Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Treatment Of Female Anorgasmia Using Narrative Therapy And Therapeutic Masturbation – A Practice-Based Study, Leslie Martin

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This research study will use a practice-based model to explore orgasm and sexual pleasure with female clients who report that they are unable to experience an orgasm. By thickening their definitions and stories around orgasm and pleasure; and by engaging in therapeutic masturbation weekly between sessions, clients will experience increased pleasure and orgasm. The use of a guided therapeutic masturbation exercise is used from Emily Nagaski’s book Come As You Are. And quantitative data will be gathered using questions 11, 12, 13, and 16, from an adapted version of the Female Sexual Functioning Inventory.

Anjaneyasana: Yoga As An Intervention For Sexual Shame, Caitlin Minniear, Kathy Smith

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

While literature exists about the benefits of yoga through mindfulness, and on mindfulness and sex, little is known about the use of yoga as an intervention to promote healthy female sexuality. This study will explore the efficaciousness of yoga in reducing sexual shame. Data from 60 female participants will be collected via surveys. Using statistical analyses, changes in participants levels of sexual shame and sexual enjoyment will be examined as impacted by weekly yoga practice with an emphasis on body awareness, relaxation, and body positivity. We hypothesize a negative correlation between a weekly yoga practice and feelings of sexual shame …

Are You Satisfied? Examining The Association Between Marital Satisfaction, Parental Satisfaction, And Satir's Concept Of Congruence., Aaron Abrams, Dominique Washington

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Research demonstrates that marital and parental satisfaction influence each other, as those who have more satisfaction with their marital partners are generally more satisfied in their parenting practices, and vice-versa. Virginia Satir’s concept of congruence is believed to improve relationships. Current researchers propose examining whether congruence, marital satisfaction and parental satisfaction influence each other. Married couples will be given the Bonnie Lee Congruence Scale, Cleminshaw-Guidubaldi Parent Satisfaction Scale, and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. Researchers hypothesize that there will be a positive three-way interaction between the variables. If the hypotheses are supported, this may further promote teaching congruency in therapeutic settings.

Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy Efficacious In Reducing The Incidence Of Sibling Violence?, Quantas Ginn, Allison Sturges

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to explore the efficacy of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in reducing the incidence of sibling violence. To limit variables, this qualitative study will survey 60 King County elementary and middle schoolers between the ages 9-12 who currently inflict violence upon a sibling. Subjects will participate in 8 individual sessions while parents will provide feedback on subject’s behavior at home. Using a modified Conflicts Tactics Scale (CTS1-m) and a modified Parent Daily Report (PDR-m) to measure efficacy, we hypothesize that SFBT will be found to be effective in the reduction of sibling violence.

Religiosity And Experiences Of Sexual Shame: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis Study, Megan Hiser, Lauren Dudugjian

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

While the relationship between religion and sexual shame has been increasingly discussed, there has yet to be a study examining this relationship (Schermer-Sellers, 2017). This study aims to explore potential relationships between experiences of sexual shame (Clark, 2017) and religiosity. Latent class analysis was used to assess categorical indicators of sexual shame as found by Clark et al. (2017) and present and historical religious exposure. Covariates of membership were explored. The research aims to provide grounds for exploration of experiences of sexual shame nuanced by religion and empower clinicians to assist clients navigating experiences of sexuality, shame, and religion.

Couple Relationships, Secondary Traumatic Stress, And Burnout In A Sample Of Marriage And Family Therapists, Gretchen Hoyum, Stephanie Armes

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) occurs when a helping professional hears about a client’s trauma and develops symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Bride et al., 2004). Previous research has shown that social support can decrease rates of STS in healthcare providers. This study includes data from a larger project of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs; N= 200). We explored correlations between STS, burnout, and MFTs’ couple relationship factors. Findings indicated a negative correlation between couple relationship satisfaction and burnout (r = -.17; p < .05), as well as perceived support from partners and STS (r = -.19; p < .01). The findings suggest that MFTs’ positive couple relationships could be a protective factor in lowering levels of STS and burnout. We discuss implications for therapists in our poster.

The Moderating Effects Of How Long A Couple Has Been Together On The Relationship Between The Secondary Victim Of Rape And Their Experience Of Couple Satisfaction., Kasey Jahnke, Rose Langston

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study aims to enhance and expand the limited research–primarily international and qualitative–on the relationship between the trauma experience by the secondary victimof rape, and their experience couple satisfaction, using quantitative measures. A slight modification of the Couple Satisfaction Index will be used to measure this. We are limiting our variables by focusing on secondary victims that have been with their intimate partner for at least 6 months at the time of rape, and are 18 years of age and older. The population will be taken from working in connection with sexual assault research centers online. One hypothesis is the …

Premarital Therapy: Is It For Everyone Or Certain Personality Types?, Alex Ius, Olivia Waham

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This research proposal looks at the intersection of common personality traits and couples who have or plan to engage in premarital counseling or education. To test our hypothesis, we will use the 5 Factor Personality Test along with a general demographic survey. Our sample size consists of 500 couples ranging from ages 20 to 29 years old, with each couple being either engaged or already married and having participated in premarital therapy or plan to participate. Our study will provide results that can enhance clinicians’ knowledge on the different kinds of personalities that are wanting to participate in premarital counseling.

Apart But Together: Telehealth During A Pandemic., Allison Davis

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Though telehealth has existed for many years, it has largely not been accepted. Due to COVID-19, therapy must change to accommodate societal needs. This adoption of telehealth raises questions on effectiveness, side effects, and applications. These questions are addressed through a review of the current literature. Trials applying telehealth demonstrate the striking effectiveness of online healthcare in a variety of cases. Some benefits show reduced travel stress and expenses, lending a broader availability regarding lower socioeconomic status. Moving forward from this crisis, healthcare delivery must be rebuilt to create a new system to addresses the needs of modern society.

Spfc Virtual Research Conference Program 2020, Seattle Pacific University

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Full 2020 conference guide with descriptions of each poster or paper presented by students in Seattle Pacific University's School of Psychology, Family, and Community's annual research conference.

Engagement Of Community Stakeholders To Develop A Framework To Guide Research Dissemination To Communities, Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Tilicia Mayo-Gamble, Yolanda Vaughn, Jim Hawk, Mike Helms, Claudia Barajas, Yvonne Joosten

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Background: Dissemination of research findings to past study participants and the community-at-large is important. Yet, a standardized process for research dissemination is needed to report results to the community. Objective: We developed a framework and strategies to guide community-academic partnerships in community-targeted, dissemination efforts.

Methods: From 2017 to 2019, a community-academic partnership was formed in Nashville, Tennessee, and iteratively developed a framework and strategies for research dissemination using cognitive interviews. A deductive, constant comparative analysis was conducted on interview responses to examine framework and strategy content. Feedback was used to finalize the framework and strategies for the evaluation. …

Unplugging: An Evidence-Based Project To Reduce Screen Time And Improve Healthy Media Use In The Adolescent Population, Erica Persichetti

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background:Excessive media use is an emerging health concern amongst the pediatric population. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends less than 2 hours per day of recreational screen time, yet the national average is between 7 to 9 hours per day for adolescents. A media-saturated lifestyle has consequences on a child’s mental, physical, and emotional health. Despite guidelines stating media use should be assessed at annual well-visits, only 16% of providers are following this recommendation. This gap in care leaves many families with a limited understanding of the impact of media on their child's health and represents a …

Mental Health Screening For Low Income Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Project, Allison Bryden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

TITLE: Mental Health Screening For Low-Income Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Nearly 80% of adolescents in the United States will suffer from a mental illness and not receive evaluation or services. Children from low socio-economic backgrounds have an increased risk of mental health disorders which permeate into adulthood, leading to additional negative sequel and lower quality of life. Among adolescent mental health conditions, depression and anxiety are the most common. Literature has suggested provider intuition alone has low sensitivity and specificity for detecting mental illness and that screening tools are indicated.

PURPOSE: The aim of this project is to implement standardized routine …

Religious, Socio-Cultural Norms And Gender Stereotypes Influence Uptake And Utilization Of Maternal Health Services Among The Digo Community In Kwale, Kenya: A Qualitative Study, Vernon Mochache, George Wanje, Lucy Nyaga, Amyn Lakhani, Hajara El-Busaidy, Marleen Temmerman, Peter Gichangi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Maternal health outcomes in resource-limited settings are typically influenced by supply-side factors affecting the provision of quality health services. The extent to which demand-side factors contribute to this influence is unclear. We aimed to explore how individual and community-wide factors influenced uptake and utilization of maternal health services among the Digo community residing in Kwale County of coastal Kenya.

Methods: Between March and December 2015, we conducted 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with members of the Digo community predominant in Kwale county, Kenya. Respondents were sampled purposively and included female (pregnant and …

It's More Than Just "Baby Blues" - Screening For Postpartum Depression In A Pediatric Setting, Breanna M. Lazar, Martha G. Fuller

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is estimated to affect up to 1 out of 7 women. Evidence and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines support maternal screening for PPD in a pediatric setting during well-child visits. The pediatric office is frequently visited during the first year of life and is a suitable setting to perform screening.

Aims of Service Change: Implement AAP recommended PPD screening at a busy primary care practice in Southern California using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Details of Innovation: In this pilot project, mothers (who were not patients of the pediatric practice) consented to be screened …

A Dnp-Led Educational In-Service To Increase Depression Screening In Primary Care, Shaylyn White

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Depressive disorders are a major contributor to disability in the United States and worldwide. They are associated with multiple comorbid conditions including cardiovascular disease, obesity, stroke, and premature mortality. In the US, only 4.2% of primary care patients are being screened for depression and approximately 50% of cases of major depression are being missed.

Purpose: Implementation of a nurse practitioner-led educational intervention, discussing when, why, and how to screen utilizing the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 screening tools, with the medical assistant staff in order to increase compliance with annual screening.

EBP Model/Frameworks: The Iowa model was used to guide implementation …

Barriers And Facilitators To Opioid Use Treatment And Recovery Services During Pregnancy, Loralie Woods

Dissertations

Purpose: To identify barriers and facilitators to opioid use treatment and recovery services among pregnant and nonpregnant women who misuse opioids.

Background: Over 130 Americans die daily after overdosing on opioids. Women have not been immune from opioid use disorders (OUDs), with a 4-fold increase from 1999-2010. The prevalence of opioid use among pregnant women increased from 1.5 per 1,000 hospital deliveries to 6.5. Although the annual National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has provided information on risk factors for OUD related to socioeconomic and demographic factors, no studies using this data have identified barriers to opioid use …

De-Stigmatizing Mental Health Through First Person Narration In Young Adult Literature, Tatum E. Francis

University Honors Theses

This thesis project includes a written short story titled "Quiet Dissonance" that explicitly depicts anxiety and depression within the genre of Young Adult literature. The purpose of this story is to consciously de-stigmatize the mental health issues by depicting these mental disorders as authentically as possible with both research and my own real-life experience of being diagnosed with both anxiety and depression, rather than relying upon stereotypes and the influence of the media. This story is consciously written through the point of view of first person narration, allowing for further exploration into the interiority of the thoughts of the protagonist …

A Follow-Up Phone Call To Post-Operative Patients Using The Five A’S, Brittney Ochs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 53 percent of people that misused pain relievers in the past year received them from a friend or relative. The NIDA describes that from 2002 to 2008 that drug abuse in service members went from 2% to 11%. Often patients are initially prescribed and introduced to opioid medication for acute pain. One such circumstance is in the perioperative period that could provide an opportunity to promote opioid-sparing techniques to reduce the exposure to opioids.

Purpose of Project: To assess discharge medication characteristics and reinforce discharge medication instructions …

Centering Children In Co-Parenting, Kristen L. Wiidanen

University Honors Theses

Comprehensive systems theory identifies several associated risk factors and consequences of separation but, research suggests that legal divorce itself has few direct effects on children. While there is diversity in children’s responses to separation, generally associated risk factors are behavioral disruptions, emotional upheaval, anger, resentment, anxiety, guilt and depression. Parents abilities to cope with their divorce are critical to the child’s adjustment and, if parents are able to control their feelings toward their ex-spouse, cooperate in parenting, negotiate differences, and settle their quarrels in privacy, their children will show fewer social and emotional problems. It is expected that the curriculum …

A Quality Improvement Pilot To Reduce Caregiver Burden In Caregivers Of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (Hsct) Patients In A Hsct Program In The Northwest, Jody Acheson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an intensive and complex treatment for certain blood cancers. Caregivers are required for patients receiving this treatment. Caregivers frequently experience caregiver burden. Providing an intervention to alleviate caregiver burden can positively impact patient and caregiver health outcomes.

Project Design: The following was the project design: 1) review the literature to understand the best practices to prevent caregiver burden for caregivers of patients undergoing HSCT, 2) development a pilot quality improvement program based on the evidence, 3) implementation of the pilot, and 4) obtaining feedback from facilitators and participants to optimize intervention for ongoing …

Kin(A)Esthetic Paper Play: A Community Engagement Project Offering A Therapeutic Experience By Exploring An Emergent Method Of Expressive Arts Therapy With Clinicians Who Studied Expressive Arts, Bed Hermin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

For this community engagement project, I explored an emergent practice of Kin(a)esthetic Paper Play with expressive arts therapists. This practice aligns with Buddhist philosophy and practice in the West and its benefits can be explained through the theory of Embodied Simulation. The literature on Buddhism and Embodied Simulation highlights the positive benefits of abstract meditative processes done in groups. My goal was to explore the therapeutic elements of K(a)P within a community group setting. When elements of Kin(a)esthetic Paper Play were introduced to a group of alumni from Lesley’s Expressive Arts Therapy graduate program it was received well. I learned …

A Literature Review Of Community Art Therapy With Youth In Inner City Communities Of Color, Jennifer Habeeb

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was developed to synthesize the research surrounding community-based art therapy with youth who reside in inner city communities of color. Youth of color in inner city communities face a number of different challenges such as low socioeconomic status, social inequality, discrimination, and lack of political representation. There is currently little research on the impact of art therapy and expressive arts interventions with this population, however; these interventions have shown to be effective in a number of different areas. Literature revealed that community-based art therapy with inner city youth of color has shown to increase self-esteem, decrease symptoms …

Designing For Adolescent Mental Wellness: An Analysis Of Museum Education, Art Therapy, And Developmental Theory, Katherine Angela Himics

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Museums serve as therapeutic environments providing positive, arts engagement opportunities for visitors’ mental wellness and growth. Literature reveals that mental wellness programming in the museum environment predominantly serves adult audiences, yet the presentation of mental illness symptoms commonly begins during adolescence. In response, this study sought to provide an accessible, replicable structure for the design and implementation of adolescent mental wellness programming. Through a qualitative textual and content analysis, this study developed a series of recommendations for the development of said programming informed by the comparison of clinical art therapy practices, adolescent developmental theory, and the strengths of museum education.

The Relationship Between Traumatic Brain Injuries, Impulsivity, And Crime, Brian Ramanauskas

Student Theses

The rate of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are increasing each year, impacting an estimated 1.4 million Americans. After further investigation, researchers have concluded that 8.5% of the general public sustains at least one TBI, whereas this number ranges from 25% to 87% in criminal populations. In the literature, impulsivity is frequently described as poorly conceived, prematurely expressed, or inappropriate behaviors. Additionally, poor impulse control has been shown to significantly impact the likelihood of criminal activity, increasing the rate of recidivism. The current study examined an archival dataset of 95 incarcerated individuals from a private correctional facility in a large mid-Atlantic …

The Efficacy Of Art Therapy As An Adjunctive Therapy For Psychosis: A Literature Review, Erin Tillquist

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Psychosis is a serious symptom of mental illness that is characterized by a detachment from reality. This can include experiencing visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations, as well as delusions or false beliefs (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-V, 2013). Psychosis is a symptom of many disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and dementia, among many others. Art therapy is often overlooked as a valuable treatment for psychosis, mainly due to a lack of research in the field and the difficulty of maintaining controlled research parameters with this acute population (Tamminga & Lahti, 2011). Likewise, psychosis is generally perceived as manageable …

The Cycle Continues: The Effects Of Intergenerational Trauma On The Sense Of Self And The Healing Opportunities Of Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Nora Buonagurio

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis illuminates the far-reaching impact of intergenerational trauma on the sense of self, and the implications for dance/movement therapy in healing from intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma (otherwise known as transgenerational trauma, historical trauma, and cultural trauma) is trauma that is passed down from generation to generation. Future generations experience their ancestors’ traumatic experiences as if it were their own, hijacking their sense of self and identity. Sense of self will be defined as feeling secure in who you are—sense of identity, personality, family background, aspirations, and semblance of having control in your life. Intergenerational trauma presents unique challenges …

The Freedom To Move: Dance/Movement Therapy And Survivors Of Trafficking - An Evolving Practice, Rebecca Richardson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Human/Sex trafficking is the use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploiting humans (mainly women) for sex or labor. Consequences of being trafficked include psychological and physical symptoms that may hinder the survivors for the rest of their life if not treated. Survivors of human trafficking are infrequently researched and have limited evidence-based methods of treatment. Even fewer studies have been conducted involving the use of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. dance/movement therapy is vital to treatment because of its focus on integrating the body with the mind. In this literature review I discuss the effects …

Psychosis, Spirituality & Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Julie Sousa

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores varied treatment modalities for individuals who experience psychosis, carrying diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar I, or bipolar II. These individuals frequently experience marginalization and stigmatization in society. Unfortunately, this is often mirrored within the health care systems that provide treatment. These systems tend to focus heavily on symptoms, highly pathologizing client’s experiences, which can cause resistance to treatment. While psychopharmacology and traditional talk therapy are shown to be effective, they are not always sustainable. Varied treatment modalities are necessary. In order to promote more holistic treatment for these individuals, this literature review highlights recent global …

How Dance And Music Stimulate Therapeutic Change In A Personal Movement Ritual, Cassidy Bingham

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis investigates the therapeutic effects of the researcher’s own arts practice or personal movement ritual, which is based in her tacit knowledge and intuition. The researcher is also the participant of this study. Her personal movement ritual, which was formalized as the method, was conducted before the literature review in order to prioritize tacit knowledge before introducing the influence of other scholars. In the literature review, Ellen Dissanayake’s and other scholars’ rationale for the emotional and cognitive changes that take place during rituals through music and dance are explained. These rationales, or the five constructs of entrainment, “ …