Other Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Success And Positive Outcomes Of Youth Within The Foster System, Cassidy Solomon

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone paper will discuss the development of an occupational therapy program to support the needs of youth within the foster system and prepare this population to live independently. Background information including statistics, the need for occupational therapy, and the program specifics such as rationale, significance, and objective are discussed. The development of an occupational therapy program to aid in the success of children within the foster care system helps close a gap in research that will contribute to this population's success and positive outcomes. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for children in the foster …

Occupational Therapy’S Role Within The Foster System, Cassidy Solomon, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster will discuss the development of an occupational therapy program to support the needs of youth within the foster system to prepare this population to live independently. Background information including statistics, the need for occupational therapy, and the program specifics such as rationale, significance, and objective are displayed. The development of an occupational therapy program to aid in the success of children within the foster care system helps to close a gap in research that will contribute to the success and positive outcomes of this population. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for children in …

Applying Emotionally Focused Group Therapy With Collegiate Student-Athletes Experiencing Disordered Eating And Poor Body Image, Emily Wagener

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Rates of eating disorders and sub-clinical disordered eating continue to rise each year, with higher rates seen among athletes than non-athletes (Curry, 2010). Fueled Athletes is a group-style intervention for collegiate student-athletes that uses Emotionally Focused Therapy to help group members identify and transform emotions that contribute to poor body image and disordered eating behaviors. The mission of Fueled Athletes is to create a program that addresses eating problems and body image disturbances experienced by student-athletes by creating a safe space, building a support network which will lead to decreasing rates of ED / DE within the student-athlete population. Future …

Contributors To Faculty Wellness In An Academic Emergency Department Before And During The Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Nicholas D. Hartman, Casey Glass, Manoj Pariyadath, Kathleen Hosmer, Meagan Hunt, Nicklaus Ashburn, Cedric Lefebvre

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Burnout is well known as a prevalent hazard in emergency medicine (EM) careers, but the literature is less clear about what specific work-related factors actually contribute to wellness and burnout among academic EM faculty.

Objectives: 1) To explore themes and specific concerns that contribute to faculty wellness in an academic emergency department, in a qualitative fashion. 2) To determine whether these themes and concerns changed appreciably in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: EM faculty members at an academic institution were invited to participate in the study, including an on-line survey and a structured interview. Survey results were …

Application Of An Opioid Risk Assessment Tool For Patients With Pain Presenting To The Emergency Department With Drug-Seeking Behaviors, Darian L. Stephens

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this quality improvement project was to introduce the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain- Revised (SOAPP-R) tool to identify patients in the emergency department (ED) at risk for opioid abuse.

BACKGROUND The project was implemented in a 13-bed freestanding ED that can treat medical emergencies as well as provide substance abuse detoxification services.

METHODOLOGY A systematic approach that combined quantitative and qualitative data was used during the pre-implementation and implementation periods. The clinical staff was educated on the process of implementing the SOAPP-R tool. Those who were identified as at risk for opioid abuse …

Graduate Healthcare Students' Mental Health: A Pilot Study, Soriya S. Ung-Koy, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

This pilot study investigates the mental health of healthcare professional doctoral students, focusing on stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to burnout. These students are responsible for intense academic demands, personal lives, and professional careers.

This study explored student mental health in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)/ Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs at the University of the Pacific's School of Health Sciences. The study contributes to existing literature, exploring how educational experiences impact healthcare students' mental health, behaviors, and symptoms.

The DASS-21 survey tool was utilized to assess anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms during their graduate studies. …

Prediction Of Mild Cognitive Impairment Status: Pilot Study Of Machine Learning Models Based On Longitudinal Data From Fitness Trackers, Qidi Xu, Yejin Kim, Karen Chung, Paul Schulz, Assaf Gottlieb

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Early signs of Alzheimer disease (AD) are difficult to detect, causing diagnoses to be significantly delayed to time points when brain damage has already occurred and current experimental treatments have little effect on slowing disease progression. Tracking cognitive decline at early stages is critical for patients to make lifestyle changes and consider new and experimental therapies. Frequently studied biomarkers are invasive and costly and are limited for predicting conversion from normal to mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use data collected from fitness trackers to predict MCI status.

METHODS: In this pilot study, fitness trackers were …

A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of The Psi-4-Sf In Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Paige Weir

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The factor structure of the Parenting Stress Index - Short Form (PSI-4-SF) was evaluated among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) the original PSI-4-SF model would yield an unsatisfactory fit, and (2) a three-factor alternative model would improve fit compared to the original and other models. A sample of 205 parent-child dyads was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the lavaan package in R Studio. Preliminary analyses included descriptive statistics, normality checks, and assessments of skewness and kurtosis. Results supported the first hypothesis, showing poor fit indices for the original PSI-4-SF model. …

Nourish: Promoting Body Acceptance Through Christ-Centered Identity In Female Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Kirsten E. Howland, Melinda B. Smith

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

Competitive runners are at increased risk for developing eating disorders (EDs), which can have serious effects on both sport and life. Clinical and psychological treatments for EDs are largely ineffective; therefore, to reduce the incidence of disordered eating in young runners, there is a need for preventative programs focused on shifting cultural attitudes and mindset. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate Nourish, a Biblically-based pilot program designed to promote body appreciation and a holistic view of the self through rooting identity in Christ. Seven members of the women’s cross country team at a private Division …

A National Perspective Of Mental Health Awareness Among Agricultural Workers, Anna Gilliam, Ethan Gilliam

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The knowledge and perceptions of mental health resources for agricultural workers were explored at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) National Conference. Data were gathered via a voluntary survey conducted at the event. With 137 completed surveys, the study revealed that the participants desired more information regarding agricultural mental health resources and revealed their preferences for receiving this information. These findings will lead USU Extension to create impactful educational resources to better address mental health awareness and education needs in agricultural workers.

A Comprehensive Analysis Of How Pet Ownership Impacts The Experiences And Well-Being Of Homeless Individuals, Alexandra G. Watson, Nancy A. Dreschel

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

This paper conducts a thorough examination of the relationship between pet ownership and homelessness. In a context where homelessness in the United States is a growing concern, we delve into an aspect that has received little attention: how homeless individuals and their pets interact. Through an extensive review of existing research, this paper aims to uncover the demographic characteristics of homeless pet owners and understand the significant effects of this bond. Our findings reveal that homeless individuals with pets come from diverse backgrounds, including various ages, genders, and racial backgrounds. Their pets provide not only companionship but also emotional support, …

Biofeedback Gaming For Substance Use Disorder, Rebecca L. Chevrel

University Honors Theses

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and stress are often predictive of one another, bidirectionally causal, and mutually intensifying. This thesis describes the bi-directional connection between physiological stress-modulating systems and Substance Use Disorder, and explores some emerging biofeedback stress-reduction gaming technology as a potential adjunct to recovery treatments. Improving autonomic balance, often described by Heart Rate Variability, has been shown to be beneficial for physical and psychological recovery, as well as improving self-control. For this reason, regular biofeedback for stress relief could be helpful in augmenting SUD treatment and preventing relapse. This exploration found that presenting it through a gaming lens may …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Asian American Perception Of Mental Health, Emily Tseung

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study describes a qualitative study using a grounded theory, constructivist approach, which sampled (N = 6) Asian American college students who lived in the United States during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that COVID significantly impacted the Asian American perception of mental health, including mental health help- seeking behaviors and discrimination experienced. The long-term effects of this are still largely unknown. In depth, semi-structured interviews were used to explore the lived experiences of these Asian Americans. Qualitative analysis revealed thematic differences for the following themes: (a) experience with mental illness, (b) mental health help- seeking …

Mean Affect Moderates The Association Between Affect Variability And Mental Health, Brooke N. Jenkins, Lydia Q. Ong, Anthony D. Ong, Hee Youn (Helen) Lee, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Increasing evidence suggests that within-person variation in affect is a dimension distinct from mean levels along which individuals can be characterized. This study investigated affect variability’s association with concurrent and longitudinal mental health and how mean affect levels moderate these associations. The mental health outcomes of depression, panic disorder, self-rated mental health, and mental health professional visits from the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States Study were used for cross-sectional (n = 1,676) and longitudinal outcomes (n = 1,271), respectively. These participants took part in the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE II), …

Controversy In Consciousness: Is The Brainstem Sufficient For Sentience?, Shadia Kawkabani, Kevin P. Kaut

Journal of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Processes

Our understanding of consciousness is quite possibly in need of further discussion, elaboration, and updating. What was once principally the domain of philosophical inquiry has entered the era of advanced research methods and biomedical ethics – both of which have influenced the need to reconsider this most challenging of topics. The challenge for those interested in consciousness is at least twofold: 1) to further operationally define what is meant by consciousness, with a greater understanding of how consciousness can be manifest, and 2) to better identify the neural mechanisms subserving the diverse presentations/manifestations of consciousness, and reconcile the developing literatures …

So, You're Going On A Trail Ride, Gabriela Murza, Katelyn Barsnick, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

Horse trail rides provide an opportunity for individuals to partner with horses to experience the natural world in a new way. However, we should consider the physical demands it places on both riders and horses. Adequate preparation, including selecting appropriate clothing, employing safe riding practices, and engaging in pre-ride stretches to enhance rider fitness, allows participants to fully appreciate the experience.

Adaptations And Transformations: Perceptions Of Change In Academic Motivation, Resilience, And Covid-19 Stress, Ella V. Gregorio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Of concern to educators, post-COVID-19 assessments have revealed significant achievement gaps in student performance, as well as significant decreases in adolescent mental health. Less is known about changes in achievement motivation. Here we ask how students perceive their own motivation and whether it changed between “before” the pandemic to the present (Fall 2022 - Spring 2023), about three years after the beginning of the pandemic when many school routines were returning to “normal.” To understand how variance in these perceived changes might be related to pandemic-related stressors, trait resilience, and current mental health, we conducted a large survey study (N …

Online Mental Health Help Seeking Behaviors Among College Students, Rachel Johnson, Monica Nandan, Brian Culp, Dominic Thomas

Faculty Articles

Even before the pandemic, utilization of online mental health resources continues to grow among young adults. There is limited research on online help seeking behaviors, let alone specific research on college students’ online mental health help seeking behaviors. This study aims to identify which terminology college students utilize on online search engines to seek assistance related to mental health. A cross-sectional survey design was used during the 2019-2020 academic year. The respondents consisted of 259 college students at one of the 50 largest public institutions of higher education in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the sample data suggests that college …

Animals In Prison: Is There Value In Inmate-Animal Rehabilitation Programs?, I. H. C.

Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research

This paper demonstrates the benefits of animal rehabilitation programs in alleviating the mental harm of incarceration and improving outcomes for individuals upon their release. I.H.C. details the overwhelming mental health crises and conditions that inmates face in prison, arguing to redefine rehabilitation to center both practical preparations and on healing the underlying traumas and mental health concerns before release. His numerous examples drawn from prisons around the world thoroughly uphold the evidence that animal rehabilitation programs improve inmate wellbeing, decrease violent incidents in prison, enhance vocational and employment opportunities post-incarceration, and overall change inmates’ behavior – all benefits that ultimately …

A Trauma-Informed Socially Just Approach To Working With Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy, Ciara Carr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system often have a history of trauma and oppression resulting from their positionality and circumstances. Most juvenile justice-involved youth are boys, youth of color, low-income, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and traumatized. This literature review explores the history of the juvenile justice system, issues with the present-day model, and trauma-informed and transformative justice approaches to practice. The implementation of socially just, trauma-informed expressive arts therapy programs is proposed as a more equitable practice to replace commonly used punitive practices across the United States. More research is needed to understand the impact of such programs on this population …

Playing With International Students From Asia: An Exploration Of Cultural Commonalities And Differences In Developmental Transformations (Dvt), Hazuki Okamoto

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Asian international students in the United States face a multitude of challenges such as language barriers, differences in cultural norms and behaviors, and identity confusion while navigating a foreign landscape. Developmental Transformations (DvT), a form of drama therapy, may apply to these challenges by enabling participants to explore different identities and express themselves creatively beyond the language barrier. This community engagement project was designed for Asian international students to be seen and heard by utilizing DvT. Within an in-person workshop, five participants played with their shared stories, and explored international and cultural roles in group DvT. Key takeaways from the …

Supporting South Korea’S Aging Population: How Ai And Iot Acceptance Connects The Young And Old, Bobby Im

Master's Projects and Capstones

In 2024, South Korea surpassed every other nation by becoming the country with the lowest fertility rate (below 0.7%). Population decline will hinder future ability to care for their aging population and although the government and private corporations are investing millions of dollars on developing Artificial Intelligence-Internet of Things (AI-IoT) devices to support the aging, the acceptance levels and the amount of family support required is undervalued. By examining AI-IoT’s current use and role in South Korea’s public health system this paper shows how intergenerational support helps optimize existing procedures and equipment, increases the level of acceptance and use, and …

She Has Green Eyes & Trauma: Problematic Depictions Of Mental Illness In Young Adult Novels, Diane G. Mcdonough

College Honors Program

This thesis discusses the problematic ways in which male authors write about female mental illness, and the damage that these portrayals can have on adolescent girls who read them. My first two chapters discuss, respectively, Looking for Alaska and Turtles All the Way Down, both by John Green, with reference to two of his other young adult novels, Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars. In these chapters, I explore Green’s depictions of female characters who suffer from mental illness. My third chapter focuses on It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini and The Perks of Being …

Co-Designing Situated Displays For Family Co-Regulation With Adhd Children, Lucas M. Silva, Franceli L. Cibrian, Clarisse Bonang, Arpita Bhattacharya, Aehong Min, Elissa M. Monteiro, Jesus A. Beltran, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes, Gillian R. Hayes, Daniel A. Epstein

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Family informatics often uses shared data dashboards to promote awareness of each other’s health-related behaviors. However, these interfaces often stop short of providing families with needed guidance around how to improve family functioning and health behaviors. We consider the needs of family co-regulation with ADHD children to understand how in-home displays can support family well-being. We conducted three co-design sessions with each of eight families with ADHD children who had used a smartwatch for self-tracking. Results indicate that situated displays could nudge families to jointly use their data for learning and skill-building. Accommodating individual needs and preferences when family members …

Improving Mental Health Support For Nursing Students Through Mental Health First Aid (Mhfa) Training Of Clinical Faculty, Amy Sands

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This project aimed to implement a process improvement program at the Louisville campus of Galen College of Nursing to improve the mental health support for nursing students through the training of Clinical Instructors (CIs) in using adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and the ALGEE actions described within that program.

A Visual Journey Of Diseases, Joanna Ni

Honors Theses

Patient journey maps serve as invaluable tools in healthcare to comprehend and enhance the patient experience. This research explores the significance of patient journey maps in understanding the diverse interactions between patients and healthcare systems. By visualizing each stage of the patient’s experience, from initial symptoms to post-treatment care, the journey maps offer insights into patient needs, preferences, and pain points.

Of the eight patient journey maps identified, most examined a patient’s journey through cancer, and concerned a Canadian patient. Evaluation of these maps revealed that there are many factors that can challenge and facilitate a patient’s journey through the …

Pausing For More: Help Your Students Avoid Burnout With 1 Classroom Presentation, Sara E. Wigal

Faculty Scholarship Symposium

Undergraduate students suffer under increasing stressors despite enhanced on-campus wellness offerings at many institutions. In this presentation, participants will learn that a replicable innovative 60-minute in-classroom intervention can help measurably increase student mindfulness and sense of classroom belonging, which in turn are proven burnout-avoidance mechanisms. Learn how students who are taught to practice mindfulness paired with productivity skills can better connect with faculty in the classroom for a healthier college experience conducive to learning.

Method Acting As A Therapeutic Intervention For Trauma Recovery, Remi Moses

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While considered controversial by some, Method acting as popularized by Lee Strasberg is a technique that elicits powerful and authentic results on stage and screen. The foundational Method acting techniques, the Relaxation Exercise (RE) and the Sense Memory Exercise (SME), share similarities to bottom-up therapeutic processes like Somatic Experiencing and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. By implementing a trauma-informed drama therapy framework with these two exercises, the RE and SME were restructured as a therapeutic intervention for people in trauma recovery. The author implemented a study of three consecutive group therapy sessions for people healing from trauma where clients participated …

An Actuarial Prediction Of Adhd Using Neuropsychological Data, Kimberlyn Williams

Poster Presentations

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in children and a frequent psychiatric diagnosis in adults. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis based on self-reported symptoms which makes accurate diagnosis challenging. Actuarial prediction has been demonstrated to be more accurate than clinical judgment. The current study explored an actuarial approach to predicting ADHD based on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. This project utilized test data from Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB) to develop a logistic regression model to accurately predict diagnosed ADHD cases (n=65) from normal functioning cases (n=79) with a history of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Binary …

The Impact Of Stress During Adolescence And The Prevalence Of Pediatric Obesity, Olatunbosun Olakunri, Venkat Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obesity is a chronic condition that can be attributed to myriad factors including socioeconomic status, biological risk factors, and various environmental factors. These factors can be considered stress factors, and exposure to various levels of stress can impact the development of stress within the pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between the environmental, mental, social, physical, and psychological stress adolescents are exposed to and how they contribute to the prevalence of pediatric obesity throughout the United States. Understanding these risk factors can help us as a community and most importantly as clinicians develop better …