Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Unplugging For Wellness: Psycho-Behavioral Impact Of Social Media Detox In Medical Students, Hazhmat Ali, Deemah Shalan, Lubna Ahmed, Ahmed Abdulazeez, Bira Ahmed, Mohammed Khamo

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Social media detoxification has emerged as a strategy for enhancing well-being. This study investigates the effects of social media detox on the psychological well-being and academic performance of students. A total of 361 medical students participated in this study. After obtaining formal consent, the participants completed a structured survey administered in a controlled setting. The survey included sections on demographics, patterns of social media use (e.g., time spent, platforms accessed, and primary motivations), and standardized psychological assessment scales. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Most students (75.9%) reported using multiple social media …

An Assessment Of Accessibility And Affordability Of Inpatient Psychiatric Care In Tennessee, Kailee Havrda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Access to mental health has seen changes over the past decade, but little research and attention have been given to access to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Inpatient psychiatric care is crucial for patients experiencing mental health emergencies who need immediate access to care. Gaps in spatial accessibility, affordability, and the access and assessment process were identified due to a lack of available information in the field.

Methods: Secondary data from the Tennessee Department of Health were used to assess financial accessibility through payer source charges and patient encounters, as well as through mapping of inpatient psychiatric facilities and conducting drive …

Piloting The Strong Bodies Strength Training Program In Utah, Gabriela Murza, Jenna Dyckman, Cris Meier, Emma Parkhurst, Sadie Wilde, Christina Pay, Naomi Brower, Cindy Nelson

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Muscle and bone loss occurs as we age, impacting health and independence. We evaluated a pilot 12-week strength training program for older adults in Utah. Participants showed improved fitness metrics and increased confidence. Results demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and public value in expanding access to evidence-based exercise that supports healthy aging.

Wildfires And Adolescent Mental Health: A Call To Action, Troy Allan

All Current Publications

Although wildfires affect people across the lifespan, adolescents warrant focused attention because wildfires can disrupt several systems that are especially important during this developmental period, including family relationships, peer networks, schools, routines, housing stability, and a developing sense of safety and identity. This fact sheet provides an overview of current research and a practical response pathway for professionals and families.

Clinical Considerations For Black Student Athlete Development, Jahnia Margarita Green

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Black student athletes exemplify the complexity of navigating intersecting identities at pivotal points in their development. They are also more likely to make premature commitments to their athletic identity and in turn suffer from psychological distress during times of transition (Beamon, 2012). The focus on Black collegiate athletes is informed by persistent mental health challenges associated with higher levels of competition or transitions (e.g., injury or retirement) within collegiate athletics (Brewer & Petitpas, 2017; Menke & Germany, 2019). This paper aims to develop culturally informed clinical considerations through the analysis of the Black student athlete experience and structural aspects of …

Mindful Music Lessons: Exploring Emotions Through The Creation Of Music, Shelton Jones

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Despite research categorizing mental health and occupational therapy as emerging, many intervention techniques from CBT principles remain applicable and fall within the scope of OT. The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project was to develop a healthy coping strategy by implementing a music-based therapeutic program that promotes symptom management, emotional regulation, social participation, and overall health and wellness among military service members

A Replication Study - Mental Health And Suicide Risk Among High School Students And Protective Factors — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023, Hannah Baiyor

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The original study (Verlenden et al., 2024) aims to analyze how various protective factors may buffer poor mental health and suicide risk outcomes among US students in grades 9-12, an important public health topic as suicide is one of the leading causes of death among US teens (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024a). Through studying these associations, this study aims to uncover pathways to positive mental health outcomes and reduced suicide risk. The study utilizes the 2023 YRBS dataset, a nationally representative sample of US public and private school students in grades 9-12, to estimate prevalence of four mental …

Hope Kit Program, Monica Reuber

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults, with a disproportionate burden of those deaths in rural areas such as Kansas. High rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal attempts, combined with a shortage of mental health providers, emphasize the need for community-based intervention.

This capstone is designed to develop a plan for Hope Kits, a proposed suicide prevention program, among youth in grades 7-12 in Sheridan County, Kansas to improve coping skills, promote help-seeking behavior, and reduce suicide risks.

A logic model guides the program development, which aligns with available literature and Social Cognitive …

Supporting Mental Health Through Occupation: Education For Women Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Rebekah Nicole Trammell, Lakeisa Boykin, Rebekah Jarrar

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and these women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and disruption to daily routines and meaningful occupations. Evidence shows that education on self-management strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and targeted occupational therapy interventions can support the mental health of women experiencing breast cancer. Furthermore, remaining engaged in meaningful occupations is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and deliver accessible, evidence-based education in digital and print formats that specifically target identifying mental health challenges, self-management strategies, and …

The Resilient Women's Collective: Empowering Women To Recognize Their Worth, Mary Campbell Johnstone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Mothers experiencing homelessness face challenges related to chronic stress, trauma, disrupted routines, and limited access to supportive resources, all of which negatively impact health, well-being, and occupational participation (Anderson et al., 2024). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through occupation-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote resilience, empowerment, and engagement in meaningful activities. This doctoral capstone addressed these complex needs through a multifaceted approach that included a scoping review, program development, advocacy, and educational initiatives. A scoping review examined stress-management interventions supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness in the United States. Although positive outcomes were reported, the literature revealed limited …

Dnp Final Report: Improving School Nurse Confidence In Managing Student Anxiety Through Simulation-Based Training, Jessica Marish

DNP Final Reports

Evidence has shown that students with untreated or poorly managed mental health concerns are at higher risk for absenteeism, psychiatric hospitalization, and school dropout. School nurses are often among the first healthcare professionals students encounter when experiencing emotional distress; however, many report limited preparation in mental health screening, grounding techniques, and referral support. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the feasibility of a simulation-based educational intervention for school nurses in managing student anxiety. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Neuman Systems Model, this initiative also included the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement model …

Weathering More Than Storms: Understanding The Mental Health Disparities Of Black Farmers In The Appalachian Region, Aliyah Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black farmers in Appalachia represent a vital and historically marginalized population within one of America’s most economically distressed regions. Black farmers have endured generations of systemic racism, resulting in land loss, economic hardship, and mental stressors. This study examines the intersection of race, agriculture, and behavioral health to illustrate how structural barriers and cultural stigmas shape the mental well-being of Black farmers across Appalachia.

Findings from the analysis will guide the development of a conceptual model based on constructs from the Social-Ecological Model (SEM), Intersectionality Theory, and Critical Race Theory (CRT). This study will use Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) conducted …

"It's Probably Like A Web": Complex Relationships Between Pain And Mental Health Among Bisexual+ Women With Chronic Pain, Aster Harrison, Mansha Mirza

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Bisexual+ women experience higher rates of both mental illness and chronic pain when compared to either straight or lesbian women. Their experiences of the relationship between their mental health and chronic pain remain underexplored. This article presents an intersectional Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the experiences of six bisexual+ women with chronic pain.

METHODS: Each woman completed two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, beginning with in-depth case study analysis of each person's interviews before moving to comparison across cases.

RESULTS: Results indicated a complex web of multidirectional relationships between mental health and chronic pain. These relationships …

Improving Provider Adherence To Adolescent Depression Screening: Implementation Of A Standardized Phq-A Workflow In Pediatric Primary Care, Taylor P. H. Wamser

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Adolescent depression is frequently under identified in pediatric primary care because of inconsistent implementation of routine depression screening despite national recommendations. This practice gap may delay diagnosis and treatment which may increase the risk of adverse mental health outcomes.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In pediatric primary care providers, how does the implementation of a standardized PHQ-A (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents) workflow compared to informal screening practices affect provider adherence to depression screening guidelines over 12 weeks?

Evidence: Current evidence and national clinical practice guidelines support routine adolescent depression screening using validated tools …

A Critical Review On Enhancing Equity Of Mental Health Treatment Of African American Families Through Social Support And Social Capital, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, Morgan E. Cooley, Heather M. Thompson, Atensia Earp Bowen, Gabe Caress, Alicia Best

Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research

African American adults and children experience both disproportionality and disparity when in contact with the mental health delivery system. There are a number of contextual factors that influence the treatment of African American families, such as systemic oppression or racism in both society and the behavioral health system or individual expressions of mental health symptomology. This review will provide an overview of how mental health disparities crossover systems, perceptions of mental health and mental health treatment among African American families, provide some context for why this review was written, as well as discuss the context of social support and social …

Screening And Treatment Protocols Used In Nicus Across Minnesota For Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (Pmads), Rachael Witt

Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research

Parents of infants with prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalizations are a population that is overlooked in recommended routine screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), yet this population is at greater risk for developing diagnosable mental health disorders. Previous research shows that across the US, PMAD screening and treatment practices vary widely, with many NICUs not providing any routine PMAD screening, psychoeducation, or treatment options to parents. The objective of this study was to explore the current mental health screening and treatment protocols used in NICUs across the state of Minnesota to learn if there are areas …

Occupational Therapists’ Emerging Role In Running Bereavement Support Groups, Diana Daus, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Susan Taddonio

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Grief is well recognized as a stress response and, as such, significantly impacts engagement in meaningful occupational performance and engagement in meaningful occupations. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a newly recognized diagnosis, reflects the public health risk for the bereaved. Multiple client factors and performance patterns of those experiencing grief disrupt multiple areas of occupation. This opinion paper evaluates occupational therapy’s role in bereavement groups in the occupational therapy scope of practice.

The Role Of Mental Health In Postoperative Complications: A Literature Review, Kayla Monet Alwahhamy, Abbas Rasoul Alwahhamy

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Currently, it is not standard practice to screen all surgical patients both pre- and postoperatively for either a prior history of mental health disorders (MHD) or active symptoms of MHD at the time of surgery. This is despite growing evidence that MHDs may impact wound healing and are recognized as a mortality risk factor in many patients. Aim: This review aims to evaluate existing literature examining mental health (MH) in surgical patients, assess whether there is a relationship between MHDs and postoperative complication rates, and determine whether outcomes differ based on the timing of MHD manifestation (pre- …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Community-Based Prenatal Education Program On Maternal Knowledge And Intentions In Utah, Aaron T. Hunt, Jenna Dyckman, Kaylee Cox

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Maternal and infant health in the U.S. has worsened, with rising rates of maternal mortality, gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, and infant mortality. Prenatal education is a proven strategy to improve outcomes, yet many expecting parents rely on unvetted information or lack access to reliable resources. To address this gap, a pilot prenatal education program was implemented through Utah State University Extension to improve knowledge, attitudes, and intentions related to breastfeeding, nutrition, mental health, and other key topics. The program consisted of 3 1-hour, evidence-based workshops incorporating lectures and interactive activities. A retrospective pre-post survey was completed by 28 pregnant participants …

July 2026 The Back Page — Fighting Burnout By Building A Better Sense Of Community, Tamar Shrikian, Dmd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Tamar Shrikian shares a personal commentary on overcoming professional burnout by seeking fulfillment outside the clinical setting. Identifying isolation as a key factor in clinician stress, she discusses her transformative experience joining a community chorus. The article introduces the concept of a "third place"—a social space distinct from home and work—as essential for maintaining a healthy identity beyond being a health care provider. Shrikian encourages her colleagues to actively build social connections, whether through faith communities, hobbies, or organized dentistry, to foster mutual support and overall well-being within the profession.

Advancing Dimensional Models Of Psychopathology In Cancer: Insights From Applying The Hierarchical Taxonomy Of Psychopathology (Hitop), Darren Haywood, Jai Carmichael, Miriam K. Forbes, Roman Kotov, Robert F. Krueger, Aidan G.C. Wright, Susan L. Rossell, David Castle, Wendy Lam, Maryam Lustberg, Colin E. Vize, Anna Ugalde, Phyllis Butow, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Cancer survivors, defined as those living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, experience more than double the prevalence of psychopathology when compared to the general population. Categorical diagnostic systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), remain dominant in psycho-oncology despite concerns about reliability, validity, and clinical utility for this population. Dimensional frameworks, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), offer a more precise alternative; however, they have not yet been widely applied in cancer survivors. Accordingly, the objective of this research was to examine the applicability of HiTOP to cancer survivors. Methods: Data …

Psoriasis Effects On Psychological And Daily Activities In Patients Attending To Outpatient Clinics In Aldiwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Saja Abbas Musa, Hassan Raji Jallab, Akeel Hamid Jabur

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-related skin disorder affecting 2–3% globally, linked to heart disease, joint issues, metabolic syndrome, and psychological disorders. It also impacts social life, mental health, and work productivity, with added challenges in Middle Eastern patients due to stigma and limited healthcare access. Aim: To assess the psychological and functional impact of psoriasis on patients attending Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. It focuses on anxiety, depression, social disengagement, and effects on daily activities like work, exercise, sleep, and hygiene. The study also explores the relationship between disease severity and impairment levels. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at …

Lived Experiences Of Polysubstance Use And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Candee Dione Rillon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders (MHD), with particular attention to the transition into polysubstance use. The purpose of the study was to understand how individuals experience and make meaning of these co-occurring conditions and the factors influencing substance use patterns. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants who reported both mental health challenges and substance use histories. Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced SUD and MHD as deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing, often functioning within a cyclical pattern of distress and temporary relief. Substance use …

The Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Poor Mental Health: A Study Of Brfss Data, Angelina Somadina Oputa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health conditions are one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Despite advancements in mental health therapies and psychiatric medications, significant numbers of patients continue to struggle with mental illness. Despite these challenges, exercise can serve as a powerful tool to address mental health concerns. Current literature has referenced the value of physical fitness to support mental health, however there is limited large-scale research assessing the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a predictor of poor mental health days. In response, this quantitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between estimated VO2Max and poor …

Sicker Americans Are More Likely To Misuse Prescription Medications, Esther Oshaji, Andrew S. London

Population Health Research Brief Series

Prescription medication misuse is a long-term population health problem in the United States. This data slice uses data from the National Wellbeing Survey (N=32,789, 2021–2025) of U.S. adults ages 18–64 to examine how the number of chronic health conditions a person has is related to their misuse of prescription opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, or stimulants in the past 12 months. The authors find a dose-response pattern: misuse rises from 2.8% among those with no chronic conditions to 11.7% among those with three or more conditions. Mental health conditions show stronger associations with misuse than physical health conditions.

Identifying Social Determinants Of Health Subgroups And Their Associations With Health Outcomes In A Prospective Us Adult Covid-19 Cohort: An Analysis Of The Inspire Registry, Yohali Burrola-Mendez, Eugene Lin, Canada Parrish, Chialing Hsu, Mandy J. Hill, Michael Gottlieb, Kristin L. Rising, Lauren E. Wisk, Nicole L. Gentile, Rachel E. Geyer, Robert A. Weinstein, Michelle Santangelo, Kristyn Gatling, Jonathan W. Dyal, Joann G. Elmore, Robert M. Rodriguez, Phillip Watts, Ji Chen, Zihan Diao, Erica S. Spatz, Kwun Cg Chan, K A. Stephens, Kelli N. O'Laughlin, Inspire Group

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To identify subgroups with similar social determinants of health (SDOH) characteristics using latent class analysis (LCA) and examine their associations with physical and mental health, cognitive function and missed workdays at 3 and 6 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. We hypothesised that intersecting SDOH factors would differentially influence COVID-19-related health outcomes across subgroups.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study from the Innovative Support for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE), with longitudinal data collection and cross-sectional analyses at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.

SETTING: Multicentre registry across eight US academic medical centres (Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New Haven, Philadelphia, San Francisco and …

When School Culture Excludes: Deficit Discourse, Microaggressions, And The Mental Health Of Marginalized Students – A Conceptual Framework With Implications For School Psychology Practice And Equity Policy, Modupe Mercy Oyewunmi

Publications

Deficit-laden language like ‘behavior problem,’ ‘not college material,’ ‘won’t fit in’, ‘not a cultural fit’, operates as a systemic form of implicit bias and microaggression in school settings. Despite decades of research on school belonging and well-being, school psychology has yet to integrate these exclusionary discursive practices into a coherent health-determinant model that also accounts for the current anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy environment. This conceptual paper proposes a testable framework linking deficit discourse and school-based microaggressions to student identity suppression, academic impostor phenomenon, and educator moral injury, with downstream effects on school mental health outcomes. We situate these …

Psychogastroenterology: An Introduction For Behavioral Health And Healthcare Professionals, Jerrod Brown Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., Jeremiah B. Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Cns, Ches, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Tiffany Flaten Cns, Ldn

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

Although often difficult to discuss with clients, gastrointestinal (GI) issues affect an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans (American Gastroenterological Association, 2022). Yet only about 25% of those experiencing these conditions receive treatment. This is troubling because GI issues frequently co-occur with clinically significant consequences for physical health, psychological well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Designed for behavioral health and healthcare professionals, this brief article introduces the field of psychogastroenterology, with emphasis on symptoms, stigma, diagnosis, and treatment. Key topics include the gut-brain axis, common digestive health conditions, and the mental health implications associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Kenyan Adolescents: Psychometric Properties, Prevalence Rates And Correlates, Tom Osborn, Rosine Baseke, Faith Kamau, Winnan Munyasa, Christine Wasanga, Maureen Ngesa, Victoria Mutiso, Moses Nyongesa, Jasmit Shah, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked to poor mental health outcomes, yet research on their impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) settings of Africa, remains relatively unexplored. In Kenya, where childhood adversity is widespread, there is a critical need to examine the validity of ACE measures and their associations with mental ill health. This study aimed to validate the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (ACE-10) in a Kenyan adolescent sample and assess its associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety, bullying, and sociodemographic factors.

Methods: Data was collected from N = 2,842 adolescents and young …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Mobile App And Wearable Device For Collecting Mental Health Survey And Passively Sensed Data Among Health Care Workers In Kenya: Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Linda Khakali, Andrew Aballa, Dorcas G. Mwigereri, Willie Njoroge, Rachel Maina, Amos Bunde, Peris Musitia, Moses Nyongesa, James Orwa, Jasmit Shah, Anthony Ngugi, Lukoye Atwoli, Amina Abubakar, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Mobile apps and wearable devices may help to facilitate early detection of mental health conditions by providing objective, real-time data to supplement other forms of feedback and diagnoses. Few studies have investigated the acceptability and feasibility of using a mobile app to track survey- and wearable-based data in mental health research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of using a mobile app and wearables to capture mental health–based survey data and passively sensed data among Kenyan health care workers.

Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted among health care workers …