Other Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Web-Based Wellness, Katherine Shipers

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Adults of all ages experience life stressors and transitions that impact their physical, emotional, and psychosocial wellness. Despite a recognized need for self-improvement, many adults face time constraints that limit their ability to engage in traditional wellness activities. Research suggests that micro-learning strategies—brief, targeted educational interventions—can effectively enhance knowledge and influence life practices.

This quality improvement capstone project explored the use of microlearning to support adult well-being by developing a web-based, modular learning system. The project implemented a series of short educational videos addressing various wellness topics, supplemented by corresponding worksheets and resource materials. Designed for asynchronous completion, these wellness …

Combating The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Self-Esteem And Emotion Regulation: An Art-Based Intervention Program, Kaileigh Kirk, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an art-based intervention program developed and designed to positively impact self-esteem and emotion regulation in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based intervention activities and group discussions. This program was created with the hopes of expanding occupational therapy's knowledge and utilization of potential interventions for children with ACEs.

Examining Physiological Responses To Misophonic Triggers, Christian O'Reilly, Xuan Yang, Sewon Oh, Doug Wedell, Svetlana Shinkareva

Faculty Publications

We collected and analyzed an array of biosignals (face electromyogram, skin electrodermal activity, peripheral temperature, and electrocardiogram) in 60 participants with and without misophonia, a condition characterized by decreased tolerance to innocuous sounds. Our goal was to objectively characterize the physiological response to misophonia triggering sounds. We found that misophonic responses can be objectively identified in some cases through atypical physiological reactions to triggering stimuli, though not all participants exhibited this response. Our analyses suggest a large interindividual variability in response to misophonic triggers and highlights the need for methodological adjustments in future experiments to increase the detectability of misophonic …

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

Exploring The Impact Of Social Media And Social Networks On Juvenile Sexual Behavior Problems: A Scoping Review, Shaleen Clay

LSU Master's Theses

The issue of juvenile problematic sexual behavior has become a pervasive problem, and little research exists on the topic. How social media and social networks impact problematic sexual behaviors in juveniles is even less known and understood. The objective of this scoping review was to determine what is known about the impact of social media and social networks on juvenile sexual behavior problems. Four key themes appeared in the literature including the use of adult terminology, rather than juvenile, to describe juvenile relationships; the normalization of abusive behaviors within adolescent relationship; the influence of social networks/peer groups on aggression and …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Predischarge Referrals In Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter Bsn, Rn, Stephanie Mays Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon H. Little, Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Emergency mental health hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, often resulting in increased costs, prolonged hospital stays, and poor patient outcomes. Continuity of care through predischarge referrals to outpatient mental health services, psychosocial support, and community resources has been proposed as a strategy to reduce readmissions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent across different populations and settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge referrals in reducing 30-day emergency mental health hospital readmissions, identify key components of successful programs, and assess the influence of demographic factors on readmission rates.

Methods

A …

Protecting Female Workers Amidst The Controversy Of Cheap Labor Market: A Comparative Advantage Analysis In Southeast Asia, Dita Nur Safitri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

In Southeast Asia, the cheap labor market is frequently mentioned as one of the comparative advantages that drive growth in the economy. However, this market frequently employs harmful labour practices against female workers. This study investigates the intersection of gender, labour practices, and economic advantages in the region, concentrating on the obstacles and protective measures for female workers. The key objective of this study is to examine how female workers are protected in Southeast Asia's low-wage labour markets, as well as to assess the effectiveness of these safeguards in preventing exploitation and improving working conditions. This study uses a comparative …

Hubungan Dukungan Sosial Rekan Kerja Dengan Stres Kerja (Studi Pada Pekerja Di Pt X), Aisyah Permatasari

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Workers are vulnerable to work-related stress due to job demands, time constraints, and limited leisure time, leading to psychological issues such as anxiety related to their work. In the context of social welfare studies, job stress affects overall workers’ well-being and disrupts their social functioning in the workplace. Social support from coworkers is potentially reduce stress in workplace, which is crucial for creating organizational well-being. It also helps workers improve job engagement, cope with fatigue, and manage stress. This study examined the relationship between social support from coworkers and job stress among 90 employees …

Caring Across Borders: Demographic Shifts And Migrant Care In Asean-Korea Dynamics, Saqib Fardan Ahmada, Wahid Nur Kartiko

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This article aims to examine the migration policies and migrant care in the context of relations between ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Korea. As Korea is dealing with an aging population, an increase in female labour force participation, and an ultra low fertility rate, caregiving, especially for the elderly, has become a pivotal issue. Besides, the traditional nuclear family structure, which has historically served as the primary caregiver for the elderly, is also losing its prominence. In such demographic shift, migrant care workers from AMS are filling the demand for caregiving in Korea, leading to a cross-border international migration from …

Understanding How Family Dynamics Affect Mental Health Communication In Inside Out: A Content Analysis, Kataryna Morton

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This study examines the impact of open communication between family members on mental health and a child’s sense of belonging in the film Inside Out. Previous research has shown the impact of media on children’s socialization, which can influence stigma and make it less likely for vulnerable communication to occur. It is crucial for children to learn to communicate their emotions, and the media can play a key role in shaping these beliefs. Inside Out provides a positive example of mental health communication, which is specifically explored through Riley’s communication with her parents throughout the film. Using a content analysis, …

Combating Compassion Fatigue Using Mindfulness Techniques, Christie Baker, Summer Cross

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Demands placed on health care professionals have steadily increased and as a result, compassion fatigue has become an issue by adversely affecting the well-being of nurses and health care organizations. Compassion fatigue is a widely accepted phenomenon in nursing, creating an array of physical and emotional manifestations, impairing a health care provider’s ability to provide optimum quality care. The goal of this quality improvement project aimed to educate and provide emergency room nurses with a resource for self-care enhancement to subsequently decrease their risk of developing compassion fatigue. Nurses of a small, rural emergency department located in the southeastern region …

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome: A Rare Cause Of Drug Refractory Epilepsy In An Adult, Paresh Zanzmera, Vaidehi Chauhan, Tvisha Patel, Jaineel Patel, Ankit Dumaswala, Kinjal Shah

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Unveiling The Stigma: Doctor Mental Health And Intervention Strategies, Joseph Heirigs

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Background

The mental health of physicians is a pressing issue that has received increasing attention in recent years. The alarmingly high suicide rates for physicians underscores the critical need to address the mental health challenges that doctors face. Physicians are exposed to stressors that are unique to their profession, including high-stakes decision making, long work hours, traumatic patient situations, and the emotional toll of patient care. These challenges contribute to high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health issues. However, despite these factors, physicians are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment due to fears of professional repercussions, …

Expanding Realities: Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy For Trauma And Beyond, Mackenzie Jenuwine M.A., Madeleine Reardon M.A.

Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference

This symposium explores Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy (ARET) for the treatment of trauma and stressor-related disorders. We define ARET and discuss the unique ability to target the social deficits of trauma, providing an example of a population in which social isolation can increase the risk of suicide.

Hospital Re-Admission, Length Of Stay, And Chief Complaints Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Andrew S. Leavitt, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jennifer Liu, Jenenne Geske

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Hospital Admissions Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Andrew S. Leavitt, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jenenne Geske, Jennifer Liu

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Identifying Factors Associated With Sleep Disorders And Treatment Avoidance Among Collegiate Student-Athletes, Allie Ziniti, Andrew W. Froehle, Brian A. Edwards

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Mental health concerns among collegiate students-athletes are exacerbated by poor sleep, and this population experiences elevated risk for irregular sleep patterns and associated sleep disorders. Interventions aimed at early identification of student-athletes experiencing sleep disorders and guiding them to treatment can contribute to improved mental health in this group. The present study’s objective was to clarify risk-factors associated with increased likelihood of sleep disorders and treatment avoidance in student-athletes. Methods: Data were self-reported survey responses related to sleep disorders, from US college/university varsity athletes (n=51,882) completing the 2011-2019 National College Health Assessments (NCHA). Outcomes: The primary outcomes that we …

Interdisciplinary Management Of A Patient With Developmental Disabilities Under General Anesthesia In An Academic Dental Surgery Center: A Case Report, Kevin R. Adams, Tim Verceles, Fatima Mashkoor, Jesse W. Manton

Pacific Journal of Health

Background: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may require dental care to be delivered while under general anesthesia, albeit there is often greater need for these services than hospital capacity allows.

Case Description: This case report presents a 19-year-old male with intellectual and developmental disabilities and numerous comorbidities who was able to be treated under general anesthesia in an academic dental surgery center by an interdisciplinary team. The accompanying discussion identifies strategies that dental teams and academic centers can consider to effectively provide care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require general anesthesia.

A Study Of Secondary Traumatic Stress In Health Care Professionals In Long-Term Care., Bethany Proudfoot

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a significant concern for healthcare professionals in long-term care (LTC) settings. This study explores the impact of STS on clinical staff, addressing the research question: How has STS affected employees within the LTC sector, and what resources or support can be provided to mitigate its effects? The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from clinical staff across five LTC facilities in Ohio, incorporating the survey data measuring levels of STS and qualitative responses. Findings revealed that 64% of participants experienced high to severe levels of STS, with symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, …

The Development Of Teacher Identity In Counselor Education Doctoral Students, Wes Allen, Joel F. Diambra, Rebecca Gaylor

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Abstract

Counselor educators (CE) prepare counselor education doctoral students (CEDS) to work as counselors, scholars, leaders, supervisors, and teachers. While we have a firm understanding of how CEDS develop in general (Limberg et al., 2013; Moss et al., 2014), there is little known about how they develop specifically as teachers. The goal of this research study was to gain insight into how teacher identity develops for CEDS. We interviewed 10 participants using transcendental phenomenology methodology to gain insight into their teaching preparation experiences and identities as teachers. We identified three primary themes from the data: (1) Connection, (2) Confidence, or …

Role Of Psychiatric Factors Hindering Physical Rehabilitation After Acl Reconstructive Surgery, Malak Rafik, Davian Caraballo, James Fini Jr., Nathan Barnhurst

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Wellness Literature Review - 2024, Bidhu Sharma, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The Journal of Wellness has moved to a single calendar year editorial review of wellness literature. This annual review includes studies published in 2024.

Methods: Authors conducted a PubMed and Google Scholar keyword search, narrowing results to interventional studies / clinical trials in humans.

Literature in Review: We conducted a thematic review of a selection of relevant papers from the literature search. COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the rate of burnout and impacted well-being of healthcare providers. Need for intervention in this area has arisen significantly since the pandemic. Post pandemic, working conditions have been normalized to some extent, however, …

Improving Outcomes Of Depression Through Implementation Of Depression Screenings At A College Health Center, Shelby Leigh Hanigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Depression is a common phenomenon. Depression and suicidality are a problem on university campuses. This quality improvement Doctor of Nursing project aimed to establish the importance of routine depression screenings within a college health clinic. The purpose of this project was to determine if implementing routine depression screenings at a university health clinic will or will not increase the number of counseling referrals when compared to the absence of depression screenings in place within an identified timeframe. This protocol screened for depression in college-aged students and suggested care to those students who screened positive. It also led an interprofessional team …

Investigating Suicide Risk Factors Among Appalachian West Virginian Adults, Erin D. Caswell, Angela M. Dyer, Summer D. Hartley, Caroline P. Groth, Mary Christensen, Sahiti K. Tulabandu, Bryce K. Weaver, Ruchi Bhandari

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past two decades, with rural areas, particularly the Appalachian Region, facing unique challenges that elevate suicide risk. These include economic hardships, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services.

Purpose: This study addresses critical gaps in understanding lifetime suicide risk in West Virginia (WV), a predominantly rural state entirely within the Appalachian Region. By identifying the factors driving urban-rural differences in suicide risk, this research seeks to inform interventions tailored to the state's distinct needs and provide insights applicable to the broader Appalachian Region

Methods: Using 2021 Mountain …

Social Jetlag Alters Markers Of Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial Adaptations In The Heart, Michael B. Dial, Elias M. Malek, Austin R. Cooper, Greco A. Neblina, Nikoleta I. Vasileva, Graham Mcginnis

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Social jetlag (SJL) represents the behavioral misalignment of sleep and wake times on work days and free days, and potently disrupts the circadian rhythm. SJL affects up to 70% of the population worldwide and is associated with increased risk for many cardiometabolic diseases. Animal models of acute SJL have shown disruption in locomotor activity and expression of clock genes in select tissues, its impact on the heart remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged SJL (6 weeks), on activity rhythms, and the impact on exercise-induced adaptations in the heart. Male mice (n …

Infertility Stigma And Openness With Others Are Related To Depressive Symptoms And Meaning In Life In Men And Women Diagnosed With Infertility, Brennan Peterson, Orit Taubman‑Ben‑Ari, Bonnie Chiu, Douglas Brown, David A. Frederick

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Stigma is the experience of feeling different from socially accepted norms which can lead to personal devaluation or fear of disapproval from others. For men and women experiencing infertility, stigma has been associated with psychological distress, feelings of otherness in relation to people with children, and selective disclosure with others about their infertility challenges. However, there are few studies which examine how infertility stigma and being open with others are related to depressive symptoms and meaning in life for men and women diagnosed with infertility.

Methods

Participants experiencing infertility were recruited for this cross-sectional study during November 2023-January 2024 …

A Half Century Of Criminalizing Serious Mental Illness: Observations And Considerations, Arthur J. Lurigio

DePaul Journal of Health Care Law

This article describes the difficulties of working with people with serious mental illnesses (PSMIs) at every stage of the criminal justice process—from arrest to post- incarceration release from prison. The needs of PSMI for mental health and social services are complex and require different case management plans and strategies at various points in the process. Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), such as schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder, stem from abnormalities in the brain structure and neuroprocessing that cause significant distress and dysfunction. People with serious mental illnesses typically suffer from a variety of other related problems (e.g., addiction) that can …

Mental Health Courts: Is There Any Hope For Mental Illness In An Outdated Criminal Justice System?, Brock Imel

DePaul Journal of Health Care Law

Mental health awareness is an ever-growing field of study that has garnered more attention in America after the COVID-19 pandemic. As far back as colonial America, mental illness was considered taboo in society and often reprimanded with punishable crimes. This article seeks to divulge into the history of mental health and its relation to the law, as well as how the creation of mental health courts has led to a decrease in recidivism.

This article aims to provide the reader with an understanding of the evolving field of mental health courts and provide state legislatures foundational knowledge for creating and …

Are Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) And Resilience Associated With Breastfeeding Rates And Neonatal Growth?, Lily Zheng, Krystal Hunter, Hsiao-Wei M. Banks, Leslie Abraham, Alla Kushnir

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have shown to have a negative impact on health outcomes. There is evidence of how negative childhood events adversely affect self-esteem in adulthood. Not only do ACEs have an impact on one's own life, but maternal ACEs have shown to have consequences on infants’ development as well, indicating a negative intergenerational impact.

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between maternal ACEs on infant outcomes, breastfeeding adherence, and maternal self-perception

Design/Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, 120 mother-infant pairs from a New Jersey urban hospital were approached between their 2nd trimester and the 2-month well …

Successful Application Of Craniosacral Therapy In A Case Of Self-Harming And Low Mood In A 13-Year-Old Female., Caro O’Neill, Angie Butterfield

Journal of Transformative Touch

This case reports on the effectiveness of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) for a 13-year-old female presenting with self-harming by cutting, self-starving and poor sleep. Seven treatments of 45 minutes each, over a period of 9 months between September 2023 and June 2024 took place and monthly treatments are still ongoing. An improvement in symptoms was recorded after the first treatment and over the period of the treatments the client did not self-harm or self-starve and her sleep improved. At the first session the client scored 24 with the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9); at the seventh session her score was …