Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Artistic Expression Of Medical Experiences Of Mothers Of Color: Perspectives Using Art Therapy, Lauren Barrett

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perspectives of mothers of color living in the US and their experiences in the healthcare system through art therapy. The study aimed to further identify personal narrative experiences of mothers of color navigating the healthcare system, promote individual voices, and acknowledge disparities impacting those within marginalized communities. The participants in this study included a total of eight identified mothers of color (non-White) living in the US. Participants took part in four weeks of consecutive art therapy sessions either in 60-minute group or individual virtual meetings. One art therapy directive was provided …

A Trauma-Informed Socially Just Approach To Working With Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy, Ciara Carr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system often have a history of trauma and oppression resulting from their positionality and circumstances. Most juvenile justice-involved youth are boys, youth of color, low-income, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and traumatized. This literature review explores the history of the juvenile justice system, issues with the present-day model, and trauma-informed and transformative justice approaches to practice. The implementation of socially just, trauma-informed expressive arts therapy programs is proposed as a more equitable practice to replace commonly used punitive practices across the United States. More research is needed to understand the impact of such programs on this population …

Colorful Conversations: Enhancing Communication In Nonspeaking Toddlers Through Art Therapy, Joy Wu

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this study was to learn how art therapy helps non-speaking children ages two years old build up their communication with others. Although there are not many early publications on the benefit of art therapy to children ages two, the existing research suggests that art therapy can aid those children in speaking based on the experience of art making. During the art creation process, engaging with art materials and their potential power can enable the expression and conveyance of emotions as art serves as containment. Therefore, art therapy can assist nonspeaking toddlers to begin communicating verbally. This writer …

Art Therapy Meets Dungeons And Dragons: Supporting The Development Of Social Skills In High School Students, Ben Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This arts-based research explores the current literature on the clinical uses of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) using art and play therapies. Previous studies that intersect with D&D and expressive arts interventions have been traditionally focused on drama and play therapies while this study focused on open studio practices based on art therapy methodologies. D&D in clinical settings has been effective in developing social connection between peers and emotional regulation. A 10-week art therapy group was conducted in a school setting with adolescents with academic anxiety, socioemotional disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The author provided a space for participants to create art …

Regulation Through Rhythm: A Literature Review On Dance/Movement Therapy Approaches To Facilitating Nervous System Regulation, Elizabeth Barbera

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

The mental health field has started to pay attention to how trauma plays into a person’s overall mental and physical well-being. Because of this more research has shown the connection between mind and body. Yet the clinical implications and literature on theories of how to treat trauma and trauma related disorders do not always connect. This review of literature seeks to analyze the literature on Porges’, Polyvagal Theory and Amighi’s, Kestenberg Movement Profiles. An investigation of the current literature makes a connection between the phylogenetic order of both the nervous system and developmental movement. Considerations of how trauma, in …

Tap Dance Therapy For Children With Medical Complexity: A Literature Review, Beth Calabrese

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although various genres of dance and movement have been studied to serve as therapeutic tools for individuals, research on tap dance for children with serious illnesses and complex medical needs is near non-existent. This thesis aims to analyze the available literature on tap dance and dance/movement therapy for children, as well as identify gaps in research in service of improving the quality of lives and mental health of children with medical complexity (CMC). Additionally, a discussion of a possible tap dance therapy (TDT) program for children with special needs related to medical complexities will be introduced, which will include evidence-based …

Embodied Co-Regulation: A Neuroregulatory-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Transition Intervention Method For Arousal Regulation For Adolescents In A Partial Hospitalization Program, Anamaria Guzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) approach, focusing on nervous system arousal regulation during transitions between therapy groups. The core of the method involves a brief 5-minute exercise designed to modulate arousal levels, encompassing alertness and energy, aiming to establish a baseline homeostasis. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Neurobiology, the approach assumes the co-regulation of nervous systems within a group therapeutic setting. Two primary outcomes are self-assessed: 1) somatic experiences documented through narratives and 2) nervous system biodata measured using the Flowtime headband monitoring of brainwaves, heart rate, and other biomarkers. Results indicated that all six sessions …

Dance/Movement Therapy: A Novel Approach For Latino Males With Incarceration Histories In Sud Treatment, Aletia Egipciaco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper investigates how open clients would be to participating and engaging in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) sessions at a residential SUD facility. The questions asked were (1) What level of engagement would clients have and (2) How would they engage in DMT group sessions at a residential substance use disorder facility? A program lasting 8 weeks, aimed at facilitating DMT group sessions, was conducted at a residential SUD facility twice a week. The objective was to assess participant engagement levels and observe their involvement in the DMT sessions. Residents of the facility were invited voluntarily to attend the DMT groups. …

Utilizing Dance/Movement Therapy For Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Development Of A Method, Jayda Pearson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While there is limited research on the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This thesis introduces an intervention focused on utilizing (DMT) to assist children with ADHD in self-regulation during periods of dysregulation associated with the disorder. The research is backed by literature reviews covering various topics related to ADHD symptoms such as dysregulation, impulsivity, and attention difficulties. Furthermore, the thesis delves into the background of dance/movement therapy and explores how DMT can be integrated with other modalities such as play therapy for a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

One Stitch At A Time: Examining The Self-Care Of Art Therapists And The Potential Of Fiber Arts For Wellbeing, Elaine Chippero

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The goal of this thesis was to understand why art therapists are particularly at risk for burnout, why it is essential for art therapists to engage artmaking for their own self-care, and why fiber crafts are particularly suited for self-care. The literature was collected and organized using reflective journaling and visual–tactile coding and then presented in the following review. The first two sections of the literature review include comprehensive definitions of burnout and self-care and how both concepts have been discussed in literature relating to the helping professions and specifically art therapists. The third section covers the historical context of …

Utilizing Flow Arts Movement As An Expressive Arts Therapy Tool To Treat Trauma: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Shannon Mcgrail

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This expressive arts-based autoethnography research explores the effectiveness of using flow arts movement as a tool of expressive arts therapy to treat symptoms of trauma for individuals who experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. While research on the use of flow arts movement to treat mental illness is in its early stage, much can be drawn from the literature on expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy research with a range of populations addressing trauma. Through exploration of trauma through neuroscience, mind, body, and integrated mindfulness through flow, this work aims to bring an understanding of using intermodal expressive arts …

Feldenkrais And Music Informed Listening: A Neurophenomenological Perspective On Autism, Arona Primalani

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Phenomenologists identify the subjective body and its felt-senses as the basis for human development and consciousness, including mental health. Several mental health disorders, when viewed from a phenomenological perspective, share common symptomology related to varying extents of fractured selves, which in turn hinders dynamic interaction between individuals, their actions, and their relationships with their social and material worlds. Autism is one such condition. Hence, I created an intervention to investigate how listening, which foster subjective and intersubjective experiences, lies at the heart of somatic and arts-based interventions. This thesis, first, begins with a summary of the presenting symptoms observed in …

Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Novel Heterocyclic Compounds For The Treatment Of Cancer And Neurodegenerative Disorders, Saloni Patel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs memory and cognitive judgment, mostly in older people. It is the leading cause of dementia in late adult life. The hallmarks of AD include neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, a build-up of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and extracellular neuritic plaques. Current treatment, although useful, is not adequate. Identification of therapeutic agents with the potential to alter the progress of AD is a high priority. Recent studies suggest that the Sigma-2 receptor is an attractive target for the development of disease-modifying AD drugs. Preventing the binding of Sigma-2 receptors …

Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander

Student Theses and Dissertations

Aerobic metabolism is known to generate damaging ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. ROS are highly reactive atoms or molecules that rapidly interact with other molecules within a cell. Intracellular accumulation can result in oxidative damage, dysfunction, and cell death. Due to the limitations of H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) detectors, other impacts of ROS exposure may have been missed. HyPer7, a genetically encoded sensor, measures hydrogen peroxide emissions precisely and sensitively, even at sublethal levels, during …

Exploring The Design Space Of Antifungal Peptides, Miryam Kikhwa

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antifungal activity of peptides FQ15 and FG10 will be conducted to address the hypothesis. The hypothesis of this thesis is that a peptide with similar properties to AS15 would have similar activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. This study addresses the challenge of drug- resistant microbes by developing inhibitors targeting lipid flippase and exploring their potential as antimicrobial agents against Cryptococcus neoformans. Chapter 1 provides a historical context of the background on the development of antimicrobials and common antifungal treatments, as well as an introduction about C. neoformans and its resistance mechanism. Chapter 2 introduces the …

Re-Member Selfhood A Drama Therapy Intervention, Option 1, Angelique Beauchêne

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Re-member Selfhood is a specific trauma-informed, drama therapy, intervention designed to meet the needs of adults with exposure to trauma and traumatic stress, who have pertinent adverse childhood experience scores and/or experience persistent trauma cycles over the lifespan concurrent with somatization. The aim of this thesis was to introduce an intervention which could function as indirect exposure and assist in the integration process taking the whole being of trauma sufferers into account, including body, mind, and soul. Additionally, the hope of this intervention is to decrease perceived physical pain, assist in the integration of the rejected aspect of self, and …

Playing With International Students From Asia: An Exploration Of Cultural Commonalities And Differences In Developmental Transformations (Dvt), Hazuki Okamoto

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Asian international students in the United States face a multitude of challenges such as language barriers, differences in cultural norms and behaviors, and identity confusion while navigating a foreign landscape. Developmental Transformations (DvT), a form of drama therapy, may apply to these challenges by enabling participants to explore different identities and express themselves creatively beyond the language barrier. This community engagement project was designed for Asian international students to be seen and heard by utilizing DvT. Within an in-person workshop, five participants played with their shared stories, and explored international and cultural roles in group DvT. Key takeaways from the …

Repurposing Clinically Relevant Metabolic Inhibitor Drugs, Difluoromethylornithine (Dfmo) And Orlistat, For Gammaherpesvirus Replication, Lay Paw

Honors Projects

Viruses, including herpesviruses, contribute up to 15% of all human cancers. Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68), a pathogen commonly found in mice, is studied due to its shared homology with several human herpesviruses. Studies done in the Delgado lab via metabolomics analysis show MHV-68 infected cells increase host cell metabolism. Clinically relevant metabolic inhibitor drugs, ɑ-Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and Orlistat, respectively block polyamine and lipid production demonstrated a reduction in MHV-68 viral production. Repurposing clinically relevant drugs through the exploration of a different target shows great promise in reducing oncogenic viral titer.

What Is The Effect Of Telehealth And The Internet Of Medical Things (Iomt) On Outcomes When Used In At-Risk Pregnancies: A Scoping Review Of The Components Of Remote Maternal Monitoring For Hypertensive Disorders That Can Successfully Be Done Via Digital Technology?, Leighton Pitter

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) is an emerging technology that facilitates individualized remote e-health services to improve patient's quality of life and satisfaction while decreasing healthcare expenditures. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the usage of IoMT and remote patient monitoring (RPM) in at-risk pregnancies for hypertensive disorders to mitigate pregnancy-related complications. IoMT and other devices in an intelligent health system can meaningfully ameliorate maternal care management in the United States (U.S.). Wearables and nearables, subcategories of IoMT, can be utilized to facilitate patient-centered care and promote excellence in health maintenance/management through a holistic continuum of care …

Factors Associated With Psychological Well-Being In Students Pursuing Degrees In Health Care, Mckenna Condrey

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological well-being of students pursuing degrees in the healthcare field. The question at the forefront of this study is whether personality traits, sleep quality and quantity, and social support predict mental health outcomes.

The Relationship Between The Beighton Score And The Functional Movement Screen In Collegiate D-Iii Athletes, Allana Dawson

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of hypermobility and its effects on functional movement patterns in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-III (DIII) college athletes. Existing research is divided on hypermobility rates in university-aged populations and few have focused on NCAA D-III athletes specifically. Additionally, little is known about the relationship between hypermobility and functional movement patterns in this population even though it is the largest division in the NCAA and hypermobility may impact injury risk. Subjects were asked to complete a demographics questionnaire and then perform two movement screenings to observe mobility and movement patterns. …

Short Term Effects Of Manual Hip Manipulation On Dynamic Balance And Hip Abductor Strength, Abigail Campbell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Study design: Randomized Controlled laboratory study.

Overcoming Barriers To Receiving Liver Transplants Due To Alcoholism, Marina Nadwodny

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This project will discuss the environmental sustainability, business principles, and the ethics of purchasing carbon offsets in higher education using a literature review and developing an analytical framework. The analytical framework will then be applied to a case study on the sustainability initiatives and the purchase of carbon offsets for the University of Lynchburg from the year 2007 to 2024. The University of Lynchburg was the first university in Virginia to become carbon neutral, achieving carbon neutrality in 2021 by purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for their own unreducible emissions.

A Comparison Of The Acsm And Ymca Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Testing Protocols Within A College-Aged Population, Lauren Hampton

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The ACSM and YMCA cycle ergometer tests are two similar and common protocols for VO2max estimation that require submaximal effort. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in VO2max estimation between the ACSM and YMCA tests. Eleven healthy adults (63.6% female, 21.1 ± 1.3 years) volunteered to complete both submaximal tests. Both tests were performed in a randomized order three to ten days apart. During testing, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed and VO2max was estimated. Between the ACSM and YMCA protocols, there were no significant differences in the highest heart rate achieved (138.4 …

An Analysis Of The Key Components Of War In Baseball, Natalie Kerr

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This study explores the creation of Offensive Wins Above Replacements (oWAR) models within the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB) based on individual player statistics for teams who participated in the 2022 postseason. The main objective was to construct a more refined oWAR model through the examination of the already existing oWAR model and its variables. The exploration was aimed at finding the impact that different variables relating to player performance have on the current oWAR and potentially reducing the number of variables used for the model. Through the use of statistical analysis techniques, such as regression analysis, it was …

A Body Disinterred: Academic Grave Robbing And Its Consequences, Jordan Ottaviano

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This thesis examines the local case of Ella Jamerson, a victim of grave robbing for the purposes of anatomization, in order to display the paradigm shift in documentation which this incident brought to its community. Anatomization is the dissection of individuals in order to gain knowledge concerning the structures and functions of the human body. This practice, though responsible for advancements within the study of human medicine, maintains a heavy stigma of discomposure due to previously unethical methods through which bodies have historically been procured for dissection. The act of resurrection, or graverobbing for medical education was utilized to provide …

Investigation Of The Oral And Gut Microbiomes Of Llamas: 16s Microbiome Testing And Characterization Of An Isolated Microbe, Elizabeth Wenger

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The oral microbiome informs us about the living conditions of the animal. Understanding the oral microbiome allows handlers to understand the health implications to better protect themselves and care for the animals. Current literature on the oral microbiome in ruminants and alpacas is scant and does not represent llamas. In theory, the oral microbiome of a llama should be similar because they are often housed and cared for in a very similar manner. The gut and oral microbiome in humans have proven to have an overlap in bacterial communities. In theory, this is also true in animals that chew cud …

Aerodynamic And Chemical Comparisons Of The Most Recent World Cup Soccer Balls, Lauren Thomas

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

One goal of this research was to compare the aerodynamics of the 2023 Women’s World Cup ball, the Oceaunz, to the ball used in the 2022 Men’s World Cup, the Al Rihla, using drag coefficients obtained from wind-tunnel data and vertical trajectories of the balls. The two balls have the same panel and seam design, but they possess different surface coloring. Chemical analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggests that both balls were designed with water soluble inks, which are environmentally preferable over inks made from oil-based solvents. Analysis of the drag coefficients determined from the wind-tunnel data indicate that …

Relationship Between Outdoor Recreation Activity And Physical And Mental Health, Ian Prinzbach

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Mental and physical health are important aspects of our lives, and maintenance of them is crucial to sustain or improve one’s quantity and quality of life. Research shows that Americans suffer greatly from physical and mental health related complications. Mental illness and chronic disease runs rampant in our society, and this is an issue that needs immediate attention. The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in outdoor activities affected physical and mental health. Based on existing research, it was hypothesized that the frequency of outdoor activity participation would have a positive correlation with more favorable physical and …

Fluorescence-Based Techniques For The Identification Of Small Biomolecules, Charnette Frederic

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Understanding fluorescence-based methods for detecting small biomolecules is a crucial area of focus in research investigations. Our studies focused on the challenge in two parts: Non-intrinsic fluorescence and intrinsic fluorescence. For studies on Non-intrinsic fluorescence, Rifampicin (Rif), an antibiotic harnessed for treating diverse bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB), serves as a focal point. Leveraging the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process, aptamers emerged from the nonspecific 40-mer Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) library to interact with its target, Rif. During each SELEX cycle, the recovered nucleotides underwent amplification via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) until the most selective aptamers were …