Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Attitude Of Gratitude: Evaluation Of A Wellness Program To Improve Dispositional Gratitude Among Medical Students, Amelia C. Phillips, Farina A. Klocksieben

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Medical students face significant mental health challenges as they matriculate through medical training. Research has emphasized the need for more interventions that promote physician trainee well-being and resilience during the early stages of training. Recent interventions have shown to be effective in promoting mental health and well-being; however, no interventions have examined the impact that daily gratitude practice, which is linked to increased well-being, may have on dispositional gratitude levels among medical students.

Methods: In Spring 2019, medical students at the University of South Florida were invited to participate in a gratitude program. Participants logged three good things that …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Trauma Informed Care Training For Mental Health Nurses, Felicia Gathings

Doctoral Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that happened to a person at a young age, and when untreated they have a higher risk of developing a mental illness. ACEs are associated with social problems, illnesses, and physiological issues. ACEs are related to increased health risks and an increase in high-risk behaviors. Despite increase evidence relating ACEs to physical and mental issues, nurses lack training in ACEs and trauma-informed care (TIC). The overall goal of this project was to increase knowledge of ACEs and TIC in mental health nurses when caring for mentally ill patients. Pre-test and Post-test surveys were …

Effect Of A Self-Care And Self-Awareness Education Program On Resilience To Burnout And Depression In Clinically Experienced Nursing Students, Andrew Taylor

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose was to examine the effect of a self-care educational intervention on nursing student resilience and thus the potential for compassion fatigue, depersonalization, burnout, depression, and inadequate self-care. A one-group pretest-posttest research design was applied to a convenience sample of 104 nursing students near the end of their last semester in a baccalaureate nursing program. The measurements were demographics, a psychometric resilience scale, program evaluation, and reflection question. The intervention was a standardized, intensive 30 min training program on the high degree of stress and burnout nurses face and the core self-care methods that can promote resilience to these …

Ensemble Learning With Recursive Partitioning Methods To Explore Relationships Between Mental Health And Physical Activity, Jessica Gilmore

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Physical and mental health are imperative to maintaining a well functioning immune system, which is especially critical during a global pandemic. Moreover, physical and mental health contribute to the overall quality of life experienced by an individual. Consequently, it is important to explore factors that contribute to both physical and mental health. Physical activity has been previously shown to improve physical and mental health yet many individuals do not get enough physical activity daily. Using data collected during the larger Exercise is Medicine (EIM) study, the current study utilized ensemble learning with recursive partitioning methods to explore the relationships that …

Improving Suicide Screening And Safety Plan Documentation Rates In Behavioral Health Clinics, Brandi Hrasdzira

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with over 47,000 people dying in 2017 from suicide alone (NIMH, 2019). In the United States, one in three people who die by suicide were seen by a behavioral health provider within the same year (McCabe et al., 2018). The purpose of this project was to determine if suicide screenings and safety plans are being completed and documented properly; how many patients are refusing to complete the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and is there a pattern present in these patients. Objectives are to improve the rates of suicide …

Downeast Maine Mat Expansion Project: Year 2 Data Summary, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Evelyn Ali Bs, Tyler Egeland Ba

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

This report summarizes the Year 2 activities of the Healthy Acadia Downeast Maine MAT Expansion Project. Through a collaborative effort of Healthy Acadia, its providers, the Downeast Substance Treatment Network and Downeast Substance Use Response Coalition, the project utilized multiple evidence-based strategies to combat opioid use disorder (OUD) in Downeast Maine.

FMI: M. Lindsey Smith, PhD, [email protected]

How Peer Support Specialists Uniquely Initiate And Build Connection With Young People Experiencing Homelessness, James Erangey, Connor Marvin, Danielle Maude Littman, Meredith Mollica, Kimberly Bender, Tom Lucas, Tara Milligan

Graduate School of Social Work: Faculty Scholarship

Young people experiencing homelessness are often apprehensive to engage in conventional service systems due to prior mistreatment by providers and others in their lives, as well as stigma associated with accessing services. Even when relationships between service providers and young people are initiated, they often end prematurely. Mutual aid, or peer-to-peer support, has a long and promising history within the mental health field, yet has received little empirical attention in work with young people experiencing homelessness. The present study used participatory qualitative methods to understand how peers uniquely initiate and build connection with young people experiencing homelessness. Through interviews and …

Language Deprivation Is A Game Changer For The Clinical Specialty Of Deaf Mental Health, Neil S. Glickman, Charlene Crump, Steve Hamerdinger

JADARA

In this paper, the medical, social and historical forces resulting in much smaller numbers of deaf children having quality access to natural sign languages are presented. These forces mean that people who work in the clinical specialty of Deaf mental health are seeing more clients with atypical or dysfluent sign language. An historical overview of the development of this clinical specialty is outlined, followed by a discussion of how the problem of language deprivation is a “game changer” for the work of mental health clinicians, interpreters, communication assessors, and administrators of Deaf mental health services. Special attention is given to …

Sensory Approach To Self-Regulation For Adolescent Survivors Of Sex Trafficking: An Occupational Therapist's Perspective, Elyse Harmon

Student Capstone Papers

Adolescent survivors of sex trafficking (SST) are susceptible to being in a continual dysregulated arousal state due to lack of mastery in self-regulation. During the trafficking experience, many adolescent SST experience severe trauma and are deprived of opportunities that foster essential regulatory capacities needed for occupational engagement. The use of sensory-based approaches that focus on addressing arousal dysregulation and the impact it has on occupation is an evidence-based practice grounded in occupational therapy research.

This capstone sought to support community reintegration for adolescent SST through the development of sensory-based programming that fosters self-regulation, a skill necessary for occupational participation. A …

Innovative Strategies To Support Mental Wellbeing, Victoria Y. Mccue

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected many people’s mental wellbeing. COVID-19 has led healthcare organizations to reconceptualize and reform healthcare through an innovative lens that will foster resilience. Finding strategies to support mental wellbeing, especially for frontline clinicians, is crucial to ensure a comprehensive recovery. This manuscript describes innovative strategies implemented within one healthcare organization in the Southeastern United States to nurture mental wellbeing for the community and frontline healthcare clinicians.

The World On Pause: A Children's Book About Living During A Pandemic, Amanda Desmarais

Senior Honors Projects

Life as we now know it has drastically changed since March 2020. Over 60 million people throughout the world have been infected with COVID-19. Unfortunately, over a million have died from the virus in a short period of time. The last pandemic occurred in 1918, many years before most of us were born. Since the pandemic is a health crisis most generations have never experienced, adults and children alike are learning to cope simultaneously. It is difficult to teach children coping mechanisms during these chaotic and unfamiliar times. Family members can’t set positive examples if their coping techniques are inconsistent. …

Evaluating The Reproducibility Of Physiological Stress Detection Models, Varun Mishra, Sougata Sen, Grace Chen, Tian Hao, Jeffrey Rogers, Ching-Hua Chen, David Kotz

Dartmouth Scholarship

Recent advances in wearable sensor technologies have led to a variety of approaches for detecting physiological stress. Even with over a decade of research in the domain, there still exist many significant challenges, including a near-total lack of reproducibility across studies. Researchers often use some physiological sensors (custom-made or off-the-shelf), conduct a study to collect data, and build machine-learning models to detect stress. There is little effort to test the applicability of the model with similar physiological data collected from different devices, or the efficacy of the model on data collected from different studies, populations, or demographics.

This paper takes …

Women Exiting Prostitution: Reports Of Coercive Control In Intimate Relationships, Tammy Schultz, Aimee A. Callender, Sally Schwer Canning, Jacey Collins

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

There is burgeoning research on intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences among women globally. However, there is a dearth of research on IPV experiences among marginalized populations in Western countries. Over the past decade, IPV research has shifted from a focus only on physical and sexual violence to include coercive control experiences. These include a continuum of nonviolent behaviors centered on maintaining dominance over one’s partner. However, the empirical literature on examining coercive control among women in prostitution within non-commercial intimate partners is lacking. In this study, we analyzed interviews with 17 women exiting prostitution and examined reported IPV sexual, physical, …

The Healing Garden, Riley Norman

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Beginning in the 14^th century, gardens have been used to heal patients in hospitals around the world. In post-World War I America, they were reestablished as a part of hospitals, but not necessarily seen as a healing mechanism. The goal for this project was to create a garden that could potentially have similar beneficial effects on the children and staff at the Jean Tyson Child Development Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Healing gardens and nature as a whole can help with physical healing, as well as emotional, spiritual, and mental health. This creative project is a demonstration garden that has …

Dundon's "The Parents' Guide To Managing Anxiety In Children With Autism" (Book Review), Elizabeth A. Nolan

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Shaul's "Your Interests, My Interests: A Visual Guide To Playing And Hanging Out For Children On The Autism Spectrum" (Book Review), Elizabeth A. Nolan

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

The Adderall Epidemic: Linking Illicit Adderall Use To Mental Distress On College Campuses, Adelle Ricci, Lee Ann Genussa, Eva Kristoferson, Lina Begdache

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Adderall is widely misused on college campuses; however, students are not aware of its impact on mental health. A survey of 596 northeastern college students revealed misusing Adderall significantly correlated with higher levels of mental distress such as anxiety and depression. Risk factors include Greek life affiliation, age, and GPA.

Predictors Of Opioid And Alcohol Pharmacotherapy Initiation At Hospital Discharge Among Patients Seen By An Inpatient Addiction Consult Service, Honora Englander, Caroline King, Christina Nicolaidis, Devin Collins, Alisa Patten, Jessica Gregg, P. Todd Korthuis

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background:

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and alcohol use disorder (MAUD) are effective and under-prescribed. Hospital-based addiction consult services can engage out-of-treatment adults in addictions care. Understanding which patients are most likely to initiate MOUD and MAUD can inform interventions and deepen understanding of hospitals’ role in addressing substance use disorders (SUD).

Objective:

Determine patient- and consult-service level characteristics associated with MOUD/MAUD initiation during hospitalization.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a study of the Improving Addiction Care Team (IMPACT), an interprofessional hospital-based addiction consult service at an academic medical center. Researchers collected patient surveys and clinical data from September …

Investigating The Psychological Impact Of Covid-19 Among Healthcare Workers: A Meta-Analysis, Kavita Batra, Tejinder Pal Singh, Manoj Sharma, Ravi Batra, Nena Schvaneveldt

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Previous meta-analyses were conducted during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, which utilized a smaller pool of data. The current meta-analysis aims to provide additional (and updated) evidence related to the psychological impact among healthcare workers. The search strategy was developed by a medical librarian and bibliographical databases, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for studies examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of healthcare workers. Articles were screened by three reviewers. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 statistic. The random-effects model …

Reducing Suicide By Providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Suicide Prevention, Wendy Larkin

Student Scholarly Projects

Veteran suicide is a serious and persistent national problem, which demands an effective treatment intervention. This Evidence-Based Practice project (EBP) addressed the question: Do patients with a psychiatric in-patient diagnosis of suicide ideation, who after discharge self-elect outpatient Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) treatment over a 6-week time frame, reduce the likelihood of hospital readmission for suicidal ideation vs. patients who decline CBT-SP treatment and elect Treatment as Usual (TAU)? The literature is prolific in validating that CBT-SP is successful in determining the effectiveness of CBT-SP vs. TAU in reducing suicidal behaviors in adults.

Hospital readmission data were collected on …

Understanding Grief In Adults Whose Sibling Died During Childhood: A Qualitative Study, Amanda Marie Mccarthy

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This retrospective, phenomenological study investigated how bereaved siblings believe the death of their brother impacted their development. Through semi-structured interviews, five adults whose brother died during their adolescence discussed how their grief changed over time and the factors that influenced changes in grief. Participants experienced periods of lack of acceptance, independence and isolation, and finding contentment. Factors that influenced changes in grief include sibling’s cause of death, family reaction, establishment of a support network, remembering the deceased, and milestones and dates. These findings provide a glimpse into how grief changes over time in the context of development. Furthermore, the results …

Acculturation, Psychological Well-Being And Substance Use Behaviors In Asian Indian Americans, Sonia Y. Amin

Dissertations

The American population is becoming more diversified with increases in the number of immigrants and refugees entering the country. These new Americans bring distinct cultural values, traditions, and worldviews. With this diversity, an important need has arisen to better understand the interplay of culture, physical, and mental health concerns that affect specific racial and ethnic populations. This increase in knowledge and awareness will aid in the development and provision of culturally-sensitive mental health services. The stress of immigration and the multifaceted sociocultural and psychological adaptations involved in adjusting to living in a new country with a Eurocentric dominant culture can …

Understanding The Significance Of Virtual Support During Global Pandemic In Young Adults Diagnosed With Hepatitis C, Veronika Arkhipova

Master's Projects and Capstones

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. In recent years, the prevalence of hepatitis C infections among 20 and 30 years of age has increased by 300 percent, and between 30 and 39 years by 400 percent. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, people diagnosed with Hepatitis C have lost access to mental health services and resources, including in-person meetings with support groups. Since most states enforced stay-at-home order, many community centers, non-profit organizations that work with Hepatitis C patients and the affected population provide limited to no access to support group meetings …

Law Library Blog (December 2020): Legal Beagle's Blog Archive, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Law Library Newsletters/Blog

No abstract provided.

Behavioral And Enhanced Perinatal Intervention (B-Epic): A Randomized Trial Targeting Tobacco Use Among Opioid Dependent Pregnant Women, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Michelle R. Lofwall, Teresa M. Waters, Paul Nuzzo, Janine Barnett, Letitia Ducas, Andrea Mccubbin, Niraj R. Chavan, Lisa Blair, Kristin Ashford

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

Opioid use during pregnancy is a significant public health issue. The standard of care for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy includes medications for opioid disorder (MOUD). However, tobacco use often goes unaddressed among pregnant women on MOUD. In 2018, our team received a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded R34 to conduct a three year-randomized trial to test the feasibility of a novel tobacco intervention for pregnant women receiving MOUD.

Aims

The aims of this study are: (1) to determine the impact of the B-EPIC intervention on maternal tobacco use and stage of change; (2) to determine …

A Model Of Individual, Relationship, And Societal Factors And Mental Health And Well-Being In Partnered Sexual Minority Women: The Central Role Of Relationship Satisfaction, Charlotte A. Dawson

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at increased risk for mental health disorders, substance abuse, and physical health problems compared to heterosexual women. For heterosexual individuals, romantic relationships have been found to be protective against a variety of health issues. Less research, however, has focused on the association between romantic relationships and health in same-sex couples. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential protective nature of being in a relationship for SMW and to test a model investigating the central role of relationship satisfaction in the association between individual, relationship, and societal factors and mental health and well-being …

The Effects Of Military Sexual Trauma And Depressive Symptoms On Reintegration, Rachel L. Davies

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Reintegration is a challenge for many veterans returning to civilian roles after military service. Difficulties range from an assortment of issues such as self-care to community participation. Military sexual trauma may be an experience that alters or changes veterans and result in difficulty in reintegration. Specifically, it was predicted that military sexual trauma would indirectly affect reintegration, via depressive symptoms. In addition, locus of control was predicted to play a role in how military sexual trauma impacts reintegration with external locus of control acting as a buffer. Participants were a cross-sectional community sample of both female veterans who reported having …

Editorial, H. Luis Vargas

Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review

Editor-in-Chief H. Luis Vargas' editorial for the latest issue of Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review.

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Admission Rates For Individuals With Substance Use Disorders, Devin J. Mcdonald, Linda Zhang, William Brady Dehart

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background: Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of substance use disorders or utilization of mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to specifically identify trends in the utilization of behavioral health units (BHU) in those with substance use disorders (SUD).

Methods: Patient electronic health records (EHR) were analyzed from fourteen hospitals principally located in the US mid-Atlantic region. To compare SUD admissions before and after COVID-19 quarantine time periods, patient data from BHUs were collected from two time-periods: February 1st, 2019 to May 31st, 2019, and February 1st, 2020 to May 31st, 2020.

Results: The number of …

Neuropsychiatric Presentation Of Covid-19: A Case Report Of Disinhibition In An Acute Sars-Cov-2 Infection, I. Jack Abramson, Kristy A. Fisher, Clara V. Alvarez, Jacqueline Horan Fisher

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection is notable for a high degree of symptom diversity. Emerging evidence suggests viral invasion of the central nervous system; therefore, serious neurological and psychiatric manifestations are anticipated. We present the case of a 67-year-old male physician with a history of stable Bipolar Disorder for decades, hospitalized for persistent COVID-19 symptoms with documented positive serology, who presented with new and acute onset neuropsychiatric symptoms of disinhibition proximate the viral infection. We postulate neuroinvasion as the putative origin of the patient’s psychiatric instability. Further investigation is needed to expand upon our understanding of the …