Mental and Social Health Commons^™

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Intracommunity Attitudinal And Experiential Barriers To The Utilization Of Psychotherapeutic Services In Bipoc Populations, Jade Turner

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the role that intracommunity attitudes and beliefs and negative mental healthcare experiences play in determining treatment-seeking behavior in BIPOC communities. Through in-depth semistructured interviews, five participants shared their perspectives and experiences, providing rich and nuanced insight into the subjective landscape of mental healthcare avoidance among racial and ethnic minority populations. The analysis revealed five overarching themes (pray it away, isolated and invisible, fear, perceived importance of racial matching, and therapeutic experiences profoundly impact treatment-seeking) shedding light on the nuanced ways in which BIPOC individuals make sense of and navigate mental health within …

Adult Attachment As Moderating Variable For Parental Burnout, Janell Mccann

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, research in family sciences has focused on the impact of stress on parents, leading to parental burnout risks. This study aimed to explore how adult attachment relates to parental burnout and if it moderates the link between parenting stress and burnout. Attachment theory suggests secure attachment can protect against parenting stress, while anxious and avoidant attachment may worsen its effects. In order to examine the effect of adult attachment in the development of parental burnout, parenting stress was measured using the Balance of Risks and Resources, parental attachment was measured using Experiences in Close Relationships (Revised), and …

Research On Emergency Information Needs Of Community Vulnerable Groups In Emergent Epidemic Events Based On Kano Model, Yanhong Chen, Huan Wang

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose /significance]In the event of an emergent epidemic, the community is an important channel for vulnerable  groups to obtain emergency information, and understanding the information needs of vulnerable groups will help the community accurately provide information services, promote the emergency information reserves of the residents in the jurisdiction, and enhance their satisfaction. [Method/process]Taking the emergent epidemic as the background,the study combines the important information categories of the epidemic and related literature to investigate the emergency information needs of the disadvantaged groups in the community and classifies each need with the help of KANO questionnaire, in order to determine the priority …

Supporting The Well-Being And Engagement Of Occupational Therapy Students Through Sensory Modulation: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Matson, Jo Linforth, Julie Hanna, Vikki Barnes-Brown

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Student well-being is an increasing area of concern within higher education and one of the biggest causes of attrition. This study sought to investigate the potential for sensory modulation strategies as an approach to support student well-being and engagement in studies through an action research project. Sixteen second-year occupational therapy students took part in a two-week trial of items designed to support sensory modulation, following which they were asked to complete an online survey evaluating the effectiveness of the item in relation to affect, regulation, attention, and activity. Eight students completed the survey containing a mix of Likert scale and …

Better Choices, Better Health South Dakota: The Association Between Perceived Loneliness And Self-Reported Health Measures Among Older Adults, Mckensey Bultje

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

The current study examined how Better Choices, Better Health South Dakota (BCBH-SD) programs impact older adults’ perceived loneliness, self-reported health measures, functional status, and confidence in managing their chronic condition. Sixty percent of U.S. adults report having a chronic condition (CDC, 2022), and adults with chronic conditions report higher levels of loneliness, increasing one’s health problems, maladaptive coping skills, and a diminished sense of self (Christiansen et al., 2021; Hammond and Pullen, 2020). We compared outcome measures between and within the two groups at pre- and post-survey timepoints. Pre-survey and post-survey loneliness measures revealed a significant difference between the groups, …

Why Would Anybody Self-Harm?, Alina M. Baltazar

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Aging Expectations Predict Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Justin Do, Bs, Casey Fishman, Ba, Sakshi Bhargava, Phd, Emily Bratlee-Whitaker, Phd, Rn, Jennifer R. Turner, Phd, Jacqueline Mogle, Phd, Ms, Nikki L. Hill, Phd, Rn

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium Posters

Purpose: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or perceived decline in cognition, is a precursor to mild cognitive impairment, a prodrome of Alzheimer’s disease. SCD’s predictive utility is limited as it is impacted by multiple psychosocial factors. Expectations regarding aging among older adults have been linked to self-efficacy and health-related outcomes; however, their relationship with SCD is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships between older adults’ aging expectations regarding physical, mental, and cognitive health, and SCD.

Methods: An online survey of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older (n=582, M(SD)=71.36(4.80)) with no history of dementia …

The Impact Of Workplace Stressors On Anxiety Levels And Mental Health Among Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses, Kelsey Ericah Ang

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses work in a high-stress environment where they are exposed daily to traumatic situations. The demanding emotional and physical challenges contribute to significant psychological burdens, including increased stress and anxiety. Purpose: The current paper proposes a research design to examine the outcomes of stress, anxiety levels, and mental well-being on PICU nurses when workplace support and structured debriefing sessions take place following a traumatic event. Methods: Participants will be recruited from PICU hospitals in Northern California. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained prior to the study. The selection criteria will …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

Improving Spiritual Care Competency Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Promoting Holistic Patient Care Towards End-Of-Life, Joanne Nguyen, Dana Bagis

Nursing | Senior Theses

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses play a crucial role in providing physiological stabilizing care in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, often marked by constant changes and variability in complex patients. Despite their specialization, the aspect of spiritual care tends to be overlooked, particularly in the context of end-of-life care. This is significant because previous studies have shown that a lack of spiritual care leads to poorer health outcomes, decreased coping, increased depression, and diminished quality of life for patients. This research proposal aims to investigate the spiritual care competency among ICU nurses who partake in spiritual care-based training, with the …

Nurse Suicide: Examining Depression And Anxiety In Critical Care Settings, Arianna Bernardine Barata

Nursing | Senior Theses

Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, yet the demanding work environment often exposes them to stressors, leading to the development of depression and anxiety. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) (2021), 50.8% of nurses have stress, 74% have anxiety, 70.8% have depression, and 79.1% have at least one of them. Burnout, understaffing, COVID fatigue, alarm fatigue, patient ratios, and disrupted sleep patterns are some of the stressors nurses contend with in every shift. While some nurses may cope and overcome these challenges, many face more severe issues, such as suicide. Nurse suicide is an issue that has …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Culture Based Nurse-Led Education For Postpartum Depression In Primiparous Asian-American Women, Colleen Peralta

Nursing | Senior Theses

The postpartum period is a critical period in regards to maternal health, marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Among the vulnerabilities that arise, postpartum depression (PPD) poses significant risks. More specifically, Asian-American mothers with postpartum depression face unique challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health stigma remains prevalent within the Asian-American community, it can make it challenging for mothers to seek out mental health care for postpartum depression. To investigate, primary research articles about the perceptions and experiences of PPD and the interventions used to improve PPD outcomes were examined. A plan for a future …

Unleashing Wellness: Exploring The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Anxiety Reduction, Quality Of Life, And Treatment Adherence In Pediatric Oncology Patients, Karina Brouwer

Nursing | Senior Theses

Pet therapy is a complementary intervention that involves the interaction between a person and animal, with the focus of improving psychological well-being within diverse populations. In particular, children with oncological disorders have increases in anxiety and stress levels, therefore it is imperative to study the impact of animal interventions within this population. This literature critique explores the impact of pet therapy interventions on anxiety, stress, and quality of life perceptions in pediatric oncology patients. This research proposal will investigate how animal therapy interactions within pediatric oncology patients influence their anxiety levels and perceptions of quality of life and how these …

The Caregiving Role Influences Suboptimal Health Status And Psychological Symptoms In Unpaid Carers, Monique Garcia, Zheng Guo, Yulu Zheng, Zhiyuan Wu, Ethan Visser, Lois Balmer, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) is the physical state between health and disease. This study aimed to fill in the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence of SHS and psychological symptoms among unpaid carers and to identify SHS-risk factors from the perspective of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 participants who were enrolled from Australia, including 203 unpaid carers as cases and 165 individuals from the general population as controls. SHS scores were measured using SHSQ-25 (Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25), whilst psychological symptoms were measured by DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21). …

Overcoming The Unseen: Understanding Diverse Canadian Workers’ Well-Being During The Beginning Of The Coronavirus Pandemic, Tyler M. Pacheco

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Canadian workers were severely affected by the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The rapid spread of the pathogen across Canada resulted in several work-related consequences (e.g., temporary/indefinite layoffs and business closures, mandatory working-from-home) that could have impacted workers’ well-being during this turbulent period. Research available at the start of this dissertation process, and even more recently published studies, primarily explored general trends in workers’ negative well-being during COVID-19, not examining the distinct realities that diverse workers, including more marginalized ones, may have experienced. Across three manuscripts, several theories from diverse disciplines (positive, developmental, community, and industrial-organizational psychology, public health) …

Get It In Writing: How To Make Medications For Opioid Use Disorder Available During Incarceration, Margaret J. Mcgladrey, Jordan Kelsch, Michelle R. Lofwall, Laura C. Fanucchi, Sharon L. Walsh, Carrie B. Oser

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

In a case example from the Kentucky HEALing Communities Study, extensive resources were deployed to address structural barriers and facilitate the provision of medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) in an urban county jail. However, implementation was unsuccessful, and this case example emphasizes the importance of including evidence-based medication for OUD (MOUD) treatment in the scope of work of jails’ contracted medical providers. The privatization of correctional health care services allows local governments with opioid abatement funds to incorporate requirements into medical provider contracts to screen all people entering jails for OUD and to offer MOUD at intake, throughout incarceration, …

The Development Of A Recovery Coaching Training Curriculum To Facilitate Linkage To And Increase Retention On Medications For Opioid Use Disorder, Trevor Moffitt, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Laura Fanucchi, Sharon L. Walsh, Christopher Cook, Devin Oller, Anna Ross, Molly Gallivan, John Lauckner, Jeremy Byard, Phoebe Wheeler-Crum, Michelle R. Lofwall

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

Introduction: Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) decreases opioid overdose risk and is the standard of care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Recovery coach (RC)-led programs and associated training curriculums to improve outcomes around MOUD are limited. We describe our comprehensive training curriculum including instruction and pedagogy for novel RC-led MOUD linkage and retention programs and report on its feasibility.

Methods–pedagogy and training development: The Kentucky HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-termSM) Communities Study (HCS) created the Linkage and Retention RC Programs with a local recovery community organization, Voices of Hope-Lexington. RCs worked to reduce participant barriers …

Screening Incarcerated Women For Opioid Use Disorder, Michele Staton, Martha Tillson, Mary M. Levi, Matthew Webster, Carrie B. Oser, Carl Leukefeld

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

The overall aim of the present study is to examine the utility of the DSM OUD Checklist and the NM-ASSIST screening tools to identify symptoms consistent with OUD among incarcerated women in county jails. This study contributes to the existing literature because research on screening and assessment approaches for incarcerated women has been limited. The focus of the current study is to describe the screening procedures and study recruitment for a larger parent study focused on increasing treatment linkages. Study findings indicate a positive correlation between indicators of OUD using the two screening tools, as well as a high degree …

Extended-Release Injection Vs Sublingual Buprenorphine For Opioid Use Disorder With Fentanyl Use, Edward V. Nunes, Sandra D. Comer, Michelle R. Lofwall, Sharon L. Walsh, Stefan Peterson, Fredrik Tiberg, Peter Hjelmstrom, Natalie R. Budilovsky-Kelley

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Importance: Fentanyl has exacerbated the opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid overdose epidemic. Data on the effectiveness of medications for OUD among patients using fentanyl are limited.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of sublingual or extended-release injection formulations of buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD among patients with and without fentanyl use.

Design, Setting, and Participants: Post hoc analysis of a 24-week, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted at 35 outpatient sites in the US from December 2015 to November 2016 of sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone vs extended-release subcutaneous injection buprenorphine (CAM2038) for patients with OUD subgrouped by presence vs absence of fentanyl …

Novel Cannabinoid Use Among Young Adults In Lexington, Kentucky, Victoria A. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to implement a survey to estimate the prevalence of novel cannabinoid use among young adults in Lexington, Kentucky, and to examine modes of use and motivations for novel cannabinoid use. The primary hypothesis of this study was that many respondents would indicate medical reasons for using novel cannabinoids.

Methods: A cross-sectional primary data analysis of 101 young adults in Lexington, Kentucky to determine prevalence of lifetime novel cannabinoid use, past 30-day novel cannabinoid use, mode of use, motivation for use, and related demographic characteristics. Univariate and bivariate analysis were produced using the PROC …

Developmental Effects Of Child Abuse: The Relevance Of Timing, Laura Luz Alvarez Pineda, Karla Susana Saldaña

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Early physical, sexual, and emotional child abuse has been associated with long-life cognitive, emotional, and physical health repercussions. Purpose: The current paper, in addition to a literature review, proposes a research design to examine the emotional outcomes of physical, emotional, and sexual child abuse on Hispanics when a psychosocial therapy program is implemented. Methods: Participants will be recruited from children’s hospitals, daycares, and preschools around the Bay Area. Parental-informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. This longitudinal quantitative quasi-experimental study will be comprised of three phases to measure posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms, and suicidal …

Unleashing Wellness: Exploring The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Anxiety Reduction, Quality Of Life, And Treatment Adherence In Pediatric Oncology Patients, Karina Brouwer

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Pet therapy is a complementary type of therapeutics in which a person and animal have a guided interaction with the purpose of helping someone cope with physical and/or mental illness. Animal-assisted therapy is used in numerous settings and has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and decrease anxiety and depression (Husson University, 2022). In particular, pediatric oncology patients have enormous amounts of stress in their lives, which leads to increased anxiety and decreased quality of life (Children's Cancer Cause, 2023). While evidence shows that integrating pet therapy in pediatric oncology patients produces significant benefits on …

Evaluating The Mental Health Of Newly Graduated Nurses In Transition From Undergraduate Training To Professional Practice, Victor Louis C. Alinas Iv

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional …

Icu Nurse Mental Health: Telehealth Vs In-Person Therapy, Ariel Mach

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background Nurses working within high-stress specialties, such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), often face a lack of resources aimed at supporting their mental health. The expectation for the nurses is to independently manage their psychological well-being based on their knowledge and educational background. However, many times it is difficult to manage persistent stress, anxiety, or depression and this could adversely affect the quality of patient care and eventually lead to burnout. Telehealth therapy has become more readily available and used since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two forms of treatment delivery. Currently, there is limited research on the effectiveness of …

Specialized Support For Queer Women With Postpartum Depression, Dan-Tam Pham

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Queer women face disproportionately high rates of postpartum depression compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Studies showed that queer women face heightened mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression and anxiety due to factors like discrimination, limited support systems, and negative healthcare experiences. There is a need for culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming interventions to improve maternal mental health outcomes; despite the health disparities faced by this population, research on specialized postpartum interventions is limited, revealing gaps in effective mental health care for queer mothers. The key search terms for the articles used in the study included: postpartum depression, queer …

The Critical Role Of External Involvement In Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression, Samantha Campopiano

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum depression (PPD) can occur in mothers after birth. PPD affects one in seven women during their first year of postpartum. PPD does not have a definitive cause, but underlying contributions include hormonal changes, metabolic pathway changes, and a new onset of stressors. After birth, the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger or worsen the depressive episodes seen in PPD. PPD risk factors encompass the following determinants: psychological, obstetric, social, lifestyle, and family history (Carlson et al., 2024). Postpartum depression is more common in adolescents than adult mothers (Phipps et al., 2013). Research shows adolescents who don’t have …

Reducing Levels Of Compassion Fatigue Among Generation Z Hospital Nurses, Kailani Yee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Although qualities such as empathy and compassion are commonly regarded as essential traits in a caregiver, continuous exposure to the hardships and suffering of others creates a risk of developing compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue (CF) is the emotional, physical, and mental toll that builds up over time in individuals in caregiver roles. It develops from the prolonged expression of compassion and empathy while caring for individuals experiencing death, trauma, suffering, or grief (Delaney, 2018).

Nurses are among the populations most impacted by CF as they are typically at the forefront of patient-care, bearing responsibility for the physical, psychosocial, and emotional …

Nurses’ Perception On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Implications On Mental Health, Geethika Manoj, Celine Bautista

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital …

Evidence Synthesis Methodology: Promoting Reproducible Methodology Through Modified Assignments, Laura Lipke, Neyda Gilman

Library Created Resources

Initially, systematic reviews in healthcare served to synthesize findings from clinical studies, aiding comprehensive access to the most effective treatments within evidence-based practice. Over time, their scope has broadened beyond treatment effectiveness, leading to a surge in publication. Consequently, many health science faculty now assign systematic reviews in classrooms without a full grasp of the standardized process, leaving students ill-equipped due to insufficient guidance and resources.

While mastering systematic review techniques is crucial for evidence-based practice, faculty can opt for modified assignments to foster a deeper understanding of the review process. These modified tasks, can be completed within a semester, …

Coping With Eco-Emotions, Cassandra O. Berg, Sylvia Wood, Sylvia Luceno, Kaitlyn M. Blume, Siena Cysewski, Jack Person, Alis Auch

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

"Coping with Eco-Emotions” was an initiative aimed at tackling the growing challenges of emotional distress brought about by the impacts of climate change, specifically eco-grief and eco-anxiety. Despite the complex and widespread nature of the issue and the limited training of the group in the field of mental health, the goal was to raise awareness about eco-emotions and provide a supportive space for individuals to process their feelings related to the climate crisis. Through hosting a week-long series of events, each tailored to a different strategy for addressing eco-emotions, the project aimed to create a platform for individuals at the …