Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Unplugging For Wellness: Psycho-Behavioral Impact Of Social Media Detox In Medical Students, Hazhmat Ali, Deemah Shalan, Lubna Ahmed, Ahmed Abdulazeez, Bira Ahmed, Mohammed Khamo

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Social media detoxification has emerged as a strategy for enhancing well-being. This study investigates the effects of social media detox on the psychological well-being and academic performance of students. A total of 361 medical students participated in this study. After obtaining formal consent, the participants completed a structured survey administered in a controlled setting. The survey included sections on demographics, patterns of social media use (e.g., time spent, platforms accessed, and primary motivations), and standardized psychological assessment scales. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Most students (75.9%) reported using multiple social media …

Psychosocial, Mental, And Suboptimal Health Measures Are Not Affected By Provision Of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Imaging Results: A 12-Week Rct, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Jack Dalla Via, Marc Sim, Abadi K. Gebre, James Dimmock, John T. Schousboe, Richard J. Woodman, Kun Zhu, Pawel Szulc, Ben Jackson, Wei Wang, Markus P. Schlaich, Douglas P. Kiel, Wai H. Lim, Amanda Devine, Moira Sim, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The provision of abdominal aortic calcification imaging results can elicit cardiovascular disease risk–reducing behaviors. However, its impact on psychosocial, mental, and suboptimal health measures is less clear.

Methods: Secondary analyses of a previously reported 12-week, single-blind RCT including 240 community-dwelling older Australian males and females were conducted. Participants were provided with abdominal aortic calcification imaging results and cardiovascular disease risk–reducing educational resources (abdominal aortic calcification+education, n =121) or education alone (control+education, n =119). Psychosocial distress, mental health score, and suboptimal health status were estimated using validated questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to compare changes between groups across 12 …

An Assessment Of Accessibility And Affordability Of Inpatient Psychiatric Care In Tennessee, Kailee Havrda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Access to mental health has seen changes over the past decade, but little research and attention have been given to access to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Inpatient psychiatric care is crucial for patients experiencing mental health emergencies who need immediate access to care. Gaps in spatial accessibility, affordability, and the access and assessment process were identified due to a lack of available information in the field.

Methods: Secondary data from the Tennessee Department of Health were used to assess financial accessibility through payer source charges and patient encounters, as well as through mapping of inpatient psychiatric facilities and conducting drive …

Building Resilience: The Role Of Extension In Enhancing Mental Health And Well-Being Through Preventive Approaches, Lakshmi Mahadevan

Journal of Extension

In 2023, 58.7 million U.S. adults experienced a mental illness, yet nearly half did not receive treatment (SAMHSA, 2023). Building Resilience is a single-session, evidence-informed program delivered through Cooperative Extension to address mental well-being using practical, nonclinical strategies. Grounded in Antonovsky's (1979) Sense of Coherence framework, the program centers on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress management within each participant's lived experience. Evaluation data from 347 participants showed high satisfaction, with 88% planning to apply strategies and 77% anticipating improved well-being. A 2-hour facilitator training supports national scalability, positioning Extension as a key partner in resilience-based mental health promotion.

Clinic White Paper: Usd Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic, Nicholas Boyd, Lauren Bruaski

Community Engagement

California is home to over 1.8 million veterans and 18,000 National Guard members, representing one of the largest military-connected populations in the United States. Despite substantial demand, over 50% of veterans experiencing mental health symptoms do not seek treatment, while those seeking care within federal systems frequently face significant wait times. This academic white paper evaluates the operational framework, clinical effectiveness, and workforce expansion model of the University of San Diego (USD) Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic – Veterans Initiative. Utilizing a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth model paired with a tiered supervision structure, the clinic provides evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) at no cost …

Characterising The Beyond 50 Cohort: Preliminary Exploration Of Physical And Psychosocial Health Factors And Substance Use Among A Cohort Of Community Dwelling Adults Aged 50–70 Years, Rose Laing, Tina Lam, Bosco Rowland, Paul Dietze, Aislinn Lalor, Keith D. Hill, Laura Alfrey, Nadine E. Andrew, Shalini Arunogiri, Stephen Bright, Louisa Picco, Suzanne Nielsen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Older adults exhibit unique risks associated with poor mental health and substance use. The Beyond 50 study is a longitudinal cohort investigating the determinants of healthy ageing, including relationships between physical and psychosocial health and substance use. We aim to characterise the Beyond 50 cohort and explore patterns of physical and psychosocial health and substance use. Methods: Baseline data collection was completed between September 2023 and August 2024. Annual follow-up data collection commenced in September 2024. Descriptive statistics will be used to characterise the cohort at the time of baseline survey completion. Results: Of the 1059 participants, the mean …

The Development And Piloting Of A Novel Client-Rated Trans And Gender Expansive Clinical Competence Scale For Mental Health Providers, Karen Abraham

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Transgender and gender expansive individuals (TGEI) are people who encompass a broad and comprehensive set of experiences of gender diverse individuals and identities that exist both within and beyond a binary framework. In the United States, the Williams Institute identified a proportion of 0.5% of American adults identifying as transgender (Herman et al., 2022). TGE samples report poorer physical and mental health than their cisgender counterparts across the lifespan (Rastogi et al., 2025; Reisner et al., 2015; Reisner, Poteat, et al., 2016). Health disparities of TGEI relative to their non-TGE counterparts can be seen in the prevalence of mood disorders …

Wildfires And Adolescent Mental Health: A Call To Action, Troy Allan

All Current Publications

Although wildfires affect people across the lifespan, adolescents warrant focused attention because wildfires can disrupt several systems that are especially important during this developmental period, including family relationships, peer networks, schools, routines, housing stability, and a developing sense of safety and identity. This fact sheet provides an overview of current research and a practical response pathway for professionals and families.

Clinical Considerations For Black Student Athlete Development, Jahnia Margarita Green

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Black student athletes exemplify the complexity of navigating intersecting identities at pivotal points in their development. They are also more likely to make premature commitments to their athletic identity and in turn suffer from psychological distress during times of transition (Beamon, 2012). The focus on Black collegiate athletes is informed by persistent mental health challenges associated with higher levels of competition or transitions (e.g., injury or retirement) within collegiate athletics (Brewer & Petitpas, 2017; Menke & Germany, 2019). This paper aims to develop culturally informed clinical considerations through the analysis of the Black student athlete experience and structural aspects of …

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 …

A Critical Review On Enhancing Equity Of Mental Health Treatment Of African American Families Through Social Support And Social Capital, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, Morgan E. Cooley, Heather M. Thompson, Atensia Earp Bowen, Gabe Caress, Alicia Best

Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research

African American adults and children experience both disproportionality and disparity when in contact with the mental health delivery system. There are a number of contextual factors that influence the treatment of African American families, such as systemic oppression or racism in both society and the behavioral health system or individual expressions of mental health symptomology. This review will provide an overview of how mental health disparities crossover systems, perceptions of mental health and mental health treatment among African American families, provide some context for why this review was written, as well as discuss the context of social support and social …

Screening And Treatment Protocols Used In Nicus Across Minnesota For Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (Pmads), Rachael Witt

Journal of Justice-Informed Social Work Practice and Research

Parents of infants with prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalizations are a population that is overlooked in recommended routine screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), yet this population is at greater risk for developing diagnosable mental health disorders. Previous research shows that across the US, PMAD screening and treatment practices vary widely, with many NICUs not providing any routine PMAD screening, psychoeducation, or treatment options to parents. The objective of this study was to explore the current mental health screening and treatment protocols used in NICUs across the state of Minnesota to learn if there are areas …

Eating Disorders: What Utahns Need To Know, Brie Sparks, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. They affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, body sizes, and life stages, often occurring alongside other mental health challenges. Eating disorders can have profound impacts on physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, educational attainment, and workforce participation. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and barriers to treatment in Utah is essential for developing effective prevention, intervention, and recovery efforts.

Aligning Perspectives: Exploring Parent-Youth Agreement On Well-Being And The Impact Of Positive Psychology On Communication & Relationship Habits, Daijah N. Hines

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As research calls for best practices in assessment of psychological constructs from multiple informants, more information is needed for secondary reports of subjective experiences such as perceptions of life satisfaction. Adolescence is a vital period for intervention and assessment supports to promote well-being, yet there is a gap in the research on how to interpret multi-informant data for mental health constructs such as subjective well-being especially within this population. Research has shown support for and validated the use of parents/caregivers as secondary informants (Dew & Huebner, 1994; Hines et al., 2023; Shoshani & Slone, 2017) yet there is still vague …

Sicker Americans Are More Likely To Misuse Prescription Medications, Esther Oshaji, Andrew S. London

Population Health Research Brief Series

Prescription medication misuse is a long-term population health problem in the United States. This data slice uses data from the National Wellbeing Survey (N=32,789, 2021–2025) of U.S. adults ages 18–64 to examine how the number of chronic health conditions a person has is related to their misuse of prescription opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, or stimulants in the past 12 months. The authors find a dose-response pattern: misuse rises from 2.8% among those with no chronic conditions to 11.7% among those with three or more conditions. Mental health conditions show stronger associations with misuse than physical health conditions.

When School Culture Excludes: Deficit Discourse, Microaggressions, And The Mental Health Of Marginalized Students – A Conceptual Framework With Implications For School Psychology Practice And Equity Policy, Modupe Mercy Oyewunmi

Publications

Deficit-laden language like ‘behavior problem,’ ‘not college material,’ ‘won’t fit in’, ‘not a cultural fit’, operates as a systemic form of implicit bias and microaggression in school settings. Despite decades of research on school belonging and well-being, school psychology has yet to integrate these exclusionary discursive practices into a coherent health-determinant model that also accounts for the current anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy environment. This conceptual paper proposes a testable framework linking deficit discourse and school-based microaggressions to student identity suppression, academic impostor phenomenon, and educator moral injury, with downstream effects on school mental health outcomes. We situate these …

Psychogastroenterology: An Introduction For Behavioral Health And Healthcare Professionals, Jerrod Brown Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., Jeremiah B. Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Cns, Ches, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Tiffany Flaten Cns, Ldn

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

Although often difficult to discuss with clients, gastrointestinal (GI) issues affect an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans (American Gastroenterological Association, 2022). Yet only about 25% of those experiencing these conditions receive treatment. This is troubling because GI issues frequently co-occur with clinically significant consequences for physical health, psychological well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Designed for behavioral health and healthcare professionals, this brief article introduces the field of psychogastroenterology, with emphasis on symptoms, stigma, diagnosis, and treatment. Key topics include the gut-brain axis, common digestive health conditions, and the mental health implications associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Kenyan Adolescents: Psychometric Properties, Prevalence Rates And Correlates, Tom Osborn, Rosine Baseke, Faith Kamau, Winnan Munyasa, Christine Wasanga, Maureen Ngesa, Victoria Mutiso, Moses Nyongesa, Jasmit Shah, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked to poor mental health outcomes, yet research on their impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) settings of Africa, remains relatively unexplored. In Kenya, where childhood adversity is widespread, there is a critical need to examine the validity of ACE measures and their associations with mental ill health. This study aimed to validate the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (ACE-10) in a Kenyan adolescent sample and assess its associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety, bullying, and sociodemographic factors.

Methods: Data was collected from N = 2,842 adolescents and young …

Empowering Healing And Recovery: Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening In A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intensive Outpatient Program, Serena C. Lee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: This evidence-based practice project implemented Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening in an adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intensive Outpatient Program (COG IOP) at San Diego's largest behavioral health hospital to identify ACE exposure, deliver supportive interventions, and enhance clinician competency in trauma-informed care.

Background: ACEs are potentially traumatic experiences occurring before age 18 that are associated with toxic stress and worsening health outcomes. Despite evidence linking ACEs to adverse outcomes and substantial healthcare costs, routine ACE screening is not standardized in behavioral health settings.

Methods: Guided by the San Diego 8A's Evidence-Based Practice model, eligible patients were offered ACEs screening …

Narrative Roots - What We Inherit, What We Tell, What We Become: Intergenerational Storytelling, Meaning-Making, And Mental Health, Adam Sholder

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

This capstone synthesis explores how the family stories we inherit and the stories we tell across generations shape who we become, with particular attention to their impact on identity and mental health. Drawing on narrative identity theory, reflective practice, and relational understandings of family life, it introduces the Recursive Narrative Integration Model, which positions intergenerational storytelling as both a method of inquiry and a mechanism of meaning-making. Informed by a recursive process of creative and reflective writing, this synthesis approaches storytelling not only as an object of study, but as a lived and generative practice through which experience and narrative …

Using Weekly Guided Meditation To Develop Community, Connection And Improved Overall Experience And Wellbeing At Work, Mary Patterson Friedmeyer

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

The majority (99%) of respondents rated the Weekly Guided Meditation (via zoom) as being both impactful and valuable in their lives. The majority (82%) of respondents reported finding more balance in the workday and improvement in overall well-being. The majority (63%) of respondents were neutral on building community, with just over one third (36%) of respondents responding positively to community building.

Evaluating An Educational Intervention On Screen-Time And Behavior Change: A Pilot Study, Kayla L. Sweeney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Excessive screen time among adolescents has been associated with negative health outcomes, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Despite growing awareness, many parents lack sufficient understanding of these risks and their impact on adolescent well-being. This project evaluated whether a brief educational intervention improved parents’ knowledge of the health effects of excessive screen time. Methods: A pre-and post-survey design was used to assess changes in parents’ understanding following an educational video intervention. The educational intervention consisted of evidence-based content highlighting the impact of screen time on mental health and sleep. The survey measured knowledge, beliefs, behavioral intentions, and strategies …

Barriers And Bridges: Exploring Factors That Shape Mental Health Service Utilization In Rural America, Margaret Wiwuga

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Despite disproportionately higher suicide mortality rates and comparable prevalence of mental illness across urban and rural communities in the United States, rural populations across the nation experience significantly lower access to and utilization of mental health services, naturally leading to worse comprehensive outcomes. This literature review examines multifaceted factors shaping mental health service use in rural America, taking note of both barrier and enabling factors that impede or enable these unique populations’ willingness and ability to access and use mental health services. Ten articles published prior to September 9, 2025, were selected from the James Madison University Libraries’ Psychology and …

From Exploitation To Healing: Mental Health And Resilience Among Native American Survivors Of Sex Trafficking, Katelin A. Stoebner

Honors Thesis

The mental health impacts of sex trafficking on Native American survivors and pathways to resilience are important to understanding healing. Native Americans are disproportionately affected by sex trafficking due to systemic inequities, historical trauma, and socioeconomic vulnerability. Using interviews with 47 Native survivors conducted as part of a larger Office on Violence Against Women project, this study analyzes the mental health challenges and recovery strategies identified by participants. Findings reveal that survivors commonly experience significant psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Among participants, PTSD emerged as the most frequently reported condition, followed by depression and anxiety, …

Left Out And At Risk: Post-Pandemic Continuation Of Organizational Service Reduction In Metropolitan New York City Coincides With Rise In Opiate Use And Mental Health Problems For Latinos, Ruth Lin Campbell, Smita Ekka Dewan

Publications and Research

Increasing opiate use and mental health problems among younger and older Latinos in urban US contexts prompted this investigation into the organizational resources that facilitate help-seeking efforts of Latinos in New York State (NYS). Guided by a Vulnerability Model and a framework of organizational enabling resources, this study used complementary longitudinal and cross-sectional designs. The longitudinal component examined changes in levels of organizational facilitators for Latino substance use disorder (SUD) help-seeking in Downstate NYS across three time periods, while the cross-sectional component compared post-pandemic facilitator levels across service types and regions. A convenience sample of 241 SUD clinicians participated in …

What Are The Effects Of Exposure To Green Spaces On Attention, Adhd Symptoms, Depression, And Overall Mental Health?, Emily Marie Hackett

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This poster is a literature review examining the relationship between green space exposure and mental health outcomes. Examples of green spaces include nature, hiking trails, city parks, tree cover, and gardens. This literature review finds that green space exposure has positive effects on the symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Nature exposure may serve as a complementary intervention to improve patient well-being.

Effect Of Pcos Treatment On Mental Health Outcomes, Audriti Mazumder, Aubrey Olson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract (250 words)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with a range of physical symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility. While its metabolic and reproductive manifestations are well characterized, the impact of PCOS on mental health remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on changes in symptoms following treatment and the influence of demographic factors.

A survey-based study was conducted using a Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via QR code and social media platforms. Questions were modeled after validated screening tools, including …

How Nutrition And Physical Activity Shape Your Well-Being, Stacy Phillips

EFNEP

This publication will explore the link among nutrition, physical activity, physical health, and mental health and how it impacts whole-body well-being. Understanding how multiple aspects of a person's lifestyle can affect an individual's overall well-being is essential to providing better education on how to make better choices to improve their well-being.

Implementing An Online Mental Health Intervention For Educators, Angela Cheney

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The primary objective of this project was to assess the impact of the New Directions Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program, an online intervention, on teacher stress and well-being. Teacher participation was recruited through email, flyers, and in-person discussions. The study used a mixed-method design, including pre- and post-project surveys of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure changes in stress, and the System Usability Scale (SUS) to evaluate the ease of use of online intervention. The intervention aimed to increase teachers’ self-awareness of stress and anxiety, provide strategies for prevention and early intervention, and support overall mental wellbeing. Paired-samples t …

Exploring Exercise Motivation And Mental Well-Being In College Students, Elaine M. Lindesmith, Anqi Deng Dr

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examined the relationship between physical activity, exercise motivation, and mental well-being among 48 undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, the study used survey data to measure depression, anxiety, physical activity, and open-ended exercise motivation responses. Motivation responses were coded as autonomous or controlled.

Results showed that physical activity was weakly and negatively related to depression and anxiety, but these relationships were not statistically significant. There were also no significant differences in mental health between autonomous and controlled motivation groups, and motivation did not significantly predict mental health outcomes in regression analyses. Overall, the …