of writers in disability studies such as David Mitchell, Sharon Snyder, and Tobin Siebers who concentrate on the body of the disabled, this study shows that attempts to represent the mentally disabled are fundamentally different than those who are …

Lgb-Affirmative Therapists' Use Of Developmental Models Of Lgb-Identity In Therapy. A Phenomenological Investigation, Victoria E. Cane

Dissertations

Socially sanctioned hostility toward sexual minority persons continues to be a reality in the United States and worldwide. Therapists working with sexual minorities have responsibility to provide non-pathologizing, affirmative therapy to these clients. A central aspect of affirmative therapy is therapists' recognition and understanding of sexual orientation (SO) identity and developmental models of sexual minority identity have a played a vital role in promoting this understanding. Although such models have been central to the practice and training of affirmative therapy, therapists' applied use of the models has not been empirically investigated. For this phenomenological study, nine affirmative therapists were interviewed …

Mental Health Crisis Questionnaire, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This questionnaire was developed for use in a study of the need for additional mental health crisis services in North Central West Virginia. It is made available for others interested in studying mental health crises.

Examining The Interrater Reliability Of The Comprehensive Inventory Of Mental Health And Recovery And Rehabilitation Services (Cimhrrs), Robert W. Johnson

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation is one step in the continuing development, evaluation, and validation of the Comprehensive Inventory of Mental Health and Recovery and Rehabilitation Services (CIMHRRS). The CIMHRRS is an instrument to guide comprehensive assessment of programs that provide integrated services to people with serious mental illness (SMI).

The project described in this dissertation evaluated three key aspects of its performance in real world application: practical feasibility, internal consistency and reliability, and ability to distinguish between different programs. Investigators utilized a combination of principles and methods, associated with psychometric scale development, field methods, and program evaluation. Using a structured site review …

Chhs July Enewsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Gender In Single Vs Married Individuals With Bipolar Disorder., Daniel Z Lieberman, Suena H Massey, Frederick K Goodwin

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of marriage as a source of social support, it has been largely neglected in studies of bipolar disorder; and differential effects on men and women have not been explored.

METHODS: Data on episodes of depression, mania, and mixed states were collected for the previous 2 years from a sample of 282 bipolar individuals using the National Institute of Mental Health Life Chart Methodology.

RESULTS: Effects unique to women included the following: Bipolar women were significantly more likely to be married. Married women had fewer episodes of depression during the past 2 years than never-married women, and …

Family Functioning And The Development Of Trust And Intimacy Among Adolescents In Residential Treatment, Kenneth M. Coll, Stephanie Powell, Patti Thobro, Robin Haas

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examined relations between family cohesion and adaptability (as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales-III) and the formation of trust and intimacy (assessed with the Measure of Psychosocial Development) among adolescents in residential treatment. Bivariate correlation revealed a significant association between family cohesion and adaptability and psychosocial stages of trust and intimacy. Regression analyses revealed that family cohesion predicted trust, and that trust is significantly influential in the formation of intimacy. Discussion and treatment implications are included.

Reducing Heavy Drinking Among First Year Intercollegiate Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Web-Based Normative Feedback, Diana M. Doumas, Tonya Haustveit, Kenneth M. Coll

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study evaluated the efficacy of a web-based personalized normative feedback program targeting heavy drinking in first year intercollegiate athletes. The program was offered through the Athletic Department first year seminar at a NCAA Division I university. Athletes were randomly assigned to either a web-based feedback group or a comparison condition. Results indicated high-risk athletes receiving the intervention reported significantly greater reductions in heavy drinking than those in the comparison group. Additionally, intervention effects were mediated by changes in perceptions of peer drinking. Findings support the use of web-based normative feedback for reducing heavy drinking in first year intercollegiate athletes.

A Randomized Comparison Of Online And Paper Mood Charts For People With Bipolar Disorder., Daniel Z Lieberman, Tammas F Kelly, Lanny Douglas, Frederick K Goodwin

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal mood instability is the essential feature of bipolar disorder, however most rating scales are cross sectional in nature, and focus on acute symptoms. By contrast, the NIMH Life Chart Methodology (LCM) characterizes in detail the severity, duration, and frequency of mood episodes. Adherence to daily rating, however, tends to be low. In this study an online version of the LCM, designed to enhance adherence, was compared to the standard paper version.

METHODS: Patients from a mood disorders specialty clinic were randomized to the standard LCM or an online, open-source adaptation. The online version used hypertext links embedded in …

Sexual Harassment At Work Place: Are You Safe?, Anila Naveed, Ambreen Tharani, Nasreen Alwani

School of Nursing & Midwifery

In today's world women are increasingly participating in the realm of work force, yet they are facing many obstacles in their way. Sexual harassment is one of those obstacles. Sexual harassment at work place is prevalent in every society. It could happen to anyone but women are the targeted victims. Sexual harassment is considered as a traumatic event and the victim may end up in having physical and mental sufferings that hinders a person to work effectively. At an organisational level this may result in decrease work effectiveness, decreased work productivity, high absenteeism, high turnover, and low staff morale. Hence …

Women's Compliance In Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment: The Role Of Children And Mental Health, Cathy Gertrude Cooke

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of children and mental illness in women's compliance in a treatment program for substance abuse. Information was retrieved from medical records of female clients ( N=221) who took part in a community-based day treatment program for substance abuse in a large city in southeastern Virginia during a 32-month period. It was anticipated that, as compared to women who resided with minor children, women who did not reside with minor children would have greater treatment success defined as: (1) more days in the treatment program; (2) higher percentage of negative …

Desvenlafaxine In Major Depressive Disorder: An Evidence-Based Review Of Its Place In Therapy., Daniel Z Lieberman, Suena H Massey

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Desvenlafaxine, the active metabolite of venlafaxine, is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) recently approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is one of only three medications in this class available in the United States.

AIMS: The objective of this article is to review the published evidence for the safety and efficacy of desvenlafaxine, and to compare it to other antidepressants to delineate its role in the treatment of depression.

EVIDENCE REVIEW: At the recommended dose of 50 mg per day the rate of response and remission was similar to other SNRIs, as was the adverse effect …

Perceptions Of The Long-Term Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Cynthia Mellitz

Theses and Dissertations

The perceptions of how Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivors perceive themselves and are perceived by others was evaluated. The aims of the study were to use Attribution Theory and the Traumagenic Model in evaluating whether perceptions were mediated by assertiveness, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally examining if CSA survivors differ in perceived levels of these attributes from non-CSA individuals within a college sample was of interest. 35% of the sample exhibited a variety of CSA experiences, with the majority being minimal contact experiences (i.e. sexual invitations or sexual hugging/kissing). Regression analyses indicated that CSA survivors did not differ in their …

Taking Charge Of Adult Adhd, P. S. Mcmillen

Library Faculty Research

Barkley is one of the leading researchers and most prolific writers on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span, having produced materials for mental health professionals and self-help books like this volume.

Psychological Adjustment: Are Adopted Adolescents At Greater Risk For Negative Outcomes?, Caroline Tozzi Reppold, Aida Hutz, Claudio Simon Hutz

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

During the last decades several authors have indicated that being an adopted child resulted in a higher risk of psychological maladjustment. The objective of this research was to investigate the changes in perception of parental styles in adopted and no-adopted adolescents Brazilians. The sample comprised 524 adolescents (68 were adopted and 456 were raised by their biological parents). The instruments used were a demographic questionnaire and the Responsiveness Scales and Parental Demands. The findings indicated that adoptive parents are significantly more indulgent than biological parents. In comparison, the adolescents described their biological parents as more negligent. The findings corroborated the …

Marital Satisfaction And Intimacy: Gender Role Attitudes And Spousal Support In Botswana, Kagelo Henry Rakwena

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, the predictors of marital satisfaction and intimacy were examined within an African context that is characterized by a fast growing economy, migrant population, urbanization and industrialization. Specifically, this study examined the role of two relational variables, gender role attitudes and spousal support and two demographic variables, age and gender in predicting the variance in marital satisfaction and intimacy, after controlling for number of children, religion, occupation, education, length of marriage and household income among married individuals in Botswana. The results of this study reveal the importance of gender role attitudes and spousal support as key predictors of …

A Critical Constructionist View Of "At-Risk" Youth In Alternative Education, Rachelle Silverstein Touzard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Family therapists and school counselors are increasingly called upon to provide services for youth in alternative education (Carver, Lewis, & Tice, 2010). Alternative education systems are programs for youth who have been defined as at risk. This study explored the at-risk discourse and asked the questions (a) how do youth and staff define the term at risk, (b) construct their experience in alternative education systems, and (c) experience their relationships with each other.

Combined elements from critical theory and a social constructionist perspective guided this study. A qualitative, grounded theory method was used that included semi structured interviews with …

Therapeutic Modalities And Educational Approaches In Clergy Stress Reduction, Shaun Tress Campbell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Clergy are listed among administrators, social workers, healthcare providers, fire fighters, and police officers as professionals with high levels of occupational stress (Hill et al., 2003; Greenberg, 1990). Clergy are valuable resources to the American culture in that they perform an array of services to comfort and assist others. From natural catastrophes to personal misfortune, pastors are often expected to be present to offer consolation or to extend ecclesiastical services. Researchers have found that pastors are the primary mental health counselors for tens of millions of Americans (Weaver et al., 2002). Darling et al. (2004) report, "Clergy in U.S. culture …

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Nicotine Dependence Among College Students : Are There Differences Between Social And Regular Smokers?, Devan Rae Romero

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Cigarette smoking, the primary source of tobacco used by adults 18-25, has remained stable, at around 21-25%, in the college population since 2003. Many college students report their smoking as primarily a “social” behavior, which may reflect an emerging type of smoker. Ambiguity exists in defining and categorizing smokers in the college population.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial perceptions related to smoking among college students who currently smoke and those who do not smoke, and among different types of smokers. In addition, validation of self-reported smoking behavior with saliva cotinine was conducted in …

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Mary (Katie) Busmire

Psychology and Child Development

This is a senior project about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term given to a child who has been affected by exposure to prenatal alcohol. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to several physical, neurological and behavioral effects. However, there are several interventions that can help minimize the effects of prenatal alcohol. Focusing on family interventions and therapies will best benefit the lives of children with FASD and their families.

The Effects Of Parental Divorce On The Views Of Romantic Relationships And Marriages Of The Children Involved, Melissa D'Agostino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the occurrence of parental divorce resulted in negative views and experiences regarding the romantic relationships of the offspring. Four surveys were administered to undergraduate students enrolled in psychology courses at Rowan University. The first survey was used for informational purposes to group participants into two group (those from intact families and those from non-intact families) and to determine the current relationship status of all participants. The following three surveys addressed avoidant behaviors, anxiety level, the presence of conflict, and satisfaction regarding past or present romantic relationships. The data was analyzed for …

Chronic Self-Injury And Suicidality In Borderline Personality Disorder And Its Treatments, Megan Perry

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the ethical considerations and ways of treating chronic suicidality in people with Borderline Personality Disorder. A sample of 62 clinicians working in the mental health field was surveyed. As predicted, the degree held by the participant, the type of organization the participant worked for, their occupation/title, type of treatment modality and years of experience were all related to how they responded to the questions on the survey. Unexpectedly, the sex of the participant was also related to how participants responded.

Trapped In The Bell Jar: Mental Illness In College Students, Julie Stagis

Honors Scholar Theses

This is a magazine article that explores the rising problem of mental health in college students, focusing on Connecticut. It explores the experiences of three college students dealing with depression and bipolar disorder, a family who lost a child to suicide, and the measures taken by colleges in Connecticut to curb the problem.

Immune Function And Health Outcomes In Women With Depression, Cherie Howk, Mary P. Bennett

Nursing Faculty Publications

This research reports immune function and health outcomes in women with depression, as compared with a nondepressed control group. Using Psychoneuroimmunolgy theory and a descriptive comparison design, scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to divide 40 non-hospitalized Caucasian women between the ages of 18 and 65 years into either the control or depression comparison group. Women with depression were found to report significantly more incidences of illness over the previous two months and they were found to have significantly more indicators of illness at the time of the exam as compared to the controls. However, contrary to …

Encouraging Rural Health Clinics To Provide Mental Health Services: What Are The Options?, John A. Gale Ms, Stephanie L. Loux Ms, Barbara Shaw Jd, David Hartley Phd, Mha

Rural Health Clinics

Key Findings: Approximately 6% of independent and 2% of provider-based RHCs offer mental health services. 38% of study RHCs reported their mental health services were not profitable but continued to provide them in response to community and patient needs. An important factor in the development of RHC mental health services is the presence of a local "champion" who spearheads the development effort.

Institutional Policy Changes Aimed At Addressing Obesity Among Mental Health Clients, Linda L. Knol, Kelly Pritchett, Jeri Dunkin

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Background
People with mental illness often experience unique barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. For these clients, interventions should focus on changes in the immediate environment to change behaviors. The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate policy changes that would limit calorie intake and increase calorie expenditure of clients receiving mental health services.

Context
This intervention was implemented in a rural mental health system in the southeastern United States. Clients live in small group homes, where they are served breakfast, dinner, and a snack, and attend outpatient day treatment programs, where they are served lunch and …

Terrorism And Health: The Responsibility Of Intellectuals, Haider A. Naqvi, Syed Faraz Kazim, Shafqat Huma

Department of Psychiatry

No abstract provided.

Ask A Different Question, Get A Different Answer: Why Living Wills Are Poor Guides To Care Preferences At The End Of Life., Laraine Winter, Susan M Parks, James J Diamond

Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health Research Papers

CONTEXT: Living wills have a poor record of directing care at the end of life, as a copious literature attests. Some speculation centers on the questionable correspondence between the scenario described in living wills versus the real-life circumstances that typically arise at the end of life.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the strength of association between responses to a standard living will question and preferences for treatments in six end-of-life scenarios.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

SETTING: Telephone interviews.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred two community-dwelling men and women 70 years of age or older in the greater Philadelphia area.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Strength of preferences for …

The Provision Of Mental Health Services By Rural Health Clinics, John A. Gale Ms, Stephanie L. Loux Ms, Barbara Shaw Jd, David Hartley Phd, Mha

Rural Health Clinics

The number of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) providing specialty mental health services remains limited. This study examined changes in the delivery of mental health services by RHCs, their operational characteristics, barriers to the development of services, and policy options to encourage more RHCs to deliver mental health services. Key Findings: Approximately 6% of independent and 2% of provider-based RHCs offer mental health services by doctoral-level psychologists and/or clinical social workers. Models used to provide mental health services include contracted and/or employed clinicians housed in the same facility as primary care providers. A key element in the development of mental health …