Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Barriers To Mental Health Access Among Immigrant Populations In The U.S., Cecilia Menzinger

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Psychosocial Stressors And Mental Well-Being Of Construction Professionals From The Management Standpoint: An Exploratory Study, Md Tauhidul Karim

Masters Theses

Construction professionals face persistent workplace stressors that undermine their mental well-being outcomes. Despite progress in general job-related stressors, social and interpersonal aspects of psychosocial stressors traditionally remain underexplored in the construction management research. The present study examines how social and interpersonal factors influence construction workers’ mental well-being and how management’s awareness, responsiveness, and strategic roles evolved in the transition of the COVID-19 pandemic at the organizational level. An integrative mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review, a bibliometric analysis, and an exploratory case study to capture the current landscape of mental well-being and management standpoints in the US …

Building Rapport In Ethnoculturally Dissimilar Dyads: A Critical Grounded Theory Inquiry, Danielle E. Burton

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Multiculturalism is not a new concept within the field of counseling. It is discussed in terms adjacent to competency, theory, and identity development. However, research indicates that students do not usually feel multiculturally-competent following their graduation from counseling programs, nor do they feel that they have adequate skills and techniques to engage diverse clientele. This critical grounded theory study examines counseling skills, dispositional factors, systemic factors, and other experiential factors used in pursuit of rapport within counseling dyads of ethnocultural dissimilarity. Semi-structured interview data was coded to reveal five themes to be used as a heuristic for further discovery. These …

Mental Health Education For Latinx Students In High School, Wilbert F. Rivas-Vides

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mental health has become a significant concern for adolescents, especially high school juniors and seniors who are getting ready to transition into adulthood. At this age, students often face academic pressure, uncertainty about their future, and the challenge of balancing increased independence with family and cultural expectations. These stressors can be even harder for students from immigrant, low-income, or bilingual backgrounds because they may face extra barriers when trying to seek support. National data show that mental and behavioral health conditions are common among teens, with anxiety and depression standing out as leading concerns (Sappenfield et al., 2024). To address …

Parentcoach: Designing An Mhealth Parenting App To Enhance Parental Involvement In Adhd Support, Franceli L. Cibrian, Nancy Herrera, Jesus A. Beltran, Lucas M. Silva, Mikaela Pulse, Kayla Anderson, Cassie Zeiler, Luc Rieffel, Daniel I. Lee, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Parents play a vital role in supporting self-regulation and managing behaviors in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, many face barriers to accessing consistent, evidence-based support. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising way to deliver flexible, low-burden guidance for parents on best practices and strategies to support their children's self-regulation. However, designing them is non-trivial.

Objective: This paper introduces ParentCoach, a mobile application designed to support parents of children with ADHD through brief daily lessons, reflection prompts, and skill-building activities.

Methods: ParentCoach was developed in two phases: (1) secondary analysis of qualitative data from over 30 families …

Bridging Traditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Of Yoga For Trauma Recovery In Indigenous People, Andreia Schineanu, Fredrik Velander, Julaine Allan

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective: The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to explore if Yoga can alleviate mental health issues for Indigenous people, and how participants experience the effects.

Methods: Peer-reviewed primary research published in English retrieved from 2002 to March 2024 was identified using the databases Medline, Scopus, Informit, ProQuest and PsycINFO. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies with Indigenous populations, where the primary intervention was Yoga or mindfulness programs with significant yoga components that reported on mental health outcomes were included.

Results: Only 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies demonstrated significant improvements in mental health outcomes, including …

Increasing The Likelihood Of Using Mental Health First Aid: Applying The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Alexander E. Chan, Cheyenne Schad, Julie Slivka, Elise Young, Ghaffar A. Hurtado Choque

Journal of Extension

This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine what may drive intentions to help others after receiving Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. The study is unique in its application of theory to understanding MHFA outcomes, as prior studies tended to be atheoretical. Logistic regression was used to analyze the results of post-program surveys completed by MHFA participants. Results showed that participants who reported positive changes in subjective norms and attitudes were significantly more likely to report increases in intentions to help. However, when analyzed in a model containing all predictors, only attitudes remained significant.

Latine Doctoral Student Experiences In U.S. Counselor Education And Supervision Programs, Nayara Aparecida Da Costa Silva Beall, Lizbeth Duran Oden, Isabel C. Farrell, Mariaimeé Gonzalez, Stephanie Thorson-Olesen

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study explored the experiences of Latine doctoral students in Counselor Education and Supervision programs in the United States. The consensual qualitative research yielded five domains: cultural values, representation, racialized experiences, support, and social justice. The findings are discussed with direct applications for programs and recommendations for future research.

Counselor Education: Digital Delivery With Confidence, Nicole Marie Arcuri-Sanders, Alisha Davis

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Counselor education programs are required to demonstrate a clear framework, effective implementation, and overall program effectiveness. The pandemic’s surge in online instruction influenced CACREP’s (2024) digital delivery (DD) standards, addressing ethical and legal implications alongside student outcomes. Guidance from digital health initiatives, telemental health ethics and legal practices can be invaluable in clarifying DD protocols for counselor education programs. Understanding the parallels between DD and digital health regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ACA [2014], and NBCC [2023] ethical codes) provides a solid foundation for protecting both students and programs. Integrating technology and modeling digital health practices can enhance counselor education, benefiting both …

The Progression Of Deinstitutionalization And Its Effects On The American South: A Judicial Analysis Of 20th-Century United States Supreme Court Decisions, Eva-Marie V. Jones

Honors College Theses

This thesis explores the effects of four landmark Supreme Court cases on the deinstitutionalization movement in the American south. Previous literature frequently discusses the legislative implications of this era; however, no law is applicable without the interpretation and application of the judiciary, which so often contextualizes the greater public perspective. Rarely has an analysis of judicial decisions involving psychiatric care merged with regional focus, and certainly not in a format accessible to the average individual.

From unmarked graves to abandoned infrastructure, the legacy of historic psychiatric care in the United States has been largely obscured – yet its consequences continue …

Art Therapy In Social Work Practice, Laura Gebur

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Art therapy is an emerging practice among mental health professionals looking for new ways to engage with their clients and encourage nonverbal communication. Creativity is a means of processing memories, improving relationships, and strengthening the mind-body connection across a variety of age groups and practice settings. The efficacy of art therapy has led to its integration into social work practice, benefitting a diverse range of client populations within the field. While a lack of macro-level research studies has prevented the implementation of standardized art therapy techniques in social work, clinical research trials have examined art therapy across several areas of …

The Emotional Landscape Of Aviation Pilots: Analysis Of Online Professional Forums Using Natural Language Processing, Adrienne S. Renwick, Leo Gonzalez, Charles L. Silber, Alyson Mullen, Cass Dykeman, Adam Stewart, Jennifer C. Ross, James Geisler

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study investigated burnout related to emotions in three categories of pilots: commercial passenger, commercial cargo, and military. While pilot burnout has been previously studied, challenges in self-reporting limit understanding. This study extends previous research by analyzing pilots' anonymous online forum posts to gain insight into burnout-related emotions. Natural Language Processing was conducted with the RoBERTa-base-go_emotions model, which analyzed 1,130,530 online forum posts from commercial passengers, commercial cargo, and military pilots for 27 emotion categories and one absence of emotion category (i.e., neutral). An exploratory composite score reflecting burnout-related emotional expression omnibus burnout score was calculated using seven burnout-related emotions …

Recognizing And Addressing Burnout In Physician Associates, Nellie Garcia

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Burnout among Physician Associates (PAs) is a pervasive occupational hazard with far-reaching consequences for clinician well-being, patient safety, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. This doctoral project examines the multifaceted nature of PA burnout, focusing on its impact on mental and physical health, clinical performance, team dynamics, and workforce retention. A structured literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 revealed consistent associations between burnout and emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and diminished job satisfaction. These symptoms impair decision-making, reduce empathy, and elevate the risk of medical errors—factors that compromise patient outcomes and disrupt collaborative care.

The review …

Parental Expectations Of Pediatric Care For Children, Brenan T. Cash, Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley, Donia Timby, Laura Herold

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Access to childhood pediatrics is a major factor for a full and healthy childhood for all children from adolescence to adulthood. However, the physical health aspect has been the main focus of most primary care clinics, and there is little focus on mental health. Mental health issues, which involve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, are more prominent than they have ever been, as up to 30% of children have experienced mental health issues that involve post-traumatic stress disorder, especially during the pandemic years. This study employed a non-experimental, quantitative analysis utilizing online closed-ended survey questions. Caretakers were offered an anonymous, …

Experiences With Social Media Social Comparison In Women Ages 18-28: A Qualitative Study, Olivia Oakley Dr.

Dissertations

This qualitative study aimed to understand young women’s experience using social media and their reported mental health connections, such as self-esteem and comparison. As inferred in recent research, a wide range of social media content is being produced and consumed, from promoting the “thin ideal” to newer campaigns advocating for body positivity (Cohen et al., 2019, Grabe et al., 2008; Groesz et al., 2002). In a time where there is so much online content to consume, it is important to continue to evaluate the lived experiences of those using social media. This phenomenological qualitative research captured the lived experiences of …

A Content Analysis Of Prison/Custodial Suicide In Bangladesh, Anisur Khan, Rasel Hussain

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Suicide is the leading cause of death in prisons and custodial settings globally. International studies have consistently shown that prisoners and detainees are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. Despite Bangladesh having a large prison population, there is no scholarly work on suicide within these settings. Against this backdrop, this study explored online newspaper content analysis capturing the characteristics of prison and custodial suicide in Bangladesh from 2014–2024. A total of 20 suicide cases were identified during this period. The data were arranged based on year-wise trends, age, sex, type of custody, nature of criminality, …

At Stake In Each Other’S Company: A Systems View Of Compassion Fatigue In Mental Health Work, Susan S. Standen

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Traditional research on the phenomenon of compassion fatigue (CF) in mental health work tends to include recommendations for workers to build skills in psychological detachment and self-care. This puts the burden of coping with vicarious trauma on the individual caregiver, not on the systems they operate within. Alternatively, a transformative systemic perspective suggests that Western cultural assumptions about care-giving and individual resilience need to be reassessed. By broadening the exploration of CF and comparing it with human reactions to overwhelming crises across fields and disciplines, new questions can be asked, and new solutions can be proposed. This essay details how …

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 …

Alza Tu Voz: Herramientas Para La Participación Ciudadana Desde La Perspectiva De Género, Jaime Andrés Amaya González, Jenny Patricia Bustos Abril, Adrián David Galindo Ubaque

Ciencias de la Salud

Alza tu voz. Herramientas para la participación ciudadana desde la perspectiva de género se enfoca en la población infantil y adolescente Colombia, en especial del departamento de Cundinamarca, con la intención de formarlos, de modo inicial, en temas de participación política, como generadores de cambio social fortaleciendo la conciencia política a través de herramientas lúdicas que reforzarán el conocimiento de los derechos políticos, de nuestros pequeños y jóvenes lectores.

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 …