Mental and Social Health Commons^™

A Daily Diary Study Of Drinking And Nondrinking Days In Nonstudent Alcohol Users, Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Emerging adults with lower educational attainment are at higher long-term risk for problematic drinking and alcohol use disorders. Efforts to gain a more in-depth understanding of the drinking habits of nonstudent emerging adults are critical to reduce disparities and to shed light on targets of intervention for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: The current investigation aimed to: (1) provide a description of the daily drinking habits of nonstudent emerging adult drinkers using a 14-day diary method, and (2) examine nondrinking days by assessing their reasons for not drinking as well as strategies used to avoid drinking.

Methods: Participants were 27 …

Aberrant Epigenomic Modulation Of Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene (Nr3c1) In Early Life Stress And Major Depressive Disorder Correlation: Systematic Review And Quantitative Evidence Synthesis, Laurens Holmes Jr., Emily Shutman, Chinacherem Chinaka, Kerti Deepika, Lavisha Palaez, Kirk W. Dabney

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Early life stress (ELS) induced by psychological trauma, child maltreatment, maternal separation, and domestic violence predisposes to psycho-behavioral pathologies during adulthood, namely major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, and bipolar affective disorder. While environmental data are available in illustrating this association, data remain to be established on the epigenomic underpinning of the nexus between ELS and MDD predisposition. Specifically, despite the observed aberrant epigenomic modulation of the NR3C1, a glucocorticoid receptor gene, in early social adversity and social threats in animal and human models, reliable scientific data for intervention mapping in reducing social adversity and improving human health is required. We …

Implication Of Spiritual Network Support System In Epigenomic Modulation And Health Trajectory, Laurens Holmes Jr., Chinacherem Chinaka, Hikma Elmi, Kerti Deepika, Lavisha Palaez, Michael Enwere, Olumuyiwa T. Akinola, Kirk W. Dabnet

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

With challenges in understanding the multifactorial etiologies of disease and individual treatment effect heterogeneities over the past four decades, much has been acquired on how physical, chemical and social environments a ffect human health, predisposing certain subpopulations to adverse health outcomes, especially the socio-environmentally disadvantaged (SED). Current translational data on gene and adverse environment interaction have revealed how adverse gene-environment interaction, termed aberrant epigenomic modulation, translates into impaired gene expression via messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) dysregulation, reflecting abnormal protein synthesis and hence dysfunctional cellular differentiation and maturation. The environmental influence on gene expression observed in most literature includes physical, chemical, …

Intersectional Identities And Microaggressions: The Experience Of Transgender Females, Cory Daniel Gerwe

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Historically, attention given to privileged LGBT minorities such as white LGBT individuals, renders those who experience multiple minority identities as unacknowledged. There is a scarcity of research exploring the intersectional experiences of transgender individuals and how these experiences impact their mental health and well-being. For that reason, the intent of this study was to learn more about transgender females who hold additional minority statuses, their transition experiences, their circumstances, and the nature of their social environment. Specifically, I investigated trans female experiences of transitioning with a specific focus on the intersection of gender identity, race, socioeconomic status (SES), and age. …

Depression Among Expectant And New Mothers: A Multi-Study Investigation Of Rates, Correlates, And Training For Healthcare Providers, Molly M. Long

Health Services Research Dissertations

Perinatal depression (PD) is a common concern among women. PD has been shown to have negative effects on the mother, child, and mother-child relationship. Screening for PD is inconsistent and low among healthcare providers. However, several governing organizations (e.g., The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The American Academy of Pediatrics) have provided guidelines for screening and treating PD, indicating the importance and utility of screening and treating PD by a variety of healthcare providers. Few studies, with low methodological rigor, have attempted to improve PD screening, treatment, and referral practices. Therefore, it is important to implement and assess additional …

The Bidirectionality Of Impulsivity And Alcohol Use: An Ecological Momentary Examination Among Emerging Adults, Amy L. Stamates

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Impulsivity is a robust risk factor for alcohol use among emerging adults (i.e., 18 to 25), but significant gaps remain in our understanding of the way that impulsivity relates to alcohol harms. Most prior research has been limited to between-level differences; thus, within-person variability in impulsivity at the momentary level and its bidirectional association with alcohol use has not been examined. Consequently, the present research used a 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to: (1) determine momentary impulsivity as a predictor of subsequent alcohol use and problems; (2) examine the influence of alcohol use on subsequent impulsivity; (3) test socio-cognitive …

Increasing Mental Health Literacy In The African American Community: Collaborations Between Mental Health Professionals And The Black Church, Brianna Simmons

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

African Americans tend to underutilize mental health services due to historical and present institutionalized racism, misdiagnoses, and misunderstandings, and to the lack of representation in the mental health field (Dempsey, Butler, and Gaither, 2016). African Americans thus turn to the Black Church for help. Clergy members of the Black Church use biblical counseling, which consists of seeking God’s wisdom (Dempsey et al., 2016). This differs from traditional psychological counseling where formalized diagnostic criteria are followed, and medication is often prescribed. Despite these differences between the Black Church and professional mental health agencies, there are a number of commonalities, such as …

The Effects Of Supervisory Style And Supervisory Working Alliance On Supervisee Disclosure In Supervision: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Chi Li

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Supervisee disclosure in supervision is considered as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of supervision (Spence et al., 2014). Despite previous researchers’ efforts to understand the concept (e.g., Knox, 2015; Yourman & Farber, 1996), a consensus over the definition for what is considered as supervisee disclosure is missing, posing threats to the construct validity of existing supervisee disclosure measures (e.g., Gunn & Pistole, 2012; Mehr, Ladany, & Caskie; 2015). Therefore, based on a summative definition (e.g., Ladany et al., 1996; Hess et al., 2008; Walsh, Gillespie, Greer & Eanes, 2003), Li and Kemer (under review) developed and provided initial validation …

Reshaping Counselor Education: The Identification Of Influential Factors On Multisystemic Therapy, T'Airra C. Belcher

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a form of behavioral health treatment for adolescents which has been identified as one of the leading effective forms of treatment for children and adolescents with severe behavioral and mental health disorders. Since its creation, there have been countless studies exploring if this form of treatment works with a different population in a variety of locations. Additionally, there have been studies which determined that MST is just as effective as or even less effective than other treatment modalities. This dissertation explored the specific aspects of MST and what leads to its effectiveness. A meta-analysis and case …

Reimagining Medical Education In The Age Of Ai, Steven A. Wartman, C. Donald Combs

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Faculty Publications

Available medical knowledge exceeds the organizing capacity of the human mind, yet medical education remains based on information acquisition and application. Complicating this information overload crisis among learners is the fact that physicians' skill sets now must include collaborating with and managing artificial intelligence (AI) applications that aggregate big data, generate diagnostic and treatment recommendations, and assign confidence ratings to those recommendations. Thus, an overhaul of medical school curricula is due and should focus on knowledge management (rather than information acquisition), effective use of AI, improved communication, and empathy cultivation.

The Disparity In Mental Health Between Two Generations Of Internal Migrants (Ims) In China: Evidence From A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, Wen Chen, Qi Zhang, Andre M.N. Renzaho, Li Ling

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Internal migrants (IMs) are a large, vulnerable population in China and are mostly driven by national economic reform. IMs who were born before and after 1980, when the general social and economic reform began to appear in China, are considered to be two separate generations. The generational differences in mental health across IMs remain undocumented. In this study, the intergenerational disparity in IMs’ mental health, using data from a national cross-sectional study, was assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the “National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey 2014” were used. IMs were divided into the “old” or “new” generation, based on …

Work Environment Factors Impacting The Report Of Secondary Trauma In U.S. Resident Assistants, Robert Jason Lynch

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

WORKING WITH TRAUMATIZED INDIVIDUALS can have potentially negative impacts on professional support personnel, including cognitive decline, increased anxiety, and declines in physical health. Despite the responsibilities of resident assistants as crisis-responders, few studies explore how they are impacted by secondary trauma. This study sought to understand how specific aspects of the RA work environment relate to their self-reported levels of secondary trauma. Using a sample of RAs (N = 208), the researcher conducted a quantitative secondary analysis of an existing dataset assessing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress in RAs. Findings indicated relationships between a variety of environmental factors and self-reported …

Art Therapy Best Practices For Working With The Deaf Community: Phenomenological Study, Autumn Whiteman

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

Art therapy is currently practiced with the Deaf community, but there is a lack of research and a gap in scholarship in the area of art therapy with the Deaf population. There is an intense need for research about the effectiveness and potential benefit of art therapy with the Deaf population. A phenomenological research model was used to collect interview responses from art therapists and to analyze them for common themes. This study intended to provide a list of some art therapy best practices for working with the Deaf community in a clinical capacity. However, due to a lack of …

The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity And Adult Relationship Health For Economically Marginalized, Racially And Ethnically Diverse Individuals, Sandy-Ann M. Griffith

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Childhood adversity is prevalent and significantly influences an individual’s life. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to chronic physical and mental health issues, as well as maladaptive and abusive patterns of behavior in adult relationships such as unhealthy problem-solving strategies, poor ability at conflict resolution, and intimate partner violence (IPV). The current study explored the relationship between ACEs and adult relationship health outcomes. Controlling for the effect of average individual yearly income on adult relationship health, the extent to which demographic factors (i.e., gender, race and ethnicity, and children status) moderate the relationship between ACEs and adult relationship health and …

Sexual Violence Victimization, Mental Health, And University-Based Health Service Use Among College Females, Julie E. Stoner

Health Services Research Dissertations

Females between the ages of 18 and 24 consistently experience higher rates of sexual violence compared to females in any other age group (Sinozich & Langton, 2014). Approximately one in five college women experience sexual violence victimization (SVV; Krebs, Lindquist, Berzofsky, Shook-Sa & Peterson, 2016) during the academic year. Among undergraduate female students, 23.1% are victims of sexual violence due to physical force, violence or incapacitation (Cantor et al., 2015). Sexual victimization has been associated with several short- and long-term psychological health consequences, accounting for enhanced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide risk (Basile, Smith, Breiding, Black & Mahendra, …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder With Comorbid Anxiety/Depression In Adults: Impacts On Neuropsychological Functioning, Cristina Valdivieso Bain

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

ADHD comorbidity with other disorders is high in the adult population (over 44% of individuals carry a second diagnosis, 25% anxiety, 18.6% in depression). Separately, these disorders can impact scores on neuropsychological assessments. Little research has investigated how comorbidity among ADHD and other disorders impacts test scores collectively. Given high rates of comorbidity between ADHD and anxiety/depressive disorders and the potential impact on neuropsychological functioning, the current study examined how these comorbid disorders collectively impact cognition. Specifically, the present study investigated differences in full scale intelligence, general ability, and cognitive proficiency on the WAIS-IV between those diagnosed with ADHD only …

Exploring The Variant Experiences Through Which Racial/Ethnic Minorities Select Art Therapy As A Career, Mary Ritchie Roberts

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This study implemented a phenomenological approach to the inquiry of the career decisions of racial/ethnic minorities leading to selection of art therapy as a career. Gottfredson’s Career Theory was used to design interview questions to elicit the perspectives of ten racial/ethnic minority members about their career choice of art therapy. This study used post-intentional phenomenological qualitative coding of data to understand the decisions and contributing factors to racial/ethnic minorities selecting a career in art therapy. The findings suggest factors including: personal characteristics, interests, personal and professional beliefs, cultural beliefs, influential people, social contexts, experiences, and encounters contributed to racial/ethnic minority …

Exploring Watercolor Painting: Implications For Art Therapy, Brooklynn S. Dimit

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This self-study explored the process and materials of watercolor painting by creating artworks and documenting my experiences through written reflections. I created artwork and written reflections during eight art making experiences. A research team analyzed qualitative data including eight pieces of artwork and written responses to compare and contrast my experiences while immersed in the techniques. The research team discovered patterns of thoughts and feelings related to each art making experience. Implications are made for the process and materials of watercolor painting for art therapy practice.

An Art-Based Workbook For Adolescent Adoptees Within The Context Of Art Therapy, Kelly E. Gupta

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

The aim of this paper is to elucidate the use of art therapy with adolescents experiencing adoption, culminating in the creation of an art-based workbook. Through the existing literature, the author explored research questions related to adjustment and attachment of adolescents in their adoptive family, necessary components of a workbook intended for an adolescent, important areas for adolescents to explore when transitioning to an adoptive home, who will be able to use the workbook, and how to make the workbook most accessible for the intended population. The method for the project included identifying common challenges of adolescent adoptees, indicating the …

Coping With Cancer: An Art Therapy Approach, Elizabeth Dumke

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This capstone project proposed an art therapy case study to explore the impact of art therapy on coping with physical and psychological effects of cancer treatment on a young adult cancer survivor. A review of the literature identified a gap in research exploring art therapy among young adult cancer survivors. Art therapy and other interventions such as wellness-based psychotherapy, yoga, and music therapy have been explored among individuals going through cancer, but there is lack of research exploring cancer survivorship among individuals in the specific age range of 18-39. This proposed project outlined eight individual art therapy sessions with a …

Exploring Art Therapy Student Professional Identity Through Eco Art Making, Alana N. Chandler

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This self-study was organized using Moustakas Heuristic Model, and focused on the exploration of my art therapy student professional identity through eco art making. A gap in the existing literature was identified and is addressed through this self- exploration of professional identity through eco art making during full time graduate education. The following research questions were studied: what themes emerge in my eco art making and reflections, does eco art making in nature and using natural materials affect my approach to clients, and how does eco art making express my exploration of boundaries, countertransference, transference, work and life balance, self-care, …

Unconventional Processes And Materials In Art Making: Implications For Art Therapy Practice, Alyssa Hayes

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

Using Moustakas’ heuristic self-study methodology, this research explored the use of unconventional art processes and materials in artmaking. Due to a lack of literature on processes and material in art therapy practices, this self-study aimed to answer the following: how does the use of unconventional materials affect the creative experience; what is the influence of the maker and what is the influence of the material in the creation; what themes, if any, emerge within the artwork and the art making process when using unconventional materials; and what are some implications for using unconventional materials and processes in art therapy? Themes, …

An Existential Art Therapy Approach: Early Stage Alzheimer’S Disease, Leah Damour

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This capstone proposed an existential art therapy approach to improve coping for an individual with Early Stage Alzheimer’s disease. A review of the available literature emphasized the differences between memory loss due to neurocognitive decline and symptoms of normal aging, as well as a gap in research relating existential art therapy to treatment options for people with the disease. A variety of treatment options were highlighted despite treatment options, no medical cure is currently available, stressing the need for more research in the area of treatment options for symptoms of distress. The project proposed nine individual art therapy sessions with …

Implications For Art Therapy: An Art Based Self Study Of Female-To-Male Transition, Sam Ezra Scheidler

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This study was conducted to examine the impact of gender transition during the course of study in a graduate art therapy program, and to provide possible implications for the art therapy profession in relation to work with and education about transgender people. The existing literature on the transgender population and their needs was summarized, as was literature about gender-affirming care and competencies within the mental health fields. A heuristic art-based self-study was conducted over the course of one semester, and the data (artworks and writing) was analyzed by a research team. The major themes found were: family response to transition, …

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Addressing Anxiety Through Art Therapy, Ashley M. Ruggerio

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This project attempted to investigate the impact of art therapy interventions with women diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) in response to the lack of mental health interventions available to younger women experiencing POI. Literature indicates there are numerous psychosocial and group interventions available to women diagnosed with POI, however there is a lack of research available for younger women diagnosed with POI. Women are finding out at much younger ages they are experiencing POI, which may cause significant psychological distress. Art therapy has proven to be an effective intervention with those suffering from the psychological effects of various illnesses. …

Art Therapy For Military Families Experiencing Deployment: Building Resiliency In The Studio, Kimberly J. Markovitz

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This qualitative phenomenological multiple family art therapy research study was designed to explore family experiences during deployment and their perceptions of participating in a multiple-family art therapy group. The multiple-family art therapy approach addresses the psychological impact of deployment cycles on the family lifestyle, and focuses on those who are currently experiencing the deployment of a family member. These sessions were created to provide military communities an opportunity to participate in directed art-making tasks using specific art therapy processes and materials to develop and strengthen psychological resilience at both a family level and community level. However, due to a lack …

Art Therapy Open Studio With Refugees, Ellen V. Hanley

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This paper illustrates the need and a proposal for an Open Art Therapy Studio for Refugees, particularly in the Hampton Roads area of Norfolk, VA. Refugees experience extreme distress and anxiety, and many experience trauma, language barriers, and cultural difficulties. Art therapy as an outreach program has been a growing approach to addressing the psychological needs of refugees across the world for several years. The benefits and limitations of such programs have been explored in this literature review, which provides the backbone for a proposed open-studio, group art therapy program in the Hampton Roads area of Norfolk, Virginia. This study …

Psychosocial Determinants Of Medication Adherence Among Hiv-Positive Individuals In Mexico City, Anthony Vajda

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examined the relationships among disclosure, social support, exposure to violence, impulsivity, depression, stressors, and medication adherence, using a correlational design and a sequential logistic regression. The researcher used two samples of 146 from an archival data set of participants to create two subsets of the data (Data Set 1 & Data Set 2). These participants had been diagnosed with a mental illness and were prescribed a medication regimen for HIV treatment at the time of intake in a specialized clinic in Mexico City. Archival data was obtained through a demographic intake questionnaire and the use of valid and …

Utilization, Receptivity And Reactivity To Interactive Voice Response Daily Monitoring In Risky Drinking Smokers Who Are Motivated To Quit, Amy M. Cohn, Hoda Elmasry, Sarah J. Ehlke

Psychology Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology has become an increasingly popular and valid method for collecting Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data on a variety of health-risk behaviors, including daily alcohol use and cigarette smoking, and for stimulating behavior change. However, very little research has evaluated the parameters of IVR compliance and reactivity in respondents who may have greater problem severity than samples previously examined in published IVR studies. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of use, receptivity and reactivity to IVR monitoring in 77 untreated risky drinking smokers who were motivated to quit within the next 6 months.

METHODS …

Mental Health And Drivers Of Need In Emergent And Non-Emergent Emergency Department (Ed) Use: Do Living Location And Non-Emergent Care Sources Matter?, Moira C. Mcmanus, Robert J. Cramer, Maureen Boshier, Muge Akpinar-Elci, Bonnie Van Lunen

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Emergency department (ED) utilization has increased due to factors such as admissions for mental health conditions, including suicide and self-harm. We investigate direct and moderating influences on non-emergent ED utilization through the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Through logistic regression, we examined correlates of ED use via 2014 New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System outpatient data. Consistent with the primary hypothesis, mental health admissions were associated with emergent use across models, with only a slight decrease in effect size in rural living locations. Concerning moderating effects, Spanish/Hispanic origin was associated with increased likelihood …