Mental and Social Health Commons^™

The Association Between Irregular Sleep Patterns And Learning Outcomes: Implications For Students’ Health In Iraq, Hazhmat Ali, Dildar Haji Musa, Ary Habeeb Mohammed, Hiwa Abdulraheem, Sherzad Salahadeen, Alind Mustafa

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Students often exhibit irregular sleep patterns due to rigorous academic workloads, which exert a considerable negative impact on their mental health. The present study aims to investigate the influence of irregular sleep on academic performance.

Methods: This study recruited a cohort of 409 medical students of both genders. Upon their consent, participants filled out a closed-ended questionnaire on various sleep parameters, including sleep habits, duration, and environment.

Results: Students with irregular sleep patterns reported higher rates of sleep deprivation, late sleep onset, and troubled sleep. Moreover, they spent a longer duration using smart devices before bedtime …

The Association Between Pain Catastrophizing, Somatization, Psychological Distress And Low Back Pain Severity Among Academics In Malaysia, Noordiyana Izyanti Mohamad Saufi, Eva Nabiha Zamri

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Psychological factors may influence the severity of low back pain (LBP), especially in high-stress professions such as academia. This study aimed to identify the relationship between psychological factors and LBP severity among Malaysian public university academics.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between psychological factors and LBP among academics at four public universities located in the northern region of West Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, work information, lifestyle factors, LBP presence and intensity, and psychological factors. Data were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression and reported in terms …

Enhancing Research Training Curricula Through The Ethical Integration Of Ai-Powered Tools: Opportunities And Challenges For Counselor Educators, Joshua C. Watson, Chris Leeth, Kevin Wong, Justen Schroeder

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article reviews existing training models used to teach research courses and facilitate researcher identity development in counselor education curricula and suggests how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be incorporated into these courses as an instructional aid that improves researcher efficiency. Various GenAI tools used across stages of the research process are introduced with a discussion of their ethical implications and how they can be integrated into exiting lesson plans.

Counselor-In-Training Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence: Implications For Counselor Education, Leo Gonzalez Jr., Deija Mccalla

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study examined the perceptions of counselors-in-training (CIT) on artificial intelligence (AI) in counseling practice and training. 31 CIT responded to three open-ended questions about the benefits, drawbacks, and overall attitudes of integrating AI into counseling practice and education. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. The findings showed that CIT perceive AI as a clinical support tool, especially for tasks such as diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, CIT voiced concerns of potential overreliance on AI, ethical risks, confidentiality concerns, and the possible loss of human connection. Furthermore, although several CIT expressed cautious optimism regarding AI's use in counselor …

Artificial Intelligence In Counselor Education: Innovative Strategies For Teaching, Supervision, And Clinical Training, Shannon Shoemaker, Nikki Freeburg, Kevin Duquette

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms mental health and education, counselor educators must prepare future practitioners to engage with these technologies ethically and effectively. This article presents a systematic framework for incorporating AI into counselor education through three key approaches: AI-generated content, AI analysis, and AI interactions. The framework addresses critical considerations including ethical implementation, prompt engineering, and cultural competence while maintaining alignment with professional standards. Drawing from current literature and ethical guidelines, we provide structured guidance for implementing AI across various content delivery styles, with emphasis on preserving clinical judgment and therapeutic relationships. Comprehensive appendices include implementation guides, assessment rubrics, …

A Pilot-Study Evaluating The Fidelity Of Chatgpt In Client Simulations, Eric Tod Beeson, Yusen Zhai, Russell Fulmer, Andrew M. Burck, Rakesh Maurya

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Generative AI (genAI) is expanding in counselor education. This pilot study evaluated ChatGPT 4o's voice mode for simulating client scenarios during 53-minute mock-intake sessions with master’s-level counseling students. Analyzing eight domains (authenticity, consistency, emotional expression, empathy, cultural dynamics, self-awareness, goal setting, and role play confusion), ChatGPT’s responses showed good to excellent fidelity when compared to a typical client. Limitations such as formulaic and idealized responses raised authenticity concerns. ChatGPT offers a scalable, cost-effective tool for pre-practicum training, with potential to enhance skill development across the curriculum. Educators are encouraged to integrate genAI thoughtfully, prioritizing ethical considerations and iterative prompt refinement.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjuncts To Support Autistic Adults Between Counseling Sessions, Carlos J. Castaneda Jr, Nicole Noble, Afroze N. Shaikh

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mental health care presents innovative opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This pilot study examined the use of a customized Artificial Intelligence Therapeutic Adjunct (AITA) as a supplementary counseling tool for adults with level one autism spectrum disorder who attended weekly counseling sessions. Using a Single Subject Design to review trends in mental health symptoms and perceptions of the AITA, participants engaged with the AITA over four weeks, completed weekly anxiety and depression assessments, and post-intervention and satisfaction surveys. Thematic Analysis identified common counseling concerns and the AITA’s use of counseling techniques. Although findings suggest …

Reimagining The Counseling Profession: Preparing Counselors For Ai And Digital Health Integration, Carl J. Sheperis, Dusti L. Annan-Coultas, Caronne C. C. Rush

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Digital health technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming mental healthcare delivery, creating new opportunities and challenges for counseling practice. This article examines digital health applications in counseling, including telehealth, mobile apps, digital therapeutics, virtual reality, and AI-powered tools. We explore key implications for practice, including enhanced accessibility, impacts on therapeutic relationships, and ethical considerations. The article presents a six-domain competency framework covering privacy and security, technical proficiency, ethical literacy, clinical integration, therapeutic adaptability, and administrative management. A case study illustrates the practical application of hybrid digital care, while a discussion of counselor education highlights the need for curriculum updates. …

Letter From The Editors: Special Issue: Artificial Intelligence In Professional Counseling And Counselor Preparation, Rachel Jacoby, Sandra Logan-Mckibben

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

No abstract provided.

A Religious Etiology Of Genito-Pelvic Pain And Pain With Penetration, Emily L. Carlson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Pelvic pain during penetration (PPDP) has been described using various diagnostic terms, including vaginismus, dyspareunia, and vulvodynia. The most recent and comprehensive classification is Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) which is characterized by psychological distress associated with pain during or in anticipation of vaginal penetration (DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). The etiology of PPDP is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and relational factors. Religious and cultural influences may play a significant role in shaping individuals’ experiences of sexual pain. This study investigated the etiology of PPDP in relation to the religious influences among women raised in Judeo-Christian …

Courtroom To Clinic: Where I Found The Work I Love, Christina Fay Bucarey

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reflects my journey through the Master of Social Work program, highlighting my growth in clinical practice, policy advocacy, and cultural responsiveness. Drawing from experiences in treatment court, addiction counseling, tribal and non-tribal community contracts, and my generalist- and specialist-year practicum, it demonstrates my application of trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions, including adapted DBT groups within Indigenous communities. Through the lens of the Five Elements of Advanced Integrated Practice, I connect coursework, practicum learning, and professional development, such as my involvement with the NASW board, to show how I’ve developed the competencies required for ethical, effective, and community-centered social work practice.

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

Factors That Contribute To Occupational Burnout Among Occupational Therapists And Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants: A Qualitative Design, M'Kayla Davis, Kim Broussard, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project investigates the prevalence, contributing factors, and impact of occupational burnout and compassion fatigue among occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Using a qualitative research design, structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identifies heavy workloads, staffing limitations, emotional demands, and sleep deprivation as primary contributors to burnout. The research employs occupational adaptation theory to explore adaptive strategies practitioners utilize, such as boundary setting and seeking professional or interrelationship support, to mitigate these effects. Findings highlight the pervasive nature of burnout among participants on professional performance and personal well-being, and the …

Addressing Psychosocial Barriers To Participation In People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop, Preston Bender, Steven M. Gerardi, Lacey Spark

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the occupational therapy (OT) profession's emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many OT practitioners and students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop aligned with Experiential Learning Theory. The content is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework (BTTF), trauma-informed care (TIC), harm reduction, and diversity, equity, …

Kind Kids, Healthy Teens: Child Prosociality And Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Farah Qureshi, Krista P. Woodward, Laura D. Kubzansky, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Methods

Advancing Mental Health Awareness Among Persons Of Color: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Irene Rattitham, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to advance mental health awareness among persons of color (POC) residing in a skilled nursing facility by developing and implementing a culturally responsive psychoeducational program. Informed by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based practices, the program addressed barriers such as stigma, limited awareness, and cultural perceptions of mental health. A needs assessment guided the creation of an 8-module curriculum covering topics like emotional regulation, family involvement, and accessing support. Educational materials were translated into Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese to enhance accessibility. The program was delivered through group and individual sessions, in-service presentations, and …

Exploring Transgender And Gender Expansive Youth's Experiences With Vicarious Minority Stress, Erin T. Pereida

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

In the United States (U.S.), transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth experience elevated rates of depressive symptoms, self-harm behaviors, and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. Mental health professionals and researchers often use the gender minority stress model to explain these elevated rates, positing that stressors related to minority identity experienced above and beyond normative daily stress contribute to adverse mental health outcomes. One emerging component of the model requiring further investigation is vicarious minority stress; stress experienced indirectly through witnessing or learning of gender minority stressors affecting other TGD individuals or the community more broadly. The present study explored this …

Emotional Safety In Pediatrics: The Impact Of Child Life Services On Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions Of Their Own, Patients’, And Families’ Outpatient Experiences, Jenni Davis

All Dissertations

Medical visits, regardless of setting, are stressful for children and their families. Care that focuses on the emotional safety of children and families can help reduce this stress. However, not all staff feel prepared to provide emotionally safe care. Child life specialists (CLSs) are specifically trained to support emotional needs during healthcare encounters. Their presence may help staff stress as well, not just stress for children and families.

This study used three surveys to understand stress among healthcare staff working in pediatric outpatient clinics and surgery settings, and how support from a CLS affects staff, children, and families. All staff …

The Real Story Of “The Happy Mother”: A Narrative Inquiry Exploring The Construction Of Motherhood And Postpartum Depression, Elizabeth Erin Falconer

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The transition to motherhood is a complex and challenging period, during which mothers undergo a considerable number of biological, hormonal, and identity changes. The first six to eight weeks following childbirth is a time of great susceptibility to postpartum depression for mothers. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of research beyond the biological understanding of the experience. Prior literature has examined the biological aspects of postpartum depression and its societal influences on motherhood. However, no prior study has explored how postpartum depression impacts mothers’ construction and understanding of motherhood through investigating their subjective, lived experiences. This study fills that …

Use Of Naltrexone For Treating Binge Eating And Food Obsession Related To Trauma: A Case Report And Literature Review, Rebecca K. Hicks, Iram Kingson, Jordan Gaal, Suzanne Holroyd

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Impulse-control disorders, including those related to eating behaviors, are complex conditions with limited pharmacologic treatment options. While naltrexone is primarily used for opioid and alcohol dependence, emerging research suggests it may also be effective in managing a variety of impulse-driven conditions. As a pure opioid antagonist, naltrexone’s mechanism of action involves the inhibition of opioid receptors on dopaminergic neurons involved in the reward pathway of the brain, thereby reducing the reinforcing effects of substances such as alcohol and opioids. Research suggests that through this mechanism of action, naltrexone shows promise in treating impulsive behaviors also driven by the reward pathway, …

Temporal And Generational Changes In Depression Among Young American Adults, Ashley W. Kranjac, Dinko Kranjac, Valentine Chung

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The prevalence of depression among young American adults has risen significantly over the past two decades, but the mechanisms that underlie the population-level changes in depressive symptoms severity remain unclear. We used data from the 2005–2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and hierarchical age–period–cohort (HAPC) analysis to examine developmental (i.e., age), life stage (i.e., period), and generational (i.e., cohort) distribution of depressive symptoms among American adults aged 20–30 years old over an 18-year period. Our model results indicate that the probability of either mild, moderate, or severe depression increased among young adult females and males between 2005 and …

Impactful Programs And Initiatives For Employee Resource Groups That Promote And Sustain Positive Social Determinants Of Health, Lisa Kangas, Maureen Hall, Julie James, Gladys Peters

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders’ lack of interest in employee resource groups (ERGs) and related programs can negatively impact an organization’s culture, operational excellence, and employee retention and have detrimental implications for social determinants of health (SDOH). Prioritizing ERG programs and initiatives is essential for organizational success and can positively affect SDOH. This qualitative pragmatic inquiry study identified and explored ERG programs and initiatives that support organizational culture, operational excellence, and employee retention.The research question for this study was: What ERG programs and initiatives support organizational culture, operational excellence, and employee retention? The study included eight DEI leaders …

From Life-Vests To Catalysts: Collaboration As The Key To Becoming Researchers, Ingunn Skjesol Ph.D., Krisitn B. Ørjasæter Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

Ph.D. students report that doctoral work is challenging, with tight deadlines and extensive individual demands. In our duoethnography we reflect on and interrogate how collaborating in a structured way supported the development of our research competence during our doctoral work. Our analysis draws on a range of data: emails, Outlook calendars, work notes, manuscripts with reviewing comments, audio recordings of workshops, memories and research diaries. This article presents two concepts: (1) the phasing of doctoral work, showing our journey from life-vests to catalysts, and (2) a structured model for collaboration, built on shared engagement and mutual commitment. Further it argues …

Sex-Specific Effects Of Early-Life Unpredictability On Hippocampal And Amygdala Responses To Novelty In Adolescents, Elysia Poggi Davis, Bianca T. Leonard, Robert J. Jirsaraie, David B. Keator, Steven L. Small, Curt A. Sandman, Victoria B. Risbrough, Hal S. Stern, Laura M. Glynn, Michael A. Yassa, Tallie Z. Baram, Jerod M. Rasmussen

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Unpredictable childhood experiences are an understudied form of early-life adversity that impact neurodevelopment. The neurobiological processes by which exposure to early-life unpredictability impact development and vulnerability to psychopathology remain poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the sex-specific consequences of early-life unpredictability on the limbic network, focusing on the hippocampus and the amygdala.

Methods

Participants included 150 youths (54% female). Early-life unpredictability was assessed using the Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC). Participants engaged in 1 or more task–functional magnetic resonance imaging scans between the ages of 8 and 17 (223 total observations) measuring blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) …

Exploring Buffering Effects Of Interpersonal Relationships On The Impacts Of Stress On Physical Health, Hadley Freedman, Sophie Forcier, Emma Slatnick, Keely Wright, Kevin M. Summers, Sarah Huff

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

We examined the potential moderating effects of interpersonal relationships on the association between stress and physical health. We hypothesized that there would be a significant main effect of stress on physical health, a significant main effect of relationships on physical health, and a significant interaction between stress and relationship quality on physical health, such that quality relationships provide a buffering effect, reducing the negative impacts of stress on physical health. Data was collected through a self-report Qualtrics survey on CloudResearch. We found a significant main effect of stress on physical health and a significant main effect of relationship quality on …

Evaluating The Predictive Value Of Basc-3 Anxiety Scale And Working Memory Index Scores For Clinically Significant Test Anxiety: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Non-Classifiable Cases, Des'tiana S. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation will explore how test anxiety (TA) affects working memory (WM) and whether certain factors can help predict higher levels of test anxiety. Anxiety has been defined as a common experience that can show up in various forms—like general worry, social fears, panic attacks, and specific phobias (APA, 2022). It was described as often triggering our natural “fight-or-flight” response, which can impact our ability to focus, think clearly, and remember things. For students, test anxiety has been especially challenging, affecting how they perform in high-stakes academic settings. Using data from a university based psychological assessment center, this study will …

Evaluating The Predictive Value Of Basc-3 Anxiety Scale And Working Memory Index Scores For Clinically Significant Test Anxiety: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Non-Classifiable Cases, Des'tiana S. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation will explore how test anxiety (TA) affects working memory (WM) and whether certain factors can help predict higher levels of test anxiety. Anxiety has been defined as a common experience that can show up in various forms—like general worry, social fears, panic attacks, and specific phobias (APA, 2022). It was described as often triggering our natural “fight-or-flight” response, which can impact our ability to focus, think clearly, and remember things. For students, test anxiety has been especially challenging, affecting how they perform in high-stakes academic settings. Using data from a university based psychological assessment center, this study will …

The Effect Of Computer-Mediated Communication On Occupational Positive Mental Health Mediated By Work-Family Enrichment In Workers In Remote Areas: Analysis Using Structural Equation Modelling, Herlando Junanta, Suryo Wibowo, Herqutanto ., Dewi Yunia Fitriani, Titis Mariyamah, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on occupational positive mental health (OPMH) mediated by work-family enrichment (WFE) in workers in remote areas using the CMC, OPMH-40, and WFE questionnaires. Method: The latent variables in this study are CMC, OPMH, and WFE. The observed variables include all items from CMC, OPMH, and WFE. The sample technique used was total sampling, revealing that 349 workers in the project department of an oil and gas company located in the West Papua Province of Indonesia expressed their willingness to participate as research participants. To test research hypotheses using …

U.S. Young Adults’ Family-Building Intentions In The Event Of Infertility And Knowledge Of Associated Costs, Jean Marie Place, John Horowitz, Minh Nguyen, Maya Guinn, Brennan Peterson

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Infertility affects approximately 8.5% of married women in the United States, yet there is limited understanding of how young adults anticipate and prepare for potential barriers to biological parenthood. As reproductive planning increasingly intersects with social, medical, and financial considerations, it is important to examine how emerging adults perceive and approach family-building options. This study aims to explore college students' intentions regarding childbearing, their openness to non-traditional family-building methods, and their awareness of the associated financial costs.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to undergraduate students (mean age = 20) at a Midwestern public university. Most participants had not …

Exploring The Association Between Self-Esteem And Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Investigation, Bijou C. Allard, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

High self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (M_age = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, …