Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Fantasia On A Theme Of Purpose: Using A Music-Guided Scribble Technique To Support Meaning-Making In Older Adult Retiree Musicians, Sophia R. Smith

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Within the population of older adults, overall well-being corresponds with the ability to self-actualize and seek meaning, but age-related changes combined with ageism and isolation can negatively impact this capacity to maintain a sense of purpose, especially following retirement. It may be that retired musicians are especially vulnerable to this experience later in life due to a loss of the primary method of creative engagement and community that is facilitated by musical performance in a group setting. Integrating phenomenological and ethnographic approaches, this study utilized a qualitative design to understand how music-guided art-making incorporating the scribble technique could support a …

Befriending Your Anxiety Through The Polyvagal Lens By Utilizing Embodied Imagery, Cassandra Lacroix

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Many individuals experience anxiety disorders, which can significantly impact their well-being if not properly addressed. Recognizing the need for effective tools to support people with anxiety, this research aligns the key pillars of self-control and present focus awareness of physiological responses through art to harness emotional regulation. This research uses the lens of the polyvagal theory, and looking at embodied imagery, breathwork, and transitional objects to conceptualize ways to help decrease anxiety and enhance body perception and autonomic awareness will be witnessed in participants. The aim of this study was also to establish a strategy that individuals could turn to …

Chosen Family In Lgbtq+ Community: Creating Feeling Of Safety Through Collage In Art Therapy, Zaina Berger

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This student research study investigates how collage demonstrates feelings of safety with chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community as a minority group who has undergone much discrimination and exclusion from their biological family and society at large. Currently, within the field of art therapy, there is minimal research on LGBTQ+ community, especially in regards to kinship and family. The only research about chosen family was conducted by anthropologist, Kath Weston, in the 1990’s.The student researcher defines chosen family and discusses different alternative kinship theories and practices in the last three decades. The review discusses how queer people have created meaningful …

Mindfulness And Self-Compassion: Attuning Skills In Self-Awareness To Promote Self-Care For Art Therapy Practitioners A Mixed-Methods Study Using A Mandala Art Directive And Acceptance Commitment Therapy (Act), Janeth Arcila Padilla

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study attempts to examine people in the mental health field, specifically, Art Therapists and graduate trainees who undergo many stressors in and out of the therapy space. Stressors like emotionally demanding situations with clients, to the demands of keeping up with proper work-related procedures, and needed educational requirements for practicing in the field can lead to burnout for practitioners and students in the field. Stress, burnout, and professional impairment are prevalent among mental health professionals and can have a negative impact on their clinical work, while engagement in self-care can help promote therapist well-being (Posluns & Gall, 2020). Research …

Mental Health Stigma And Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Eastern Asian/Eastern Asian American College Students And Their Parents: A Mix-Method And Art Therapy Intervention Study, Carmen Tham

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This mixed-methods study examines perceptions of mental health within the Eastern Asian/Eastern Asian American community through quantitative analysis of the Asian American Value Scale (AAVS) and qualitative examination of Tree of Life artwork, alongside responses from a Mental Health Help-Seeking Interview Guide. Ten Chinese participants, comprising five students and five parents, participated, with varying generational statuses and educational backgrounds. Quantitative findings reveal significant differences in AAVS scores based on generational status and education level, with first/second-generation respondents scoring higher on family recognition through achievement and university-educated respondents scoring higher on conformity to norms. Qualitative analysis identifies common themes of rarity …

Art Therapy Assessment And Sense Of Safety, Sophie C. Restall

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study aimed to understand how artmaking experiences during assessment may influence the formation of the therapeutic alliance at the start of therapy. Rather than measuring therapeutic alliance directly, this study identified psychological safety as a vital component of the therapeutic relationship and an important topic of study via literature on attachment theory. Using a mixed-methods, repeated-measures design, this study compared artmaking experiences and feelings of psychological safety in response to two interventions––a Human Figure Drawing (HFD) assessment and an Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) assessment. Overall, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and quantitative data from the Art-Based Intervention (ABI) questionnaire …

Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy: The Effects Of Art Media On Mindfulness And Stress Reduction In College Students, Isabella Sziraczky

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This mixed-methods, mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) study explores how different art media and tools affect mindfulness and stress reduction in university students. Undergraduate and graduate university students (N = 11) were recruited to participate in the single-session art therapy study. Participants engaged in a brief mindfulness exercise, known as a body-scan meditation, followed by 20 minutes of art-making. The students who volunteered to participate in this study were randomly assigned to one of two groups — collage or acrylic paint — which determined the media they used for the MBAT portion of the study. Data was collected from students before …

Psychological Violence And Manipulative Behavior In Couple: A Focus On Personality Traits, Carmela Mento, Clara Lombardo, Nicholas Whithorn, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, Antonio Bruno, Maura Casablanca, Maria Catena Silvestri

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Psychological violence is characterized by systematic denigration and humiliation of the partner (victim). It is an insidious and manipulative behavior put in place to ensure that the victim begins to doubt themselves, and their own judgments, to the point of feeling confused and wrong. This behavior pattern is called Gaslighting and the personality traits are characterized by lack of empathy, psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism. These three conditions are part of the so-called dark triad and distinguished by the lack of empathy. The aim of this study is to explore psychological aspects and consequences of Gaslighting phenomena. This systematic review was …

The Influence Of Attachment Styles And Mental Health Symptoms On Marital Satisfaction Among Deployed Us Army Soldiers, Leo Mora

Dissertations

Since 2002, changes in the frequency, duration, and nature of military campaigns overseas have piqued efforts to understand the effects of deployment on the mental health of DoD service members, especially married Army soldiers. However, few studies have examined the influence of attachment styles on the emotional health of combat veterans and the wartime impact they have also imparted to their spouses. Thus, in the context of military deployments, this study examines how secure/insecure attachment styles, posttraumatic stress (PTS), and depressive symptoms significantly influence married soldiers and their perceptions of marital satisfaction. In addition, this study also examines pre-existent, internalized, …

An Examination Of Death In Premier Counseling Journals, Aaron Suomala Folkerds Edd, Diane H. Coursol Ph.D.

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This qualitative content analysis (QCA) examined five premier counseling journals and their coverage of death related issues from 1986-2022: Journal of Counseling and Development (JCD), Journal of Humanistic Counseling (JHC), Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development (JMCD), Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) and Counseling and Values (CV). Of the 6180 journal articles published across all five journals, 62 articles covered death related topics. Eight major death related themes emerged through the QCA process and included: Research on Death-Related Issues, Personal Reflection and Poetry, Grief and Loss Education, Book Reviews, Responding to Campus Death, Providing Grief Counseling, DSM and Bereavement Diagnosis …

Pelaksanaan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan Melalui Program Pemulihan Mata Pencaharian Oleh Lembaga X, Muhammad Hanif Ridho, Mochammad Rizqy Maulana, Muhamad Azami Nasri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This study examines the implementation of corporate social responsibility through the Livelihood Restoration Program (LRP) by Institution X. The study employs a qualitative approach with descriptive research methodology. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews and literature review. The study is motivated by land acquisition conducted by PT Y, which affected the livelihoods of the local community. Consequently, PT Y initiated livelihood restoration for the affected community through the LRP managed by Institution X. The findings indicate that Institution X has two primary roles: providing consultancy services and facilitating the implementation of the LRP. First, as a consultancy agency, Institution X …

Mata Pencaharian Berkelanjutan Kondisi Masyarakat Adat Lekuk 50 Tumbi Dan Peran Lembaga Adat, Muhamamd Hasan Izzurrahman, Muhammad Azami Nasri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Sustainable livelihoods are key for communities to sustain their lives. However, limited access to and utilisation of natural resources, particularly customary forests, has led to a decline in the livelihoods of the Lekuk 50 Tumbi indigenous community. Difficulty in clearing land is a major obstacle for them in finding alternative income. This research aims to evaluate the quality of life of the Lekuk 50 Tumbi indigenous community with a focus on indigenous institutions' initiatives based on sustainable livelihoods, considering the five aspects of capital. Through in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, natural capital, physical capital, human capital, financial capital and social …

Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Desa Dalam Upaya Penanggulangan Kemiskinan Di Desa Rarang Selatan, Meita Annisa, Bambang Shergi Laksmono

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Indonesia continues to face challenges in poverty alleviation, with extreme poverty still prevalent in the country. Despite having a social protection system aimed at reducing poverty and cushioning the poor and vulnerable from crises, its implementation often encounters difficulties, particularly in obtaining valid and verified data sources. This study explores how the development of the Village Information System (SID) can contribute to poverty alleviation in Rarang Selatan Village, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB). When SID was introduced in 2016, Rarang Selatan was a newly established village classified as underdeveloped. By 2022, the village had progressed to the category of an …

Keterlibatan Serikat Pekerja Dalam Perubahan Kebijakan Pengupahan Melalui Advokasii Sosial, Zeni Tri Lestari, Arif Wibowo

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research is about the involvement of trade unions in changing wage policies through social advocacy from the social welfare perspective. The urgency of conducting this research is to reveal how KASBI's involvement as a worker's union encourages changes in wage policies to ensure better labor welfare through advocacy against the Job Creation Law and advocacy against Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 2 of 2022. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected from February to June 2023 through online and offline interviews involving three informants selected by the purposive sampling technique. The research results reveal that KASBI …

Program Penanganan Fakir Miskin Di Desa Mulyasari Kota Banjar Provinsi Jawa Barat, Aep Rusmana, Eri Susanto, Muhammad Rai Jemadila, Nabila Aulia Putri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Poverty is a condition where a person cannot fulfill their basic needs to achieve a more dignified life. This research aims to explain the program for handling the poor in Mulyasari Village which is directed at three things, namely: 1) managing social problems, 2) mechanisms for meeting needs, and 3) providing opportunities for advancement for the poor. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological tradition. Determining the research sample used purposive sampling technique. There were 6 research informants consisting of Mulyasari Village officials, poor families who received social welfare services, and Community Social …

Identifying Associations Between The Family Environment And Anxiety And Depression Among Children Ages 0-17 In The United States, Reagan A. Richardson, Nicole M. Holt

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

This study analyzes whether physical, emotional & neurological, family environment, or community-related factors display the strongest association with anxiety and depression among children ages 0-17 in the United States.

Using IBM SPSS v. 27, we conducted a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis on data from the 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) with a sample size of 21,599. Our independent variables included 30 questions from the NSCH which were compared to a mental health index score.

Our study shows that about 10.6% of children suffer from either anxiety, depression, or both, and the univariate model found that 19 …

Sibling Experiences With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis, Katherine Golden

Dissertations

This study explored the lived experiences of adult siblings of a child with autism utilizing the framework of ambiguous loss theory (Boss, 1999). An exploratory analysis of the sibling experience began with the research question: What are the lived experiences of adult siblings of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? Further analysis used the theoretical framework of ambiguous loss theory with the secondary question: How have adult siblings been affected by ambiguous loss in their experiences with a sibling with autism spectrum disorder? Heidegger’s (1962) hermeneutic phenomenological approach was utilized to guide the semi structured in-depth interviews and to analyze …

Effectiveness Of Couples-Based Exposure And Response Prevention (Erp) Therapy Vs. Individual Erp Treatment For Ocd Symptom Reduction And Overall Couple Satisfaction, Priscilla Nguyen, Shana O'Connor-Wolf

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating, chronic condition characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts followed by persistent behavioral urges and time-consuming rituals that attempt to neutralize anxiety and distress caused by those unwanted obsessive thoughts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This research study aims to explore the effectiveness of Couples-Based ERP in decreasing individual symptoms of OCD and evaluating the impact of treatment on relationship satisfaction. Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Dyadic-Adjustment Scale (DAS) to measure our constructs, we hypothesize that Couples-Based ERP will be effective in not only decreasing OCD symptoms, but also increasing overall relationship satisfaction.

A Systematic Review Of Bottom-Up And Top-Down Psychotherapy Methods For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Kristen Sievert

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

While numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of either Top-Down or Bottom-Up modalities in reducing PTSD symptoms, there is a paucity of research focused on comparing differences in treatment effects of Bottom-Up and Top-Down therapies. Top-Down interventions are built on an individual’s ability to become conscious of their thoughts and their subsequent capacity to change those thoughts, while Bottom-Up interventions rely on an individual’s body sensations an/or movements to access and process trauma. We investigated this gap by conducting a systematic review of Top-down and Bottom-up treatments for PTSD. To be included in the review, studies needed to examine adults …

The Effectiveness Of Combining Play Therapy With Emotionally Focused Family Therapy For The Treatment Of Children, Ages 3-6., Britney Roark

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Present literature on emotionally focused family therapy (EFFT) overlooks treatment involving young children (Willis et al., 2016). Because preschool-aged children learn and express emotion best through the medium of play (Schaefer & Drewes, 2011), I hypothesize that EFFT will prove most effective with children ages 3-6 when combined with play therapy techniques. Marriage and family therapy interns, trained in EFFT concepts, who treat children in this age group will complete a training course on combining play therapy with EFFT. A control group will not. Initial and final measures will determine the success of treatment over a 12-week period.

Efficacy Of Solution Focused Therapy With At Risk Youth, Garret Patterson

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Dating back to the 1980’s, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapy approach that helps clients put problems in their life into context as measurable, manageable, and fixable. For many, this solution forward approach helps to improve symptoms and resolve stuck behavior patterns often stemming from childhood. This client driven, not knowing approach helps clients discover their own autonomy and understand that not only are their problems solvable, but that they themselves have the internal resources by which to solve them. However, there is still much interest as to who can benefit most from this form of therapy. However, …

Engagement In Religious Activity Compared To Peer Support: An Intervention For Suicidal Ideation Among High School Students., Meradythe Edson, Natalie Goobes, Danielle Thayer

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Suicidal ideation (SI) can lead to suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among adolescents ages 15-24 (CDC). This study compares active engagement in religious activities versus peer support as an effective resource in decreasing SI among high school students in the United States. The research explains how active engagement in religious activities will produce better results than peer support alone for decreasing SI in the targeted population. Semi-structured interviews of high school students and self-report questionnaires are utilized in this study. Our research hopes to support …

The Effectiveness Of Video Game Therapy In Helping Adolescent Clients To Build Connections With Their Families, Qichang Yang

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study explores the role of video game therapy in enhancing family connections among adolescents. Using a mixed-methods approach, we use surveys and interviews to assess changes in family relationships for adolescents undergoing video game therapy. Preliminary findings indicate that video game therapy could be a great tool for improving familial bonds. This research adds to the understanding of non-traditional therapeutic interventions and their potential impact on family dynamics and adolescent mental health.

Impacts Of Receiving An Autism Spectrum Diagnosis As An Adult On Relationship Satisfaction And Relationship-Specific Attachment, Erika Fisch, Molly Hammond, Katie Roberts

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Our research will explore how receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis impacts adult relationship satisfaction and relationship-specific attachment. Previous research has demonstrated benefits of ASD diagnosis for individuals. We hope to expand this body of research by examining the effects of ASD diagnosis on couples. We will survey adult couples with one partner on a waitlist for an ASD evaluation using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire. After evaluation, we will ask adults diagnosed with ASD and their partners to take the survey twice more. We hypothesize that both relationship satisfaction and attachment will improve.

Effectiveness Of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Efft) On Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (Nssi) Vs Dialectical Behavioral Therapy For Adolescence (Dbt-A), Aneta Merlino

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) in reducing the incidence of adolescent Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI). 80 adolescents who meet the NSSI criteria, age 13-19, will be randomized to participate in a total of 12 weekly, in-person EFFT sessions, or 16 weekly in-person Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescence (DBT-A) sessions. It is hypothesized EFFT will be more effective in long term reduction of NSSI frequency, measured post treatment, and at 12 month follow up, due to an increase in interpersonal protective factors as compared to DBT-A.

Are Telehealth Interventions Efficacious In Reducing Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety?, Megan Hoback, Mario Gaspar De Alba

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to explore the efficacy of therapeutic interventions via telehealth on reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. The focus will be on individuals living in the United States diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Subjects will participate in 12 individual telehealth sessions conducted across three months with a pre-test, immediate post-test, and 3-month follow up including completion of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7), and the Telehealth Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) to measure efficacy. We hypothesize therapeutic interventions via telehealth will be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Impact Of Narrative Therapy On American Interracial Couples’ Marital Satisfaction., Emily Knutzen

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

In the United States, the number of interracial couples has continued to rise since 1967 when miscegenation laws were overturned. Interracial couples face unique challenges related to racism, discrimination, and the complexity of blending cultures. The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of Narrative Therapy (NT) in increasing interracial couples’ reports of martial satisfaction. Twenty couples experiencing low marital satisfaction will be chosen using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. Pre-test, post-test, and two-month post-test follow up scores on the Index of Martial Satisfaction will be analyzed to assess for effectiveness of treatment.

Socioculturally Informed Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: Impacts On Biracial Couples, Angie Lai

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This quantitative study aims to explore the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) for biracial couples using a randomized controlled trial with a control group and an experimental group. Each group will consist of 15 biracial couples who will receive 20 sessions of EFCT. The experimental group’s treatment will also include the 5 Practice Guidelines of Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy (McDowell et al., 2018). Using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DSA), the Trust Scale, and the Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) questionnaire to measure efficacy, I hypothesize that couples who receive the socioculturally informed EFCT will show greater improvement.

A Comparative Study Of Emdr And Prolonged Exposure For The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Does Interoception Moderate Differences In Symptom Reduction?, Kristen Sievert

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to compare the efficacy and efficiency of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and prolonged exposure (PE) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Both interventions are standardized treatments for PTSD, however, each intervention’s mechanism of action are different, with EMDR being classified as a bottom-up psychotherapy model and PE being classified as a top-down psychotherapy model. A second aim of this study is to investigate whether differences in treatment response to EMDR compared to PE is moderated by interoception, a person’s ability to be aware of their internal states of their body. To …

Emotionally-Focused Therapy And Couples From Collectivistic Cultures: Impact On Relationship Satisfaction, Jacob Cain, Stephen Lee

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to explore the efficacy of EFT in increasing marital satisfaction in couples of a non-Western, collectivist origin. Our treatment group, consisting of 30 couples of a non-Western, collectivist origin will participate in 14 sessions of EFT in which their marital satisfaction will be measured pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 6 and 12 month follow-ups. Utilizing a control group consisting of 30 couples of a Western, non-collectivist origin receiving the same treatment, we seek to explore how cultural factors such as a collectivist mindset and the de-emphasis of individual’s feelings and emotions might affect the efficacy of EFT in …