Mental and Social Health Commons^™

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

Student Scholarly Projects

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

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

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

Occupational Therapy For Maternal Pelvic Floor And Mental Health: A Holistic Approach To Recovery, Diana S. Theodore

Student Capstone Papers

Maternal pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is highly prevalent yet often underrecognized in occupational therapy practice, despite its significant impact on mental health, daily function, and quality of life. Many postpartum women experience symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pain with intimacy, and pelvic organ prolapse, which are frequently normalized or left untreated. Occupational therapy practitioners often have limited training in addressing the complex relationship between pelvic floor function and maternal mental health, contributing to gaps in care. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a comprehensive handbook for occupational therapy students and practitioners integrating pelvic floor function and maternal …

Community-Based Program To Support The Occupational Needs Of Middle Eastern Refugee Women Transitioning Into Western Society, Zuha A. Mohammad, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Middle Eastern refugee women resettling in Western societies often experience barriers that disrupt participation in meaningful occupations, including language barriers, unfamiliar systems, financial challenges, and social isolation. These challenges can limit independence and community participation during the resettlement process. Occupational therapy is well-positioned to address these barriers through culturally responsive, occupation-based interventions.

This capstone project developed and implemented a community-based program designed to support Middle Eastern refugee women during early resettlement. The program focused on key areas including system navigation, financial literacy, home safety, stress management, self-advocacy, and community engagement. Educational sessions and practical activities were used to promote skill …

Development Of A Mental Health Program For Work Rehabilitation, Vannida M. Nguyen, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Work-related injuries often result in decreased work performance and extended recovery time. This can lead to mental health challenges and a risk of re-injury. Typical work rehabilitation focuses on physical recovery while overlooking psychosocial factors. This capstone project developed a wellness program to support emotional wellness and improve return-to-work (RTW) outcomes. The program incorporated educational content, coping strategies, and interventions targeting emotional wellness for injured workers receiving physical therapy. Occupational therapy has the ability to address both physical and psychosocial factors and increase interdisciplinary efforts during work rehabilitation. Improved confidence reflected in the self-reported RTW-SE scores suggests that occupational therapy …

Cognition And Mental Health: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries (Tbi) On Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project addresses cognitive and mental health challenges in adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It developed evidence-based resources, including a clinician handbook and user-friendly survivor guidebook - using research, interviews, and observations. The materials were refined with expert feedback and support improved interventions, education, and quality of life for individuals with TBIs, and their caregivers.

The Mommy Wine Culture: A Scoping Review Using The Person-Environment-Occupational Model., Sabina Khan

Student Dissertations

Maternal alcohol use as a coping response to parenting-related stress has received growing attention in public health and psychology but remains underexplored within occupational therapy. This gap limits understanding of how daily role demands, environmental pressures, and individual vulnerabilities combine to shape drinking as a functional coping behavior. This dissertation aimed to identify and synthesize factors associated with maternal alcohol use in the context of parenting stress and interpret these determinants using the person–environment–occupation model. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched without date or …

The Impact Of A Mindfulness Meditation Program On Phq-9 Scores In Eskd Clients At The Dialysis Center, Christi Collins Weaver

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) experience high rates of untreated depressive symptoms, which negatively impact quality of life, treatment adherence, and therefore increased hospitalization and higher mortality rates.

PICOT: In adult patients receiving in-center hemodialysis (P), how does the implementation of a structured mindfulness meditation program (I), compared to usual care (C), affect depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (O) over an eight-week period (T)?

Evidence: Current literature demonstrates that depression is highly prevalent among individuals with ESKD and is associated with increased morbidity and decreased treatment adherence. Evidence supports mindfulness …

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Integrating Maternal Pelvic Floor And Mental Health In Occupational Therapy, Diana S. Theodore, Lesley Sally Khan-Farooqi, Amanda Ciecior, Teresa Martinez, Brooke Caldwell

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster highlights an integrated occupational therapy approach to maternal pelvic floor and mental health. Postpartum recovery is often addressed in fragmented ways, separating physical symptoms from emotional and functional impact. This work emphasizes the connection between pelvic floor function, nervous system regulation, and daily activities. Drawing from clinical experiences across acute, outpatient, and community settings, this project presents practical, client-centered strategies to support recovery. Key areas include breathing, bowel and bladder health, and functional movement. By focusing on occupational performance, such as toileting, mobility, sleep, and caregiving. This approach demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in supporting whole-person postpartum …

Work-Life Conflict, Anxiety, And Depression In Collegiate Athletic Trainers With Children Under 5, Jordan Helton, Glenn R. Penny, Seth Swary

Student Dissertations

The research problem for this study was that collegiate athletic trainers with children under 5 years old experience significant work-life conflict and negative mental health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how collegiate ATs with young children describe their experiences of work-life conflict and to how these experiences relate to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Guided by interrole conflict theory and work-life conflict theory the study posed two research questions: (1) How do collegiate ATs with children under 5 describe their experiences of work-life conflict? (2) What is the relationship work-life conflict experiences on the symptoms …

Incorporating Behavioral Health Strategies In Primary Care To Improve Outcomes Of Depressed Patients, Amy L. Brummett

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Depression, otherwise known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, changes to weight (both gain and loss), difficulty concentrating, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts, and/or attempts (Mayo Clinic, 2022). An estimated 8.3% or 21.0 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one episode of depression. Primary care clinicians are often the first to recognize the symptoms of depression. Depression was very prevalent in the clinic where this DNP Scholarly project took place. The owner/nurse practitioner found that she was increasingly treating depressed …

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, …

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 …

Addressing Anxiety In The Pediatric Population: An Ot Perspective, Joshua D. Johnson, Mary Jan Greer, Wendy Tremaine, Justine Faghihifar

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone develops and evaluates a trauma-informed training for RBTs and caregivers in outpatient ABA clinics serving children with ASD and anxiety. Grounded in MOHO, the seven-module program teaches trigger→support mapping, sensory strategies, visual tools, and brief co-regulation routines. Findings show improved knowledge and confidence, with recommendations to embed a fidelity rubric, booster sessions, and ready-to-use templates.

Improving Anxiety Screening In Active-Duty Military: Policy Recommendation For Implementing Ham-A Alongside Gad-7, Alex Judkins

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Military personnel appear to be at increased risk for mood and stress-related conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These are frequently associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet existing policies and practices may not fully capture this symptom complexity.

PICOT: For healthcare policymakers and providers (P), how does a policy review and recommendation for implementing the HAM-A screening tool for anxiety (I), compared to continued reliance on GAD-7 (C), impact the early identification and policy alignment for somatic and psychic anxiety management among active-duty military personnel (O)?

Evidence: Investigating psychological illnesses and their physiological manifestations in isolation fails …

Implementation Of Artificial Intelligence For Scribing In An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Elissa A. Moore

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Traditional documentation practices place a significant burden on psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) in outpatient mental health clinics (MHC), contributing to provider burnout and negatively impacting the patient-provider relationship. Preserving practicing PMHNPs is essential across the United States, but imperative in medically underserved areas where mental health services are limited.

PICOT: In PMHNPs (Population), does the use of AI scribing software (Intervention) compared to traditional documentation methods (Comparison) reduce documentation time and increase provider satisfaction (Outcome) over a ten-week period (Time)?

Evidence: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarly project was informed by evidence obtained from 15 …

Social Program For Adults Living In Group Homes, Kailee Oram, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) living in group homes have lower quality of life outcomes, particularly for the domain of social inclusion, compared to adults with IDDs who live alone or with family. This capstone experience aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a social program for this population to promote community engagement and interpersonal relationships. The 8-week social program was planned for participants living in group homes led by Trinity Services in suburban IL. A needs assessment included interviews with clients and staff about supports and barriers to social participation and ideas for community activities. The program was …

Opening The Outdoors: Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Adults In Outdoor Occupations To Support Mental Health, Jasmine Reynoso, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) adults in exploring and engaging in outdoor occupations to support mental health. Through 15 survey responses and 2 semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflective thematic analysis. The findings revealed three overarching themes: Barriers to Outdoor Occupations, Facilitators to Encourage Participation, and Personally Experienced Benefits. Participants explained how outdoor activities contribute to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and a sense of holistic well-being. By addressing the gap in research on nature-based occupations within BIPOC communities, this study highlights the need …

Family-Centered Care In Pediatric Oncology, Olivia B. Hope, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pediatric cancer is a medical condition defined by the development of cancerous cells in children and adolescents. Play is a child’s job; it creates a sense of belonging, fills their internal desire to participate in various environments, and allows them to develop sensory, motor, and cognitive skills. The PEOP model further structured this study by providing a comprehensive framework that considers the interactions between the child, their environment, and their occupational participation. This research project used a qualitative, exploratory design to understand how play-based interventions may enhance FCC in the pediatric oncology setting. Thematic analysis was utilized to create five …

Combating The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Self-Esteem And Emotion Regulation: An Art-Based Intervention Program, Kaileigh Kirk, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an art-based intervention program developed and designed to positively impact self-esteem and emotion regulation in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based intervention activities and group discussions. This program was created with the hopes of expanding occupational therapy's knowledge and utilization of potential interventions for children with ACEs.

Support Group Development For The Mental Health Of Parents Of Children With Complex Diagnoses, Sarah G. Bonner, Lakesia Boykin, Dana Madalon

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation covers support group program development for the mental health of parents of children with complex diagnoses. It outlines the need for emotional support, describes the group activities used to promote coping and resilience, and explains how the program was implemented and evaluated using pre- and post-surveys.

Fostering Autonomy And Self Efficacy: An Informal Caregiver's Guide To Encouraging Participation In Self-Care, Jade A. Evans, Steven M. Gerardi, Precious Osuoha

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Helping Hands and Active Lives is a practical guidebook designed to empower informal caregivers to support senior independence and well-being. It offers evidence-based strategies to enhance communication, mobility, and daily function while emphasizing the impact of caregiving approaches on occupational success.

A Wellness And Social Engagement Program For Post-Lower Limb Amputees, Graciela Gonzalez, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

A wellness and social engagement program was developed and implemented to provide education relating to the mental health impacts, decrease in health management, and lack of social participation after a lower-limb amputation amongst adults, 18 years or older. The program provided a manual with educational information, external resources, and visual aids to enhance independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Return To Driving For Clients With Tbi: A Guide For Caregivers To Navigate Emotional Barriers Experienced By Clients, Brianna Dorsey, Mary Greer

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The project describes the building of an online resource for caregivers to have easily accessible resources regarding information about brain injuries, emotional barriers, and return to driving programs. Each section provides further resources for caregivers and is intended to help improve their care and medical literacy.

Breast Cancer Survivorship, Jayde Mosley, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Activities of daily living become difficult for clients during breast cancer survivorship due to the physical and emotional alterations that take place in the body. A program will provide clients with a guide on what to expect during breast cancer survivorship. This guide will also be distributed to clients who undergo mastectomy procedures and other forms of treatment. It will provide them with information regarding dos and don’ts, symptoms, long-term effects, outreach and support groups, adaptive equipment, and more information on ways to improve their quality of life.

Increasing Leisure Activity Participation And The Quality Of Life Of People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Karla Vela, Rebecca King, Keegan Mckay

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The problems associated with the progression of dementia, such as increased stress, and a decrease in engagement in leisure activities and social participation have a negative impact on the patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. In addition, there is limited research on the long-term impact of occupational therapy leisure activity programs on patients with dementia and their caregivers’ quality of life. A leisure activity program was created for people with dementia and their caregivers to improve their leisure activity engagement and quality of life. Overall, the participant’s and caregivers benefitted from this program and had positive opinions based on the …

Making An Easy Return To School After An Extended Illness Diagnosis, Ashlyn Eads, Mary Jan Greer, Julie Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster provides information on the capstone program created at a pediatric site. This program addresses how play-based therapy can help children with an extended illness transition back into the school setting. Both the children and their caregivers need support before, during, and after the return to school. The goals of this program were to educate caregivers on how to advocate for their child for positive outcomes, provide caregivers with resources to promote successful transition to school, provide play-based strategies for children addressing handwriting, social Skills, upper body strength, education, fine Motor Skills, and provide the site and caregivers with …

Occupational Therapy Role In Aiding Health Management For Caregivers Of Children With Neurological Conditions, Peyton Mcgee, Mary Jan Greer, Caitlin Boyd

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurological disorders are identified as a dysfunction on any part of the nervous system that cause disability (Kumar et al., 2022). In order to enhance the outcome of children with neurological conditions, there should be an emphasis on the role and well-being of their caregivers. Common symptoms of neurological disorders among children include delayed developmental milestones, seizures and epilepsy, regression of skills, abnormal movements and behaviors, headaches, sensory processing issues, and communication difficulties. Adjusting to a new normal can be overwhelming for caregivers, especially when children transition out of rehab. The aim of the proposed capstone project is to aid …