Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Nh State Parks Outdoor Recreation And Wellbeing, Muriel C. Bennett

Honors Theses and Capstones

This evaluation strives to analyze NH residents’ usage of outdoor spaces (adults 18+) and NH State Park lands. The general purpose of this evaluation is to gain evidence and develop an understanding of participant use of outdoor spaces and whether participant’s mental well-being is a driving factor in outdoor recreation. As children and adults are spending increasingly more time indoors and on phones and computers, it is necessary for further research and advocacy efforts to be developed on the importance of time outdoors. It has be found that “urban lifestyles impose increasing demands on our cognitive resources” (Ohily, 2010) which …

Supporting People Bereaved By Suicide In The South West Region Of Western Australia: Report, Colleen M. Carlon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper reports on the practices of service providers in working with people and communities bereaved by suicide in regional contexts. For people bereaved by suicide experiences of grief, trauma and stigma and the questioning of why someone has died create a complex mix of need and emotion that can leave people vulnerable to complicated grief and poor physical and mental health. These effects may also be exacerbated by stigma in social and communal contexts. As such experiences of suicide grief are different to other forms of grief and loss, effectively supporting people and communities bereaved by suicide requires knowledge …

Implementation Of A Coach-Supported Mhealth Intervention For Dementia Prevention In China: A Qualitative Study Among Chinese Participants And Coaches In The Prodemos Trial, Jinxia Zhang, Marieke P. Hoevenaar-Blom, Xuening Jian, Haifeng Hou, Siqi Ge, Carol Brayne, Esmé Eggink, Melanie Hafdi, Mingyue He, Guohua Wang, Wenzhi Wang, Wei Zhang, Yueyi Yu, Yixuan Niu, Jihui Lyu, Libin Song, Wei Wang, Youxin Wang, Eric P. Moll Van Charante, Manshu Song

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Modifiable risk factors have been linked to 45% of dementia cases. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions targeting lifestyle-related risk factors with remote coaching have the potential to reach underserved high-risk populations globally. To date, little is known about the implementation of such interventions in China. Methods Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants and 11 health coaches involved in the PRODEMOS trial. This trial investigated whether a coach-supported mHealth application intervention can reduce dementia risk in people aged 55–75 years with multiple risk factors. Interviews were conducted three months and 12–18 months into the intervention, focusing on implementation outcomes …

The Association Between Obstetric Violence And Postpartum Depression Among Latina Women In The United States: An Integrative Review, Natalia Alameda

Scripps Senior Theses

Obstetric violence, a structural form of gender-based violence, involves abuse, mistreatment, or neglect by healthcare providers during obstetric care. It is often associated with childbirth trauma and may result in physical and psychological harm to mothers and children, including postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery. While these concepts are often studied independently, few studies examine their intersection, particularly among Latina women in the United States. To address this gap, an integrative literature review was conducted to explore the association between obstetric violence and postpartum depression among Latina women. …

Screening And Addressing Food Insecurity At Free Clinics: A Scoping Review, Gautam Ramanathan, William Zak, Daiwik Munjwani, Robert Fisher, Esther May Sarino, Mary J. Scourboutakos

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Food insecurity (FI) is highly prevalent amongst patients seeking care at free, student-run health clinics. This study sought to examine the existing literature of food insecurity screenings and interventions at free clinics across the U.S. In this review, we provide the rate of FI screenings, the prevalence of FI, demographic information of patients screened, and interventions and barriers faced by clinics while implementing interventions to improve FI. Studies included in this review needed to implement a FI screening and intervention program in a free clinic within the United States. Additionally, eligible studies could address additional social determinants of health or …

Representative National Survey On Drug Use During The Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Order In The Usa, Soo-Hoon Lee, Bernadette Cullen, Alidon Athey, Calliope Holingue, Michelle R. Kaufman, Paul Nestadt, Jack Samuels, Tracy Vannorsdall, Phillip Phan

Management Faculty Publications

Objectives This study explores the drug use behaviour in the US general population in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on the relationship between sociopsychological factors, mobility restrictions from March to June 2020 and mental health conditions.

Design A retrospective anonymous online survey representing a cross-section of the US population in 2020.

Setting A qualified panel of 500 000 Qualtrics participants stratified by gender, race, age and geographical region to represent the US population.

Participants 3340 participants voluntarily consented to respond.

Measures Outcome measure for illicit and non-medical use of prescription drugs based on the National …

Exploring The Impact Of Covid-19 And The Role Of The Church On African Americans’ Mental Well-Being In South Georgia, Adrian D. Lewis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 disrupted the social dynamics of communities in the United States. Furthermore, public health mandates led to closures that changed how populations access faith. Historically, African Americans have utilized the church to cope with societal stressors. This study will explore the history of church utilization in the African American community, assess how COVID-19 public health mandates led to church closures for the first time in recent history and impacted this marginalized population, and provide a qualitative perspective on the quality of life during the closures and what changed after the closures for African Americans in …

Smart Goal-Setting On Behaviors To Enhance Intrinsic Motivation For Exercise: A Pilot Study With Orangetheory Fitness Participants, Adam Relitz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sustaining long-term motivation for exercise remains a challenge within health and fitness, particularly when extrinsic factors like weight loss dominate motivational strategies. This study investigates the role of behavioral SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting in fostering intrinsic motivation, a self-driven form of engagement, among participants in a structured fitness program. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a SMART goal-setting curriculum in promoting intrinsic motivation and behavior-based goals over external outcomes like losing weight. METHODS: Participants (N = 24) were recruited from a fitness challenge program and selected one behavioral SMART goal from a …

Exploring Psychological Implications Of The Contemporary Lung Transplant, Isaac C. Machar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Since its inception in 1963 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, more than 50,000 lung transplant procedures have been performed. During its 50-year anniversary, 2023 saw just over 3,000 lung transplants performed in the United Sates. However, as this procedure continues to increase in execution each year, it is critical that the psychological implications of this procedure are explored. In this paper, I hope to develop an understanding of the psychological background of contemporary lung transplantation. Reviewing the lung and double lung transplant, the goal is to apply biopsychology principles to the field. Background information about transplant science is …

Obesity Prediction From Structural Mri Using Conformal Deep Learning With Uncertainty Quantification, W. Farzana, A. G. A. Temtam, B. Humud-Arboleda, L. Ma, M. Bean, F. Gerard Moeller, K. M. Iftekharuddin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Obesity arises from a neurobehavioral disorder in which the brain’s regulation of hunger and food intake is impaired, leading to an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure. One key phenotype associated with obesity is body mass index (BMI). BMI is influenced by multiple causal pathways driven by behavioral, metabolic, and genetic factors. Traditional obesity prediction studies often rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel-based morphometry to correlate BMI with obesity-related clinical measurements and brain structure, predominantly gray matter volume (GMV). However, the altered brain regions are variable and widespread between studies, with some literature presenting contradictory results between BMI and …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

1st Place Research Paper: Increasing The Accessibility Of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tf-Cbt) For Adolescents With Developmental Language Disorder: A Pilot Study, Lauren A. Fillet

Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Library Research Prize

Research has demonstrated that adolescents with developmental language disorder (AWDLD) perform more poorly compared to typically developing peers on measures of narrative production.This limitation may not only impact education and social life, but also possibly post-traumatic stress recovery, as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) involves a Trauma Narrative production activity (D’Amico et al., 2022). A limited amount of research has been conducted on adapting TF-CBT for children with intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (D’Amico et al., 2022; Anderson & Cook, 2015). However, there is currently no available research explicitly addressing how TF-CBT can be individualized to …

More Than Meets The Eye: A Phenomenological Study Of Self-Concept, Identity, And Meaning-Making In Adults With Acquired Vision Loss, Melinda M. Szilva

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The qualitative research project examines the lived experience of acquired vision loss in adulthood and its impact on the way participants see themselves and the world around them, both sensorially and metaphorically. The research question, “What are the lived experiences of adults with acquired vision loss as they relate to identity and conceptions of self?” is informed by the researcher’s clinical practice as a psychotherapist in a low vision clinic. The dissertation includes a literature review focussed on the psychosocial aspects of vision loss to provide insight into the intended population and context for the study. Data for the phenomenological …

Neighbourhood Resilience Planning With Renters In Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Anna Do

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This sequential mixed-methods study demonstrates the co-production of knowledge between academic researchers and local communities. Guided by the resilience planning framework, the study engaged 48 renters from the Beasley neighbourhood of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in identifying stressful and supportive locations using a participatory mapping tool called the “Place Report.” A total of 74 Place Reports were submitted, with most reporting supportive places in or near Beasley. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching domains, and 13 themes related to the use and function of these locations. Places pertaining to food, housing, and physical activity emerged as the most frequently discussed topics. The …

Preventing Chemical And Biological Attacks: Enhanced Threats Requiring Enhanced Solutions, Alex Elliot Ottoni-Belval

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Chemical weapons (CW) and biological weapons (BW) are becoming more dangerous for experts to employ and more accessible to amateurs. Despite CW and BW attacks throughout history that killed and maimed millions of people, the international community has failed to establish meaningful consequences to prevent them. Agreements such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention vow to eliminate and reduce the effects of CWs and BWs but lack respected response precedents and capabilities. The limited and inconsistent enforcement has inadvertently allowed CWs and BWs to become plausible weapons, especially to gain asymmetric advantages, while modern developments exasperate …

Supports For Mental Well-Being Valued By Healthcare Workers: Qualitative Analysis Of Data From A Canadian Cohort Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Shannon Marie Ruzycki, Anil Adisesh, Quentin Durand-Moreau, France Labrèche, Tanis Zadunayski, Erica Stroud, Nicola Cherry

Études primaires

A prospective cohort of 4964 HCWs from four Canadian provinces was established early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to comment about workplace mental health supports at three time points. We performed a thematic content analysis of responses from 1738 participants using the Social Support Behaviour Code framework to categorize barriers to support as informational, tangible, emotional, social, or expressing esteem. Themes were synthesized into suggestions for healthcare organizations to prepare for future crises. Formal and informal peer support, workplace mental health supports, and one-on-one counseling were most often mentioned as valued. Analysis suggested that workplace social networks as …

สุขภาพจิตและการรับรู้ความรู้สึกมีคุณค่าในตนเองของพระภิกษุในจังหวัดกรุงเทพมหานคร, ณัชชา ลิ้มวัฒนายากร

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การวิจัยครั้งนี้เป็นการศึกษาเชิงพรรณนาแบบตัดขวาง มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาสุขภาพจิตของพระภิกษุในจังหวัดกรุงเทพมหานคร ประกอบด้วยภาวะซึมเศร้า ภาวะวิตกกังวล ภาวะเครียด และการรับรู้ความรู้สึกมีคุณค่าในตนเอง ปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับสุขภาพจิต และความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างสุขภาพจิตและการรับรู้ความรู้สึกมีคุณค่าในตนเอง กลุ่มตัวอย่าง ได้แก่ พระภิกษุจํานวน 390 รูป ซึ่งได้รับการสุ่มแบบหลายขั้นตอน เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการเก็บข้อมูล ประกอบด้วย แบบสอบถามข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล แบบสอบถามการรับรู้ความรู้สึกมีคุณค่าในตนเอง (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale: RSES-TR-10 ฉบับภาษาไทย) และแบบประเมินภาวะซึมเศร้า ภาวะวิตกกังวล และภาวะเครียด (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale: DASS-21 ฉบับภาษาไทย) การวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนาได้แก่ ค่าความถี่ ค่าร้อยละ ค่าเฉลี่ย ค่ามัธยฐาน ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน และค่าพิสัยควอไทล์ สถิติเชิงอนุมาน ได้แก่ Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, Spearman’s rank correlation และ Multiple stepwise regression analysis ผลการวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลพบว่ากลุ่มตัวอย่างส่วนใหญ่มีการรับรู้ความรู้สึกมีคุณค่าในตนเองระดับสูง (ร้อยละ 72.3) มีคะแนนเฉลี่ย 31.36 (ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน 4.51) และค่ามัธยฐาน 30 (ค่าพิสัยควอไทล์ 29-34) ภาวะซึมเศร้าอยู่ในระดับปกติ (ร้อยละ 73.6) มีคะแนนเฉลี่ย 3.15 (ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน 2.94) และค่ามัธยฐาน 3 (ค่าพิสัยควอไทล์ 1-5) ภาวะวิตกกังวลอยู่ในระดับปกติ (ร้อยละ56.4) มีคะแนนเฉลี่ย 3.54 (ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน 2.80) และค่ามัธยฐาน 3 (ค่าพิสัยควอไทล์ 1-5) และภาวะเครียดอยู่ในระดับปกติ (ร้อยละ86.4) มีคะแนนเฉลี่ย 4.63 (ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน 3.00) และค่ามัธยฐาน 5 (ค่าพิสัยควอไทล์ 2-6) ปัจจัยที่มีความสัมพันธ์กับภาวะซึมเศร้า ภาวะวิตกกังวล …

Predicting Mental Health Disparities Using Machine Learning For African Americans In Southeastern Virginia, Ismail El Moudden, Michael C. Bittner, Matvey V. Karpov, Isaac O. Osunmakinde, Akosua Acheamponmaa, Breshell J. Nevels, Mamadou T. Mbaye, Tonya L. Fields, Karthiga Jordan, Messaoud Bahoura

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

This study examined mental health disparities among African Americans using AI and machine learning for outcome prediction. Analyzing data from African American adults (18–85) in Southeastern Virginia (2016–2020), we found Mood Affective Disorders were most prevalent (41.66%), followed by Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders. Females predominantly experienced mood disorders, with patient ages typically ranging from late thirties to mid-forties. Medicare coverage was notably high among schizophrenia patients, while emergency admissions and comorbidities significantly impacted total healthcare charges. Machine learning models, including gradient boosting, random forest, neural networks, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes, were validated through 100 repeated 5-fold cross-validations. …

The Role Of Doulas In The Health Care Continuum For Pregnant People With Substance Use Disorder: Perspectives Of Patients, Doulas, And Healthcare Providers, Dashaunda Taylor, Derek A. Chapman, Caitlin E. Martin, Cynthia C. F. Romero, Gerard Moeller

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives/Goals: The goals of this research are to 1) determine the prevalence of perinatal doula services use in Virginia, with a focus on individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), 2) evaluate awareness of doulas among pregnant and postpartum people with SUD, and 3) assess provider knowledge and interaction with doulas for the care of this population. Methods/Study Population: Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to evaluate patient and healthcare provider knowledge regarding doula services and the patient–doula–healthcare provider relationship. Surveys and semi-structured interviews will be administered to doulas, pregnant and postpartum women, and healthcare providers in this mixed-methods …

New Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Electroconvulsive Therapy In Treatment-Resistant Depression, Ana C Ruiz, Abdul Haseeb, William Baumgartner, Edison Leung, Giselli Scaini, Joao Quevedo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), particularly in cases involving severe symptomatology, suicidality, or psychotic features. Despite advancements aimed at enhancing the safety and cognitive tolerability of ECT, concerns about cognitive side effects continue to limit its broader acceptance. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying ECT is therefore critical for refining its use and maximizing clinical outcomes. Through a narrative review of recent literature, this paper synthesizes current evidence comparing the efficacy of ECT, ketamine, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of TRD. Then, the review delves into …